Hypoplastic thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion: therapeutic goals

ABSTRACT

Platelet transfusions consist a major part of the management of hypoplastic thrombocytopenia, the latter occurring mainly among patients with hematological malignancies. Platelet transfusions have led to a reduction of deaths attributable to thrombocytopenia–induced bleeding, despite their possible complications; nonetheless, prophylactic administration of platelets to patients with severe thrombocytopenia or before invasive procedures should be based on specific criteria, as well as therapeutic administration during active bleeding. Recently developed ex-vivo procedures have resulted in producing safer blood products, yet it remains unclear whether these pathogen-inactivated products have sufficient efficacy. What is more, another significant problem that remains to be more effectively addressed is the developing refractoriness to platelet transfusions.

KEYWORDS:

• Hypoplastic thrombocytopenia
• platelet transfusion
• active bleeding
• inactivated blood products
• refractoriness

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties. A peer reviewer on this manuscript is Co-Chair of the Platelet Guideline working group of the International Collaboration of Transfusion Medicine Guidelines (ICTMG)

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript was not funded by any funding organization.