Platelet transfusions increase odds of death in some rare blood cell disorders
Thursday, January 15, 2015 - 04:04
in Health & Medicine
People hospitalized with certain rare blood cell disorders frequently receive a treatment that is associated with a two- to fivefold increase in death, according to a new study that reviewed hospital records nationwide. The authors recommend that for the rare disorders thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, doctors should administer the treatment, a platelet transfusion, only in exceptional circumstances.