Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion  2005;16(1):56-62

The First Case of Posttransfusion Purpura Caused by anti-HPA-3a Antibody in Korea.

Sang Hoon SONG 1 ; Dong Chan KIM ; Yang Hyun KIM ; Sang Man JIN ; Sung Soo YOON ; Dong Hee SEO ; Myoung Hee PARK ; Kyou Sup HAN

Affiliations

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Keywords

posttransfusion purpura; platelet alloantibody; Baka; HPA-3a; MPHA; plasma exchange; thrombocytopenia

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Posttransfusion purpura is a rare but potentially fatal disorder, characterized by the development of severe thrombocytopenia following transfusion. We report the first case of posttransfusion purpura in Korea in a 39-year-old multiparous woman. Nine days after transfusion of two units of red blood cells during cesarian section operation, she developed sudden onset of purpura, gum bleeding, and severe thrombocytopenia. Serological analysis revealed that the patient had antibodies against HPA-3a (Baka) and HLA. She was treated with plasmapheresis and the platelet count dramatically normalized. Though posttransfusion purpura is a self-limited disorder, early diagnosis and proper treatment can shorten the duration of the clinical course.