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Why can repeated platelet transfusions become less effective for some patients?
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blood transfusion
Depiction of a direct blood transfusion performed in 1882.
Repeated platelet transfusions can become less effective because the patient's immune system may be stimulated to produce antibodies specifically targeting the donor platelets. When this occurs, the patient becomes refractory to future platelet transfusions, meaning the transfused platelets are cleared from the circulation before they can provide their intended therapeutic benefit.1