Platelet transfusion and alloimmunization : clinical and laboratory studies

Thrombocytopenia as a result of decreased platelet production may be treated with platelet transfusions. Decreased bone marrow function resulting in thrombocytopenia may be seen in hematopoietic diseases as leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or conditions of infiltration of bone marrow with solid tumor metastases. Thrombocytopenia also is a frequent side effect of cancer therapy. The application of high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may result in periods of severe bone marrow suppression. This may be more outspoken when the bone marrow function is already compromised by the underlying disease of previous cytotoxic treatment, resulting in periods of life-threatening thrombocytopenia.