J H Anolik1, N Blumberg, J Snider, C W Francis. 1. Rheumatology and Immunology Unit and the Vascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Posttransfusion purpura (PTP) is characterized by severe thrombocytopenia following blood transfusion that results from alloimmunization to platelet-specific alloantigens. Most cases involve antibodies against HPA-1a in homozygous HPA-1b persons. CASE REPORT: A patient developed PTP after cardiopulmonary bypass associated with a platelet-specific antibody with strong reactivity against HPA-5a (Br(b)). Geno-typing confirmed that the patient was homozygous for HPA-5b. CONCLUSION: This is the first well-documented occurrence of PTP associated with isolated allosensitization to HPA-5a or Br(b). The case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion for PTP in the appropriate clinical setting, even in an atypical patient.
BACKGROUND:Posttransfusion purpura (PTP) is characterized by severe thrombocytopenia following blood transfusion that results from alloimmunization to platelet-specific alloantigens. Most cases involve antibodies against HPA-1a in homozygous HPA-1b persons. CASE REPORT: A patient developed PTP after cardiopulmonary bypass associated with a platelet-specific antibody with strong reactivity against HPA-5a (Br(b)). Geno-typing confirmed that the patient was homozygous for HPA-5b. CONCLUSION: This is the first well-documented occurrence of PTP associated with isolated allosensitization to HPA-5a or Br(b). The case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion for PTP in the appropriate clinical setting, even in an atypical patient.