posttransfusion purpura

posttransfusion purpura

Transfusion medicine A nonimmune response to transfusion of packed RBCs and FFP, attributed to passive transfer of antibodies from donor plasma, resulting in complement activation and lung injury Clinical Bilateral pulmonary edema, hypoxia, tachycardia, fever and hypotension occurring within 6 hrs of transfusion Management Ventilatory and hemodynamic support Prognosis Complete recovery in 48 h. See Transfusion.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

posttransfusion purpura

Abbreviation: PTP

An abnormal immune-mediated fall in the number of circulating platelets, caused by a recipient's reaction to foreign antigens on platelets received during a transfusion. Although the immune reaction normally starts against the donated platelets, in PTP host (recipient) platelets are also attacked, leading to a severe decrease in platelet numbers about a week, plus or minus 2 days, after the platelet transfusion. The consequences of a low platelet count may include bleeding, bruising, or discoloration of the skin.

See also: purpura

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