Transfusions of Fresh Platelet Concentrates to Patients with Secondary Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

THE hemorrhagic tendency of thrombocytopenic animals can be controlled temporarily by transfusions of fresh platelet concentrates.^{1 , 2} The clinical value of platelet transfusions has previously been noted.^{3 4 5 6} Studies in animals have shown that maximal hemostatic effects can be expected when the transfusion of platelets is followed by a sustained elevation of their level in the blood.⁷ Clinical studies comparable to those in animals have not been possible, however, because of the variations in bleeding manifestations of untreated thrombocytopenic patients and the difficulties encountered in carrying out well controlled studies during medical or surgical emergencies. In view of the widening use of . . .