Severe thrombocytopenia in a child secondary to passive platelet antibody transfer from a plasma transfusion

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 Jul;35(5):e226-8. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3182830c25.

Abstract

Although rare, passive transfer of platelet antibodies through blood products can result in thrombocytopenia, acute transfusion reactions, and death. We report a case of severe alloimmune thrombocytopenia from a plasma transfusion. A postliver transplant patient with a normal platelet count received fresh frozen plasma before liver biopsy. Postbiopsy, she developed cardiorespiratory distress, petechiae, and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count 2000/μL). Her platelet count recovered to normal after 1 week. This diagnosis should be considered whenever an unexpected drop in the platelet count occurs after a plasma-rich transfusion. Conservative transfusion practices and more targeted donor screening may prevent similar events.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Human Platelet / immunology
  • Blood Component Transfusion / adverse effects*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isoantibodies / adverse effects
  • Isoantibodies / immunology*
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Plasma / immunology*
  • Thrombocytopenia / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Human Platelet
  • Isoantibodies