Refractory thrombocytopenia due to anti-PL^A1 antibodies following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: Case report and review of literature

A 43-year-old woman developed life-threatening refractory thrombocytopenia following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for metastatic breast carcinoma. Anti-PL^A1 antibodies were demonstrated in the patient's plasma. Treatment with intravenous immunogiobulin and transfusion of PL^A1-negative blood products restored platelet responsiveness. PL^A1 alloantibodies should be considered as a possible cause of severe refractory thrombocytopenia in marrow transplant patients. It is important to make this diagnosis as the mainstay of treatment is the avoidance of blood products from PL^A1-positive donors (98% of the population).