antenatal and newborn screening programme
FMAIT
Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is a rare genetically inherited condition that prevents a newborn baby’s blood clotting effectively. In a small number of pregnancies, the mother’s body starts attacking the unborn baby’s platelets (blood cells that help the blood to clot). This can cause serious risk of death or permanent brain damage and long-term disability in the baby.
It has been suggested that offering screening could help identify pregnant women who are at risk of developing the condition.
UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in November 2020.
Population screening for FMAIT is not recommended because:
- it does not harm all babies, and there is no test which can tell which babies will be harmed
- there is no clear evidence to suggest that screening and subsequent treatment would be better than treating women and babies when problems first arise
This was confirmed by the 2020 evidence map, which did not find sufficient new information to justify performing a full evidence review. This will be explored again in 3 years, or sooner if significant evidence should be published before this time.
Supporting documents from the 2020 review
FMAIT evidence map October 2020
This document investigates whether a more detailed review can be conducted based on the available evidence.
UK NSC Cover Sheet FMAIT 2020 10 28 REDACTED
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.
Review cycle
Date previous review completed: 2020
Next review estimated to be completed: 2023 to 2024.
To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.
Organisations interested in FMAIT
These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.
List of organisations
- BLISS
- British Association of Perinatal Medicine
- British Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Infection Group
- Faculty of Public Health
- International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines
- NAIT Babies
- NHS Blood & Transplant
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
- Royal College of Physicians
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
- UK Newborn Screening Laboratories Network
If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.