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Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: An Underrecognized Cause of Severe Thrombocytopenia Following Transfusion
Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro/LinkedIn
Apr 15, 2026, 14:42

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: An Underrecognized Cause of Severe Thrombocytopenia Following Transfusion

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine Specialist at Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Sudden severe thrombocytopenia after transfusion?

Think Post-Transfusion Purpura (PTP).

One of the most under-recognized yet critical delayed transfusion reactions in clinical practice is Post-Transfusion Purpura (PTP) — and missing it can delay life-saving treatment.

What is PTP?

A rare, immune-mediated complication that typically appears 5–10 days after transfusion, most often in previously pregnant or transfused patients, especially women.

What causes it?

The development of platelet alloantibodies, commonly anti-HPA-1a, which trigger destruction of both transfused platelets and the patient’s own platelets.

What happens clinically?

  • Sudden severe thrombocytopenia (less than 10 × 10⁹/L)
  • Petechiae, purpura, mucosal bleeding
  • Risk of serious hemorrhage if untreated

Key diagnostic clues.

  • Recent transfusion history
  • Critically low platelet count
  • Detection of anti-platelet antibodies
  • Exclusion of other causes like TTP and ITP

Treatment is urgent — and effective when started early.

  • IVIg (first-line therapy)
  • Steroids as adjunct
  • Plasma exchange in refractory cases

Avoid platelet transfusion unless life-threatening bleeding.

The most important takeaway?

PTP is treatable — but only if recognized early.

When unexplained severe thrombocytopenia appears days after transfusion, pause and consider PTP.

Early recognition saves lives.

Signature of Blood Doki.

Educate. Empower. Elevate.”

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: An Underrecognized Cause of Severe Thrombocytopenia Following Transfusion

Other posts featuring Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro on Hemostasis Today.

Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro Health Hematology Hemostasis News Hemostasis Today Medicine PTP thrombocytopenia transfusion
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