Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-13-2021
Abstract
Background
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic disorder caused by severe deficiency of ADAMTS13. Platelets are transfused prophylactically in non-TTP patients for central venous catheter (CVC) with a count× 109/L to prevent bleeding. However, transfusing platelets in TTP prior to CVC placement remains controversial due to concern for arterial thrombosis and mortality. At our center, platelet transfusion is contraindicated in TTP, therefore, we analyzed data for bleeding complications following CVC placement.
Study Design and Methods
95 acute episodes of TTP were identified. Twenty-six episodes were excluded for insufficient documentation or no CVC placement. The charts of 69 remaining episodes were reviewed.
Results
Of 69 TTP episodes, nine (13 %) had bleeding after a CVC placement. Of these, seven bleeds were minor, and the two were major related to the technical issues during femoral venous access causing arterial bleeds. Median platelet count before the CVC placement among those experiencing bleeding complications was 12 × 109/L (range 3–44) as compared to median count of 15 × 109/L (range 4–257) in those who did not bleed (p = 0.258). Among 44 episodes with a platelet count× 109/L, seven (16 %) had bleeds.
Conclusion
Major bleeding complications following CVC placement in TTP is uncommon and most likely related to technical challenges. Median platelet count was similar in patients who bled versus those who did not, suggesting that platelet transfusion is unnecessary to correct platelet count prior to a CVC placement in TTP.
Recommended Citation
Haque, W., Alvarenga, M., Vuppala, S., Reddy, M., & Sarode, R. (2021). Retrospective analysis of bleeding events after central venous catheter placement in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis, 60(3), 103120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.transci.2021.103120
Publication Title
Transfusion and apheresis science
DOI
10.1016/j.transci.2021.103120
Academic Level
medical student