Is platelet transfusion necessary prior to a central venous catheter placement in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients?
Ong, M.; Veillon, D.; Cotelingam, J.
Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society Official Organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society 164(5): 283-284
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-6921 PMID: 23362594 Document Number: 660271
Due to concern for bleeding from severe thrombocytopenia, some thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients receive platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement. However, studies have shown that blood loss associated with this procedure is minimal, and platelet administration is unnecessary. In our study, 11 patients with TTP were identified. Before central line placement, two of the 11 received platelet transfusions, while nine did not. Blood loss in all patients was not significant, supporting the position that platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement in TTP patients is unnecessary.