Thrombocytopenia in renal transplantation. Diagnostic use of homologous platelet labelling with 111In oxine.

We have used homologous platelet labelling with 111In oxine in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia occurring in a patient who had received two renal transplants. The technique enabled us to prove that platelet destruction was occurring in the right-sided, non-functioning transplant. In the presence of moderately impaired bone marrow function, this destructive process was sufficient to cause thrombocytopenia. Transplant nephrectomy relieved the thrombocytopenia.