Effects of antepartum therapy for fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia on maternal lifestyle.

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the effects of antepartum therapy for fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FAIT) on lifestyle. With the goal of preventing intraventricular hemorrhage in all fetuses without cordocentesis to measure fetal platelets, empiric treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), with or without prednisone, is recommended. It is hypothesized that these treatments negatively affect women's lifestyle. This information is needed for pre-conceptual counseling and developing management strategies.

Methods: A survey was mailed to 62 women treated by one provider from 2005 to 2013 asking if they experienced side effects from IVIG and prednisone, if their lives were negatively affected, if they would plan another affected pregnancy and if they needed help managing side effects.

Results: Three-quarters of 32 respondents reported that the treatments negatively affected their lifestyle. Thirty-one percent of women would not plan another pregnancy due to their experience and 22% were uncertain. All women experienced adverse effects and required additional medications or healthcare resources. Ninety-four percent contacted healthcare providers for help managing side effects.

Conclusion: The significant negative effects on the lifestyle of women treated for FAIT emphasizes the need to identify the lowest effective doses and duration of pharmacotherapy and develop management strategies. Women undergoing treatment may need additional healthcare resources, including coordination of care.