Any had platelet transfusion reaction?

[Davea]

I had a bad reaction to a platelet transfusion today. Received 1 unit of RBC and then started to receive platelets. I immediatly started feeling lower back pane and got flush and short of breath. The platelets were turned off and I returned to normal after about 1/2 hour. Will try again tomorrow. Has anyone an idea what would cause this and what to do to avoid it? Dave A

[Neil]

Hi Dave,
Have them give you 2 Tylenol and Benadryl about 30-45 min before the Platelet TX. It usually prevents an allergic reaction.
You might ask if the platelets were matched correctly. A delicate question, but —-

[sarah]

Dave, hope all goes well tomorrow.
Sarah

[Vance]

Yes, Dave. Awhile back my wife Ruby recieved 2 bags of platelets, the first went fine, but the second made her very ill, pain, shortness of breath, and bad nausea. They did give her benadryl and something else before, but she still had a reaction. This is the only time that this has happened.

[DonUK]

Hi Dave – Karen always has reaction to platelets (not as bad symptoms as you – she starts coughing and itching). They give her cortisone and piriton (ant-allergies I believe) every time before the platelets. Red’s have always been fine.

[Jimbob]

Dave, I did have reactions last year when I wqs getting numerous transfusions. The tylenol and benedrayl combination prior to any platelett transusions seems to do the job. Jim

[Author]

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