What causes Posttransfusion purpura?

It occurs after transfusion of any platelet-containing product (red blood cells or platelets) causing acute profound thrombocytopenia [1]. It is caused by alloimmunization against platelet antigens, anti-human platelet antigen-1a (HPA-1a) being the most frequent antibody involved [2].

When does post-transfusion purpura occur?

Post-transfusion purpura occurs when a person with an antiplatelet antibody is transfused with platelets expressing the corresponding antigen. A sudden drop in platelet count occurs 5 to 14 days after transfusion.

How is post-transfusion purpura diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on the identification of the antibody in the serum of a patient who lacks the corresponding antigen, anti-HPA-1a being the most common. IVig 0,5-1g/Kg for 2 days is the treatment of choice. The RBC units must be washed to avoid exposure to platelet membranes and recurrence of thrombocytopenia.

Can thrombocytopenia be Dilutional?

Dilutional thrombocytopenia is caused by platelet loss out of the body and platelet dilution with replaced red cells and crystalloids.

How do you prevent post-transfusion purpura?

Prevention: Patient with known history of post-transfusion purpura should receive washed RBCs. Platelet transfusions should be crossmatched or HPA matched products.

What are the complications of blood transfusion?

Some of the most common complications in blood transfusions are listed below.

  • Allergic Reactions. Some people have allergic reactions to blood received during a transfusion, even when given the right blood type.
  • Fever. Developing a fever after a transfusion is not serious.
  • Acute Immune Hemolytic Reaction.

What is considered severe thrombocytopenia?

A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter is lower than normal. If your blood platelet count falls below normal, you have thrombocytopenia. However, the risk for serious bleeding doesn’t occur until the count becomes very low—less than 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter.

What is HPA 1a negative?

Platelet specific antigen negative platelets (HPA-1a negative platelets) is used for alloimmune thrombocytopenia and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT). Platelet specific antigen negative platelets (HPA-1a negative platelets) is available under the following different brand names: N/A.

What is the most frequent disease complication of blood transfusions?

Transfusion-related acute lung injury is the most common cause of major morbidity and death after transfusion.

What do you need to know about post transfusion purpura?

Post-transfusion purpura (PTP) is a rare complication of blood transfusion characterized by the precipitous onset of severe thrombocytopenia and absolute refractoriness to platelet transfusions.

What causes neonatal thrombocytopenia and post transfusion purpura?

Neonatal thrombocytopenia and post-transfusion purpura (PTP) are two types of thrombocytopenia that are considered to be type II HS. Both conditions are caused by alloantibodies specific for the platelet surface antigen PLA1.

When does PTP occur after a blood transfusion?

PTP usually presents 5–12 days after transfusion, and is a potentially fatal condition in rare cases. Approximately 85% of cases occur in women. PTP is rare, but usually occurs in women who have had multiple pregnancies or in people who have undergone previous transfusions.

Who is Jane Doe with post transfusion purpura?

Patient with known history of post-transfusion purpura should receive washed RBCs Platelet transfusions should be crossmatched or HPA matched products Assessment: Jane Doe is a 63 year old woman who presented 11 days after PRBC transfusion with severe thrombocytopenia, altered mental status and diffuse petechiae.