Blood Components – Transfusion Support in Post-Transfusion Purpura Due to HPA-1a Immunization

Post-transfusion purpura (PTP) is usually a self-limiting disease. Nevertheless, haemorrhage in these patients may be life-threatening and hence red cell transfusions may be clinically urgent. It is widely recommended that such blood be from donors who are negative for the HPA-1a platelet antigen. However, these donors are uncommon and such blood is often in short supply. We report 2 cases of PTP in which either filtered leucodepleted red cells or washed red cells were transfused in combination with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (both cases) and HPA-1a negative platelets (1 case) to good effect.