American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the ITP transfusion threshold?

1. 50K

2. 30K

3. 10K

4. 20K

The correct answer is: 30K

In the context of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), the transfusion threshold is critical in managing patients, especially in the case of surgical procedures or bleeding events. The generally accepted transfusion threshold for platelet transfusion in patients with ITP is around 30,000 platelets per microliter of blood. At this threshold, the risk of spontaneous bleeding is notably lower compared to numbers below this level. This threshold reflects clinical guidelines that aim to balance the need for interventions while minimizing potential complications associated with higher platelet counts. For patients with platelet counts below this threshold, the likelihood of significant bleeding increases, prompting healthcare providers to consider platelet transfusions or other treatments to stabilize the patient's condition prior to surgical or invasive procedures. However, the management of ITP often takes into account individual patient factors, the presence of symptoms, and the urgency of the clinical situation. It is also important to understand that while some practitioners may consider transfusing at different thresholds in specific scenarios, 30,000 remains the commonly accepted guideline for patients with ITP in stable conditions.