Pharm

Post-Transfusion Purpura

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Post-Transfusion Purpura, Post Transfusion Purpura

  • See Also
  1. Platelet Transfusion
  2. Purpura
  3. Thrombocytopenia
  • Epidemiology
  1. Rare, severe Thrombocytopenia occurring within 5-15 days of Platelet Transfusion
  2. More common in Multiparous women who have not previously received Platelet Transfusion
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Alloantibody reaction to human PlateletAntigen (HPA)-1a
  2. Sensitization occurs during pregnancy (or from prior Platelet Transfusion)
  • Course
  1. Resolves over days to weeks
  • Differential Diagnosis
  1. Drug induced Thrombocytopenia
  2. Sepsis
  3. Dilutional Thrombocytopenia
    1. Occurs with Massive Transfusion Protocol (e.g. 15 units pRBC in prior 24 hours) if not balanced
    2. Onset within 24 hours (Contrast with 5-15 days in Post-Transfusion Purpura)
  1. Similar management to Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
  2. Corticosteroids
  3. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IV IG)
  4. Plasma echange may be considered
  • Complications
  1. Life threatening Hemorrhage may occur
  • References
  1. Dave, Hoag, Jundoria and Lopez (2026) Crit Dec Emerg Med 40(2): 26-35