Post-Transfusion Purpura Associated with Anti-Bak^a and Anti-Pl^A2 Platelet Antibodies and Delayed Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction

Abstract

The occurrence of post-transfusion purpura (PTP) in a 16-year-old girl with sickle/ß-thalassaemia is described. Clinically this was a typical case of PTP, but it was unusual serologically. Anti-Bak^a and anti-Pl^A2 platelet-specific antibodies were identified and the patient’s platelets were typed as homozygous Pl^A1 -positive and Bak^a-negative. The patient also developed red-cell, granulocyte and lymphocytotoxic antibodies in response to the blood transfusion and had a delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction.