What are the risks of platelet transfusion?
What are the risks of platelet transfusion?
Common side effects of platelets include:
- Hemolytic transfusion reactions.
- Febrile non-hemolytic reactions.
- Allergic reactions ranging from hives to severe (anaphylaxis)
- Septic reactions.
- Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
- Circulatory overload.
- Transfusion associated graft versus host disease.
What is prophylactic platelet transfusion?
Prophylactic platelet transfusions may be appropriate at 5,000- 10,000/uL to prevent spontaneous bleeding. Patients with autoimmune destruction of platelets, such as ITP, may not receive therapeutic benefit from prophylactic transfusion, but may however benefit from transfusion if bleeding.
At what platelet count would you provide a prophylactic platelet transfusion?
Prophylactic platelet transfusions may be appropriate at 5,000- 10,000/uL to prevent spontaneous bleeding.
What factors in addition to the clinical situation should be taken into account when deciding if a platelet transfusion is warranted?
Other considerations in platelet transfusion
- Minor bleeding predictive of more severe bleeding. In a study of bleeding risks in thrombocytopenic patients, Webert et al.
- Body temperature and bleeding. Slichter et al.
- Haemoglobin concentration and bleeding.
What are the side effects of low platelets?
What are the signs of a low platelet count?
- More bruises, or worse bruises, than usual.
- Small purple or red dots under your skin.
- Nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
- Black or bloody-looking bowel movements.
- Red or pink urine.
- Vomit with blood in it.
- An unusually heavy menstrual period.
- Severe headaches.
What is the difference between blood transfusion and platelet transfusion?
Types of Blood Transfusions A red blood cell transfusion may be used if you have anemia or an iron deficiency. Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that help you stop bleeding. A platelet transfusion is used if your body doesn’t have enough of them, possibly because of cancer or cancer treatments.
Is a platelet transfusion the same as a blood transfusion?
A red blood cell transfusion may be used if you have anemia or an iron deficiency. Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that help you stop bleeding. A platelet transfusion is used if your body doesn’t have enough of them, possibly because of cancer or cancer treatments.
When is a platelet transfusion needed?
When platelet counts drop below a certain level (often 20,000/mcL), a patient is at risk for dangerous bleeding. Doctors consider giving a platelet transfusion when the platelet count drops to this level or even at higher levels if a patient needs surgery or is bleeding.
How long should platelets be transfused over?
| Blood component | Notes on administration |
|---|---|
| Platelets | Usually transfused over 30–60 minutes per ATD. |
| Platelets should not be transfused through a giving-set already used for other blood components. | |
| Start transfusion as soon as possible after component arrives in the clinical area. |
What is the other main indication for platelet transfusion?
1. Platelet transfusion is indicated for patients with clinically significant bleeding in whom thrombocytopenia is thought to be a major contributory factor, even if the platelet count is >10×109/L. 2. In patients with critical bleeding requiring massive blood transfusion.
Why is platelet transfusion contraindicated in ITP?
Platelet transfusions are generally contraindicated in ITP (due to their rapid destruction by the underlying auto-immune process). However, transfused platelets may provide at least temporary hemostatic benefit in the event of serious or life-threatening bleeding.
