Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) causes low platelet levels that, in severe cases, can lead to uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhage. Bleeding on the brain or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) can result in long-term neurological damage that affects cognitive development, motor skills, concentration, focus and memory.
Certain developmental tests are used to detect and monitor for any delays or deficits as the child grows. If delays are identified, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan specific to your child’s needs.
How are developmental delays detected?
Not all children who have experienced FNAIT will require developmental testing, but those who suffered a brain bleed, regardless of the severity, require monitoring for potential neurodevelopmental delays. Often, cognitive impairment or development delays are more noticeable when the child starts preschool and more demands are placed on the brain in terms of learning and concentration.
Observations from parents and immediate family, childcare professionals and early childhood teachers on language, learning capacity and developmental skills provide the earliest indication that further testing may be required. The decision on whether to perform developmental testing–and which kind–is in the hands of the parents and the child’s care team.
Types of developmental tests
It can be difficult to predict the severity and duration of neurodevelopmental difficulties in children affected by FNAIT either during pregnancy or post-delivery. Imaging following a brain bleed such as MRIs and CT scans detect structural issues, but developmental problems are often missed. Regular pediatric evaluations and neurological assessments during early childhood are crucial to understanding the long-term effects of brain bleeds in infants.
Developmental testing requires a multidisciplinary approach and relies on pediatric speech therapists, occupational and physical therapists as well as child neurologists or psychologists. These specialists assess the child via the following methods:
- Regular speech, vision and hearing assessments to monitor progress and document any issues.
- Routine screening with a pediatrician to assess developmental milestones.
- Neurodevelopmental assessments to examine cognitive abilities, communication, motor development, emotional regulation, attention span and other developmental milestones.
- Neuropsychological testing in preschool or school-aged children who are experiencing learning difficulties. This process measures how the child’s brain is working by looking at the connections between the brain, daily skills and behaviors.
When specific developmental delays are identified, a personalized multidisciplinary treatment plan will be defined. The best long-term outcomes occur with early intervention and a consistent approach to treatment.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about FNAIT sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
