Cytotoxic antibody complicating platelet support in acute leukemia. Response to chemotherapy

Authors:
  • DGD Green
    D Green
  • ATA Tiro
    A Tiro
  • JBJ Basiliere
    J Basiliere
  • KMK K Mittal
    K K Mittal

Abstract
Lymphocytotoxic or thrombocytolytic antibodies were detected in 11 of 25 thrombocytopenic patients receiving repeated platelet transfusions. Platelet survival times were reduced in these patients (half-life [T/2], 32 h) as compared to patients without antibody (T/2, 51 h, P < .05). In 1 woman with acute myeloblastic leukemia and potent platelet antibody, combination chemotherapy resulted in a profound decrease in circulating .gamma.-globulin and concurrent disappearance of the cytotoxic antibody. The survival of transfused platelets in this patient was dramatically improved, and bleeding was controlled.