title: When less is more: can we abandon prophylactic platelet transfusion in Dengue fever?
abstract: Dengue fever (DF) has several hematological manifestations including thrombocytopenia and increased bleeding risk. Prophylactic platelet transfusion-in the absence of major bleeding-is utilized in DF with thrombocytopenia with the intention of preventing hemorrhagic complications. However, prophylactic platelet transfusion in DF is neither standardized nor supported by clinical evidence. We conclude that risks, costs and poor resource utilization associated with prophylactic platelet transfusion in DF far outweigh any potential hematological benefit, and as such, should not constitute routine clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Changa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kurukularatne
authors.forename: Frederico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dimatatac
authors.forename: Diana Lt
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Teo
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lye
authors.forename: Yee Sin
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Leo
mesh_terms: D003715:Dengue / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*