Post-transfusion purpura.
Post-transfusion purpura is a complication of blood product transfusion in which the recipient produces antiplatelet antibodies resulting in severe thrombocytopenia. The typical patient is a multiparous woman who develops sudden severe purpura 1 week after receiving a transfusion of packed red cells or whole blood. Post-transfusion purpura should, however, be considered in any patient with thrombocytopenia following infusion of a blood product. Untreated, the disease can be fatal or cause serious morbidity. Treatment options include plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and corticosteroids. Platelet transfusion is usually unsuccessful.
Vincent
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Swedish Family Practice Residency, Swedish Hospital Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
Willett
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D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011696:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D065227:Transfusion Reaction