title: Platelet transfusion therapy.
abstract: This article reviews appropriate platelet support of those patients who are chronically thrombocytopenic because of decreased platelet production, including those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments and those undergoing bone marrow transplants. The platelet products available for transfusion and the indications for platelet transfusions are discussed. Expected responses to platelet transfusions are reviewed as well as the prevention of platelet alloimmunization. Finally, a discussion of the mechanisms and management of platelet refractoriness is included.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Slichter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001781:Blood Component Removal; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002470:Cell Survival; D002648:Child; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007114:Immunization; D010979:Platelet Function Tests; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction