The Prophylactic Treatment of Thrombocytopenic Leukemic Patients with Platelets: a Double Blind Study

Eighteen patients with thrombocytopenia and acute leukemia were randomized in a double blind study to receive either platelets or platelet‐poor plasma as prophylaxis against bleeding. Despite no significant differences in platelet counts between patients of the two groups, the frequency of bleeding in the two groups was significantly different, affirming the value of prophylactic platelet transfusions. Fever preceded substantial hemorrhage in 10 of 13 patients, suggesting that infection may initiate bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients. 1974 AABB