Wednesday May 5, 2010


Q: What is Posttransfusion purpura (PTP)?


Answer: Post-transfusion purpura (PTP) is an adverse reaction to a blood transfusion that occurs when the body produces alloantibodies to the introduced platelets' antigens. Posttransfusion purpura typically occurs 7-10 days following a transfusion. This syndrome can be induced by platelet transfusion, a small amount of platelets contaminating a red blood cell transfusion or, occasionally, following fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion. PTP is most common in women who have had multiple pregnancies, and men who have undergone previous transfusions.

The thrombocytopenia responds to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

See nice review on PTP here