Platelet Transfusions in Patients with Hypoproliferative Thrombocytopenia: Conclusions from Clinical Trials and Current Controversies

Gemma L Crighton; Lise J Estcourt; Erica M Wood; Simon J Stanworth

doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2016.01.002

Platelet Transfusions in Patients with Hypoproliferative Thrombocytopenia: Conclusions from Clinical Trials and Current Controversies

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016 Jun;30(3):541-60. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2016.01.002.

Authors

Gemma L Crighton¹, Lise J Estcourt², Erica M Wood³, Simon J Stanworth⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Australian Red Cross Blood Service, 100-154 Batman Street, West Melbourne, Victoria, 3003, Australia; Royal Children's Hospital, Department of Haematology, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
² Radcliffe Department of Medicine, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9BQ, UK.
³ Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Monash Health, Department of Haematology, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
⁴ Radcliffe Department of Medicine, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9BQ, UK. Electronic address: simon.stanworth@nhsbt.nhs.uk.

PMID: 27112995
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2016.01.002

Abstract

Patients with hematologic malignancies frequently become thrombocytopenic as a result of their underlying malignancy or treatments, including cytotoxic chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are at increased risk of hemorrhage. Prophylactic platelet transfusions are aimed at preventing severe or life-threatening hemorrhage. This review summarizes recent evidence, including the need for prophylactic platelet transfusions, the optimal dose, platelet transfusion triggers, and risk factors for bleeding. It also discusses controversies surrounding platelet transfusions in this population.

Keywords: Acute leukemia; Bleeding; Chemotherapy; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Platelet transfusion; Thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Allografts
Clinical Trials as Topic
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Hemorrhage / etiology
Hemorrhage / prevention & control*
Humans
Neoplasms / therapy
Platelet Transfusion*
Risk Factors
Thrombocytopenia / etiology
Thrombocytopenia / therapy*

Grants and funding

13/89/09/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom