Platelet refractoriness

Repeated failure to show an adequate increase in platelet count after platelet transfusions. In general, platelet refractoriness can be immune or non-immune mediated. Immune causes of platelet refractoriness include ITP, antibodies to HLA, platelet-specific antibodies, or drug induced antibodies. Non-immune causes of platelet refractoriness include fever, infection, splenomegaly, DIC, TTP, or hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.