Severe Thrombocytopenia in a Child Secondary to Passive Platelet Antibody Transfer from a Plasma Transfusion

Abstract

Though 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 post-liver transplant patient with a normal platelet count received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) prior to liver biopsy. Post-biopsy she developed cardiorespiratory distress, petechiae and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count 2,000/μL). Her platelet count recovered to normal over one 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.

Maternal antibodies against paternal class I human leukocyte antigens are not associated with foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia

“…Thrombocytopenia secondary to passive transfer of anti‐platelet antibodies is a rare blood transfusion complication (Swain et al , ). All published cases involved passive transfer of anti‐HPA antibodies, with anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies reported in almost all cases (Pavenski et al , ; Collins et al , ; Swain et al , ).…”

Thrombocytopenia secondary to passive transfer of anti‐HPA 1a antibodies from male donor plasma

“…A literature review performed by Pavenski et al (2008) identified 19 reports of passive alloimmune thrombocytopenia; all of these cases were associated with female blood donors with a history of pregnancy (Pavenski et al 2008). Subsequent to this review, another case involving a female donor has been published (Collins et al, 2013). Lookback processes (including in our case) have identified additional patients developing severe thrombocytopenia post-transfusion of blood components from the same donor -suggesting that this diagnosis may be under-recognised (Solenthalar et al, 1999).…”

“…). Subsequent to this review, another case involving a female donor has been published (Collins et al, ). Lookback processes (including in our case) have identified additional patients developing severe thrombocytopenia post‐transfusion of blood components from the same donor – suggesting that this diagnosis may be under‐recognised (Solenthalar et al, ).…”