Clinical Decisions in Platelet Therapy

Addressing a fast-growing aspect of transfusion medicine, this volume discusses such subjects as how to determine the dose of platelets for transfusion, single donor versus random donor platelet support and the mechanisms of allo-(r)immunization to HLA Class 1 antigens.

---

This publication addresses one of the fastest-growing aspects of transfusion medicine today. Subjects to be discussed include: Determining the Dose of Platelets for Transfusion; Single Donor versus Random Donor Platelet Support; Mechanisms of Allo-(R)immunization to HLA Class I Antigens. Additional topics discussed include: gaining a better understanding of alloimmunization and the refractory state; the basic immunology associated with alloantibody response in non-immunized patients and postulated mechanisms (including supportive data) in HLA alloimmunization that result in patients becoming refractory to platelet transfusion; the clinical and laboratory approach to the diagnosis of the refractory state; and transfusion practices and the clinical management of patients who are refractory to platelet transfusions and methods to prevent alloimmunization and the refractory state.