The Rational Use of Platelet Transfusions in Children

Abstract

Platelet transfusions are undoubtedly effective in securing hemostasis in bleeding children with absent or nonfunctioning platelets. They are, however, abused in some circumstances and are not without risk. The use of platelet transfusions to prevent rather than to treat bleeding in children with malignant disease has increased several times over the last two decades. When joining in this widespread practice, physicians should be aware that there is a relatively unimpressive evidence base supporting it and also that for patients with uncomplicated myelosuppression the most persuasive studies suggest that a threshold platelet count of 10 × 10⁹/L is no less effective than the more customary 20 × 10⁹/L is. Still lower thresholds await evaluation.

For children with nonmalignant conditions the use of platelet transfusions should be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but they should normally be avoided in the absence of clinically important bleeding. Neonates with thrombocytopenia, particularly those with immune disease due to a maternal alloantibody, are considered an exception to this generalization.

The serious hazards of platelet transfusions include alloimmunization and the induction of refractoriness, graft-versus-host (GVH) disease, and the transmission of infection, all of which can be life threatening. Less risky alternative therapeutic approaches may become more widely available in the future, including recombinant thrombopoietin and lyophilized heat-treated platelet membrane preparations.

Keywords:

Platelets - childhood leukemia - childhood thrombocytopenia - prophylaxis - transfusion