title: Reactions Induced by Platelet Transfusions.
abstract: SUMMARY: Platelet transfusions play a central role in therapeutic regimens for patients with hematologic/oncologic diseases who develop severe thrombocytopenia either in the course of their disease or following cytostatic therapy. Like other blood components, platelet transfusions have achieved a high degree of safety as far as transmission of viral diseases is concerned. However, transfusion of platelet concentrates is accompanied by a high frequency of febrile and anaphylactoid reactions. In rare cases, recipients of platelet concentrates are threatened by severe reactions as septic complications due to bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates, transfusion-related acute lung injury and severe anaphylactic episodes.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kiefel