Megan Garlapow, PhD

All articles by Megan Garlapow, PhD

• Pregnancies with blood disorders at greater risk of serious complications

  The study showed immune thrombocytopenia caused most maternal near-miss cases, especially when platelet counts dropped below 50×10⁹/L.

• Case report: Rare genetic mutation caused severe bleeding and FNAIT in infant

  A novel mutation, revealed by advanced genetic analysis, caused fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in a newborn.

• Potential FNAIT treatment approved for myasthenia gravis in US

  Nipocalimab’s success in gMG may bode well for its efficacy in treating FNAIT, a serious fetal condition with no approved therapies.

• Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia treatment may lead to increased FNAIT risk

  Nearly one in three babies born to mothers with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia developed FNAIT in a recent study.

• Study: Infants exposed to preeclampsia more likely to need transfusions

  Very premature infants exposed to preeclampsia needed more platelet transfusions even though FNAIT was not observed in the sample.

• FNAIT avoided in pregnancy with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia

  A recent case report highlighted how a well-planned approach can help prevent FNAIT in pregnancies at higher risk.

• Targeted care reduced rate of brain bleeds in newborns

  Neuroprotection bundles, including proper positioning, pain management and respiratory support, can help prevent IVH.

• Study: COVID-19 during pregnancy did not increase risk of complications

  COVID-19 infection at any stage of pregnancy did not lead to worse health outcomes for mothers or infants in a recent study in China.

• Understanding the risks of post-transfusion purpura in infants

  Posttransfusion purpura is a rare but serious immune response that can lead to severe platelet loss and bleeding.

• Case of delayed thrombocytopenia in infant possibly linked to breastfeeding

  In a recent case study, maternal antibodies likely transferred through breastfeeding caused delayed thrombocytopenia in a newborn.