What is a potential risk of maternal IgG antibodies in cases of Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia?

In cases of Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), the presence of maternal IgG antibodies can cross the placenta and potentially affect the fetus. This is particularly relevant for fetal thrombocytopenia, which is a reduced platelet count in the fetus. The maternal antibodies can target fetal platelets, leading to their destruction and resulting in thrombocytopenia in the infant.

Fetal thrombocytopenia can pose significant risks to the fetus, including increased chances of bleeding complications during delivery and possibly inside the uterus, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring the platelet count in the fetus when a mother is diagnosed with ITP is critical for managing these potential risks effectively.

While maternal hemorrhage, spontaneous abortion, and fetal anemia may be concerns in other contexts, the specific risk associated with maternal IgG antibodies in Primary ITP primarily centers around the development of fetal thrombocytopenia due to antibody-mediated destruction of fetal platelets. Thus, fetal thrombocytopenia is the most direct and relevant consequence of maternal IgG antibodies in this condition.