Does platelet transfusion help ITP?

Does platelet transfusion help ITP?

These data suggest that platelet transfusions are administered frequently in hospitalized patients with ITP in those who have bleeding complications and also in those who have epistaxis in the absence of a major bleed.

When should you avoid platelet transfusion?

Platelet Transfusion in Specific Settings Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) – transfusion is avoided unless severe bleeding is present.

Are platelets contraindicated in TTP?

Background: Platelet (PLT) transfusion has been considered contraindicated in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, adverse clinical outcomes and death in patients with TTP after receiving PLT transfusion were based on case reports prior to routine use of plasma exchange (PEX) therapy.

Why platelets are not increasing after transfusion?

Rarely, if you have had lots of platelet transfusions, your platelet count may not improve after a transfusion. This is called becoming refractory or resistant to platelets. If this happens, you will have tests to find the cause. You may be given platelets that are better matched to your own.

Why would a platelet transfusion not work?

Alloimmunization. If the transfused platelets harbor antigens that the recipient’s immune system views as foreign, immune sensitization (alloimmunization) can occur. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens are by far the most common cause of platelet alloimmunization [2].

What are the side effects of platelet transfusion?

The resultant coagulation transfusion product has a number of potential expected side effects including fever, alloimmunisation, sepsis, thrombosis and transfusion-related acute lung injury. Of course, these events are occasional side effects yet they are some of the most common potential disasters of transfusion.

When is platelet transfusion indicated in ITP?

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.

Why is prednisone given for ITP?

Prednisone is taken to decrease the risk of bleeding and bruising in patients with ITP who have a very low platelet count. Prednisone is also commonly taken with the goal of achieving a long-term remission from ITP.

Why steroids are used in ITP?

Corticosteroids (“steroids”) — Steroids prevent bleeding by decreasing the production of antibodies against platelets. If effective, the platelet count will rise within two to four weeks of starting steroids. Side effects include irritability, stomach irritation, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, mood changes and acne.

What are potential problems associated with platelet transfusions with regard to antibodies?

ABO antibodies that are passively transferred from donor plasma may result in hemolysis of recipient red blood cells. Although platelets do not express Rh antigens, they contain small numbers of intact red blood cells or fragments, which can lead to alloimmunization in the recipient.

Can you transfuse blood and platelets at the same time?

Yes, unless otherwise stated in the instructions for use on the blood tubing packaging you can transfuse red blood cells, platelets, plasma or cryo through the same filter set. However, the products should be transfused sequentially not simultaneously.

Do platelets need to be Rh compatible?

Platelets do not express Rh antigens, but platelet components contain residual intact RBCs or fragments that can result in alloimmunization to RBC antigens, including RhD.

What are the contraindications of blood transfusion?

Contraindications include: megaloblastic anaemia (vitamin B12 or folate deficiency – transfusion may cause heart failure and death), iron deficiency anaemia, transfusion in healthy adults and children where use of oral iron could rectify a low haemoglobin.

Why do platelets not increase after transfusion?

What is the first-line treatment for ITP?

The standard initial treatment for ITP is oral corticosteroids to increase platelet counts. Intravenous immunoglobulin or anti-D immunoglobulin can also increase platelet counts and are particularly useful for stimulating rapid platelet increases before planned procedures.

What is the best medication for ITP?

Medications to treat ITP may include:

• Steroids. Your doctor will likely start you on an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone.
• Immune globulin. If corticosteroids don’t help, your doctor may give you an injection of immune globulin.
• Drugs that boost platelet production.
• Other drugs.

Why should platelets not be cross matched?

If there are no problems (no clumping), a cross-match takes about 30 minutes. A cross-match is usually not needed for a platelet or plasma transfusion unless the platelets look like they could contain some red blood cells.

Do you transfuse platelets or blood first?

The patient should be ready for transfusion prior to picking up platelets from the blood bank. e.g. appropriate IV access and medical order for transfusion. A Blood Bank Release form is required for all blood products to be picked up from the blood bank, refer to issue of blood products from the blood bank.