Prophylactic platelet transfusion in children with thrombocytopenic disorders: A retrospective review

AbstractThe safety of low platelet thresholds for prophylactic transfusions was retrospectively evaluated in 673 children with various thrombocytopenic disorders. In patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and X linked thrombocytopenia the threshold for the use of platelet transfusion was based on bleeding events rather than platelet count. In children with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia and Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, prophylactic platelet transfusions were used when the platelet count was ≤ 5000/μl in stable patients and > 10,000/μl in cases of bleeding or infections. The restrictive policy of platelet transfusions was shown to be proved safe in many thrombocytopenic disorders.