Stanworth, S.J., Hyde, C., Heddle, N., Rebulla, P., Brunskill, S., & Murphy, M.F. (2004). Prophylactic platelet transfusion for haemorrhage after chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, CD004269.
To determine the optimal use of prophylactic platelet transfusion for the prevention of hemorrhage after chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation
The studies provide no indication to change the current practice guidelines recommending prophylactic platelet thresholds of 10 x 109/liter, but uncertainty with this body of literature should be recognized. There is a need for trials with adequate power that compare prophylactic to therapeutic platelet transfusion.