A case of post-transfusion purpura with severe refractory thrombocytopenia but no cutaneous manifestations

Abstract

Posttransfusion purpura is a serious adverse effect of transfusion due to HPA-antibodies. A young female was diagnosed with acute leukaemia, and treatment commenced. Severe thrombocytopenia ensued. No platelet increment was achieved despite transfusions with buffy coat, HLA-compatible, and HPA-1a negative platelets. The workup indicated the presence of anti-HPA-1a. When the diagnosis of posttransfusion purpura was sufficiently substantiated, she had experienced a fatal intracerebral haemorrhage.