Is platelet transfusion necessary prior to a central venous catheter placement in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients?
Due to concern for bleeding from severe thrombocytopenia, some thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients receive platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement. However, studies have shown that blood loss associated with this procedure is minimal, and platelet administration is unnecessary. In our study, 11 patients with TTP were identified. Before central line placement, two of the 11 received platelet transfusions, while nine did not. Blood loss in all patients was not significant, supporting the position that platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement in TTP patients is unnecessary.
Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
Menchu
M
Ong
Diana
D
Veillon
James
J
Cotelingam
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D062905:Central Venous Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult