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Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Rethinking the Use of Routine Platelet Transfusions for Head Injured Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy
Gabriel O Ologun1, Arpitha Pamula2, Mojirola Alegbejo-Olarinoye3
1General Surgery, Robert Packer Hospital/Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, USA.
Traumatic brain injury is responsible for over one million hospital visits, and thousands of deaths annually. The aging population is associated with an increased use of anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents which complicates traumatic brain injury. The use of antiplatelet agents significantly increases baseline risk of intracranial hemorrhage. However, routine platelet transfusion in an attempt to reverse the effects of antiplatelet agents may be detrimental. Here, we report a case of an elderly woman with mild traumatic brain injury, who suffered a tragic demise after platelet transfusion.
Traumatic brain injury is responsible for over one million hospital visits, and thousands of deaths annually. The aging population is associated with an increased use of anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents which complicates traumatic brain injury. The use of antiplatelet agents significantly increases baseline risk of intracranial hemorrhage. However, routine platelet transfusion in an attempt to reverse the effects of antiplatelet agents may be detrimental. Here, we report a case of an elderly woman with mild traumatic brain injury, who suffered a tragic demise after platelet transfusion.
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