Refractoriness to platelet transfusion

Overview

Platelets together with blood vessels and coagulation promote hemostasis. Platelet transfusions are indicated for therapy in patients with actual bleeding and thrombocytopenic manifestations at the same time or for prophylaxis against major bleeding of thrombocytopenic or thrombocytopathic patients. Post-transfusion platelet increment is counted as the CCI. The inadequate platelet increment could signify for non-immune procedural platelet refractoriness bound on the quality of platelet transfusion, non-immune clinical platelet refractoriness caused by increased platelets consumption or immunological platelet refractoriness due to presence of allo- or, rarely, auto-HLA antibodies, less frequently by antibodies against HPA and AB0. Platelet refractoriness poses a serious complication for patients with multiple platelet transfusions. Taking care about platelet refractoriness patients demands skilled approach with high economic costs of treatment, attendance, and clinical monitoring. Term of achievement in treatment of platelet refractoriness patients should be a close relationship between clinicians and transfusiology specialists.

Key words:
refractoriness - platelet - transfusion