Vnitr Lek 2005, 51(7-8):909-912

Refractoriness to platelet transfusion

R. Pacasová^*, E. Tesařová, B. Kubešová

Transfuzní oddělení a krevní banka FN Brno, Pracoviště medicíny dospělého věku, prim. MUDr. Eva Tesařová

Platelets together with blood vessels and coagulation promote hemostasis. Platelet transfusions are indicated for therapy in patients with actual bleeding and thrombocytopenic manifestations or for prophylaxis against major bleeding of thrombocytopenic or thrombocytopathic patients. Post-transfusion platelet increment is counted as the CCI index. 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-antibodies or, rarely, auto-HLA antibodies, less frequently by antibodies against HPA (Human Paltelet Antigen) and AB0. Platelet refractoriness presents 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 closer cooperation between clinicians and transfusiology specialists.

Keywords: refractoriness; platelets; transfusion

Received: May 6, 2005; Accepted: May 6, 2005; Published: July 1, 2005  Show citation