The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society : official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society
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Due to concern for bleeding from severe thrombocytopenia, some thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients receive platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement. However, studies have shown that blood loss associated with this procedure is minimal, and platelet administration is unnecessary. ⋯ Before central line placement, two of the 11 received platelet transfusions, while nine did not. Blood loss in all patients was not significant, supporting the position that platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement in TTP patients is unnecessary.