Floor L F van Baarle, Emma K van de Weerdt, Walter J F M van der Velden, Roelof A Ruiterkamp, Pieter R Tuinman, Paula F Ypma, Walter M van den Bergh, Astrid M P Demandt, Emile D Kerver, A J Gerard Jansen, Peter E Westerweel, Sesmu M Arbous, Rogier M Determann, Walther N K A van Mook, Mirelle Koeman, Anja B U Mäkelburg, Krijn P van Lienden, Jan M Binnekade, Bart J Biemond, Alexander P J Vlaar
BACKGROUND: Transfusion guidelines regarding platelet-count thresholds before the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) offer conflicting recommendations because of a lack of good-quality evidence. The routine use of ultrasound guidance has decreased CVC-related bleeding complications. METHODS: In a multicenter, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 10,000 to 50,000 per cubic millimeter) who were being treated on the hematology ward or in the intensive care unit to receive either one unit of prophylactic platelet transfusion or no platelet transfusion before ultrasound-guided CVC placement...
May 25, 2023: New England Journal of Medicine