How do I … manage the platelet transfusion-refractory patient?
Transfusion. 2017 Sep 28;:
Authors: Juskewitch JE, Norgan AP, De Goey SR, Duellman PM, Wakefield LL, Gandhi MJ, Stubbs JR, Kreuter JD
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Platelet transfusion refractoriness is a challenging and expensive clinical scenario seen most often in patients with hematologic malignancies. Although the majority of platelet transfusion-refractory cases are due to nonimmune causes, a significant minority are caused by alloimmunization against Class I human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) or human platelet antigens (HPAs). Such platelet transfusion-refractory patients can be effectively managed with appropriate antigen-negative products.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Our institution has developed a diagnostic and management algorithm for the platelet transfusion-refractory patient with an early focus on identifying those cases caused by immune-mediated factors. Using physical platelet cross-matches to initially classify platelet transfusion-refractory patients as immune-mediated or not, cross-match-compatible inventory is then provided to immune-mediated patients, whereas subsequent HLA (with or without HPA) testing is performed.
RESULTS: Our blood donor program performs Class I HLA typing of all repeat platelet donors to facilitate the identification of antigen-negative platelet units (virtual cross-matching) as well as the recruitment of HLA-matched donors. The platelet transfusion-refractoriness algorithm realizes an initial net cost savings once two apheresis platelets are saved from use for each newly identified, immune-mediated platelet transfusion-refractory patient.
CONCLUSION: An algorithm utilizing physical platelet cross-matches, Class I HLA and HPA antibody testing, and upfront Class I HLA typing of platelet donors leads to overall resource savings and improved clinical management for platelet transfusion-refractory patients.
PMID: 28960321 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]