High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin for post-transfusion purpura

Successful treatment of a case of post-transfusion purpura with high-dose i.v. human immunoglobulin is reported. A 62-year-old multiparous woman developed severe thrombocytopenia in the wake of transfusions given during and after vascular surgery. A platelet alloantibody with anti-Zwa-specificity was demonstrable by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. A single infusion of Sandoglobulin 1 g/kg body weight caused an immediate platelet response with cessation of haemorrhagic manifestations within 12 h, and the platelet count became normal within 3 d. Thrombocytopenia recurred 8 d after the infusion, but one further dose of Sandoglobulin 0.5 g/kg body weight caused definitive reversal of the thrombocytopenia.