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Pseudothrombocytopenia in a neonate due to mother?

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Abstract

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is the phenomenon of a false low platelet count reported by an automated haematology analyzer due to in vitro aggregation of platelets. This aggregation is due to the interaction between antibodies and EDTA-dependent crypt antigens on platelets. We observed a new born child whose mother was diagnosed with transient PTCP due to transplacental transmission of maternal immunoglobulin G antibodies during pregnancy. Conclusion: Although maternal–neonatal PTCP is rare, it is important to consider this phenomenon as a cause of trombocytopenia, as it can result in unnecessary diagnostic workup and treatment.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Medical Center Alkmaar, Alkmaar, Netherlands

    J. J. Korterink & B. Boersma

  2. Department of Clinical Chemistry, Haematology and Immunology, Medical Center Alkmaar, Alkmaar, The Netherlands

    M. Schoorl & P. C. M. Bartels

  3. Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    L. Porcelijn

  4. Department of Paediatrics, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Henri Dunantstraat 1, 5223 GZ, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

    J. J. Korterink

Authors
  1. J. J. Korterink
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  2. B. Boersma
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  3. M. Schoorl
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  4. L. Porcelijn
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  5. P. C. M. Bartels
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Correspondence to J. J. Korterink.

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Korterink, J.J., Boersma, B., Schoorl, M. et al. Pseudothrombocytopenia in a neonate due to mother?. Eur J Pediatr 172, 987–989 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-012-1892-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-012-1892-4

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