Non-immune causes include splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), fever, and sepsis.
[2][9] This is the simplest method, and only requires data on the platelet count before and after the transfusion.
[5][10] At 16 hours post-transfusion a PPR < 10% is considered evidence of platelet refractoriness.
[10] At 24 hours post transfusion a CCI less than 5000 suggests platelet refractoriness.
[10] Some blood banks maintain records of the estimated number of platelets in each unit.
[13][14] This means that there can be a lot of variability in the number of platelets contained within each transfusion.
[3][4] If an immune cause is suspected and HLA antibodies are detected, then HLA-selected platelet components can be used.
[16] Other strategies for managing patients with platelet refractoriness who require procedures include thrombopoietin receptor agonists,[18] complement inhibitors such as eculizumab,[19] and slow infusion.