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.

Screening is not currently recommended for this condition.

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

If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.