Asymptomatic immune thrombocytopenia in immediate post surgery following fresh frozen plasma transfusion

Abstract

Occurrence of thrombocytopenia in immediate post operative period is less frequently encountered, and identifying the cause(s) is also challenging. Because multiple interventions in the form of fluid administrations, blood products transfusion, use of drugs (heparin) and increased risk of infection and organ dysfunction in post operative period can all cause thrombocytopenia. Fresh frozen plasma transfusion (FFP) transfusion is an uncommon cause of drastic thrombocytopenia, with only 14 such reported cases in the literature. And this complication is most frequently witnessed in perioperative period, 11 out of 14 of all reported cases. It is explained by transfusion of plasma containing antibodies against platelets, which develop as a consequence of plasma donors being exposed to varied platelet antigen via previous blood transfusion or during pregnancy. Here we are presenting a case of a young male who was transfused with FFP in post-operative period which led to a drastic fall in platelet count without any bleeding manifestations, which was a diagnosis of exclusion and managed with suspension of FFP transfusion.