Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The goal of platelet transfusions is to prevent severe and life-threatening bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia. This aim needs to be balanced against the risks associated with platelet transfusions as well as the challenge of maintaining an adequate supply. This review summarizes the recent evidence regarding the clinical use of platelet transfusions in haematology patients, concentrating on the topics that still continue to provoke debate. These include the optimal dose for platelet transfusions and the relative safety of a 'therapeutic only' platelet transfusion strategy compared to the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions. The type of platelet product has been the subject of two recent systematic reviews. The results of these reviews will be discussed as well as their implications for current practice.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08483.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Haematol

Publication Date

08/2011

Volume

154

Pages

425 - 440

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Evidence-Based Medicine, Hematologic Neoplasms, Hemorrhage, Humans, Middle Aged, Patient Selection, Platelet Transfusion, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Young Adult