Platelet transfusions for critically ill patients with thrombocytopenia

MedscapeCME Continuing Medical Education online This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of Medscape, LLC and the American Society of Hematology. Medscape, LLC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Medscape, LLC designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. All other clinicians completing this activity will be issued a certificate of participation. To participate in this journal CME activity: (1) review the learning objectives and author disclosures; (2) study the education content; (3) take the post-test with a 70% minimum passing score and complete the evaluation at http://www.medscape.org/journal/blood; and (4) view/print certificate. For CME questions, see page 1280. Disclosures Nancy Berliner, Editor, has received grants for clinical research from GlaxoSmithKline. The authors and CME questions author Laurie Barclay, freelance writer and reviewer, Medscape, LLC, declare no competing financial interests. Learning objectives 1. Describe recommendations for or against the use of platelet transfusions in critically ill adults with thrombocytopenia, and the underlying evidence, based on a review. 2. Identify recommendations for or against the use of platelet transfusions in critically ill neonates with thrombocytopenia, and the underlying evidence. 3. List recommendations for or against the use of platelet transfusions in critically ill children with thrombocytopenia, and the underlying evidence. Release date: February 20, 2014; Expiration date: February 20, 2015