Prophylactic platelet transfusion in dengue: A dilemma

Madam,dengue fever is a vector borne viral haemorrhagic fever associated with substantial cost to the health care sector in endemic countries. thrombocytopenia,a major feature of dengue fever results from decreased platelet production from bone marrow suppression or increased platelet destruction.1 the pathogenesis of bleeding in dengue is multifactorial and has not been fully elucidated. clinical evidence guiding the management of thrombocytopenia with prophylactic platelet transfusion is debateable. several retrospective studies have been conducted over the years regarding the efficacy of prophylactic platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenic dengue patients showing no increased benefit.2,3a small randomised controlled trial (n=87) reported that platelet transfusion did not stop the development of severe bleeding nor reduce the time to cessation of bleeding but lead to severe transfusion reactions and two deaths.4. © 2017,pakistan medical association. all rights reserved.