title: Strategies for managing refractoriness to platelet transfusions.
abstract: The availability of platelet transfusions made possible intensive, myelosuppressive therapy. Chronic transfusion support is often complicated by refractoriness to platelet transfusions characterized by inadequate post-transfusion platelet count increments. Refractoriness is most commonly associated with a variety of clinical factors. Aggressive treatment of these clinical conditions often corrects the response to platelet transfusions. Fewer patients develop immune-mediated platelet destruction associated with alloantibodies to class I human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and occasionally to platelet-specific antigens. The majority of these patients are successfully supported with HLA-matched or cross-match compatible single-donor platelet concentrates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Harper University Hospital, 3990 John R, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. MDan@dmc.org
authors.forename: Maria E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Dan
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Schiffer
mesh_terms: D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000276:immunology; D019468:Disease Management; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet; D006680:HLA Antigens; D007518:Isoantibodies