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Transfusion Clinique Et Biologique :... Feb 2023Many patients worldwide receive platelet components (PCs) through the transfusion of diverse types of blood components. PC transfusions are essential for the treatment... (Review)
Review
Many patients worldwide receive platelet components (PCs) through the transfusion of diverse types of blood components. PC transfusions are essential for the treatment of central thrombocytopenia of diverse causes, and such treatment is beneficial in patients at risk of severe bleeding. PC transfusions account for almost 10% of all the blood components supplied by blood services, but they are associated with about 3.25 times as many severe reactions (attributable to transfusion) than red blood cell transfusions after stringent in-process leukoreduction to less than 10 residual cells per blood component. PCs are not homogeneous, due to the considerable differences between donors. Furthermore, the modes of PC collection and preparation, the safety precautions taken to limit either the most common (allergic-type reactions and febrile non-hemolytic reactions) or the most severe (bacterial contamination, pulmonary lesions) adverse reactions, and storage and conservation methods can all result in so-called PC "storage lesions". Some storage lesions affect PC quality, with implications for patient outcome. Good transfusion practices should result in higher levels of platelet recovery and efficacy, and lower complication rates. These practices include a matching of tissue ABH antigens whenever possible, and of platelet HLA (and, to a lesser extent, HPA) antigens in immunization situations. This review provides an overview of all the available information relating to platelet transfusion, from donor and donation to bedside transfusion, and considers the impact of the measures applied to increase transfusion efficacy while improving safety and preventing transfusion inefficacy and refractoriness. It also considers alternatives to platelet component (PC) transfusion.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Platelet Transfusion; Blood Platelets; Thrombocytopenia; Blood Transfusion; Blood Component Transfusion
PubMed: 36031180
DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2022.08.147 -
Seminars in Hematology Apr 2020The transfusion of platelets for both prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding is relevant to all areas of medicine and surgery. Historically, guidance regarding platelet... (Review)
Review
The transfusion of platelets for both prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding is relevant to all areas of medicine and surgery. Historically, guidance regarding platelet transfusion has been limited by a lack of good quality clinical trials and so has been based largely on expert opinion. In recent years however there has been renewed interest in methods to prevent and treat hemorrhage, and the field has benefited from a number of large clinical trials. Some studies, such as platelet transfusion versus standard care after acute stroke due to spontaneous cerebral haemorrhage associated with antiplatelet therapy (PATCH) and platelets for neonatal transfusion Study 2 (PLANET-2), have reported an increased risk of harm with platelet transfusion in specific patient groups. These studies suggest a wider role of platelets beyond hemostasis, and highlight the need for further clinical trials to better understand the risks and benefits of platelet transfusions. This review evaluates the indications for platelet transfusion, both prophylactic and therapeutic, in the light of recent studies and clinical trials. It highlights new developments in the fields of platelet storage and platelet substitutes, and novel ways to avoid complications associated with platelet transfusions. Lastly, it reviews initiatives designed to reduce inappropriate use of platelet transfusions and to preserve this valuable resource for situations where there is evidence for their beneficial effect.
Topics: Autoantibodies; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Humans; Platelet Transfusion
PubMed: 32892848
DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2019.10.001 -
Transfusion Medicine Reviews Oct 2023The optimal use of prophylactic platelet transfusion remains uncertain in a number of clinical scenarios. Platelet count thresholds have been established in patients... (Review)
Review
The optimal use of prophylactic platelet transfusion remains uncertain in a number of clinical scenarios. Platelet count thresholds have been established in patients with hematologic malignancies, yet thresholds backed by scientific data are limited or do not exist for many patient populations. Clinical scenarios involving transfusion thresholds for thrombocytopenic patients with critical illness, need for surgery or invasive procedures, or those involving specials populations like children and neonates, lack clear evidence for discerning favorable outcomes without undue risk related to platelet transfusion. In addition, while prophylactic platelet transfusions are administered with the goal of enhancing hemostasis, increasing evidence supports critical nonhemostatic roles for platelets related to innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation, and angiogenesis, which may impact patient responses and outcomes. Here we review several recent studies conducted in adult or pediatric patients that highlight the limitations in our current understanding of prophylactic platelet transfusion. Together, these studies underscore the need for additional research, especially in the form of robust randomized clinical trials and integrating additional parameters beyond the platelet count. Future research at the basic, translational, and clinical levels will best define the optimal role for prophylactic transfusion across the lifespan and its broader impact on health and disease.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Adult; Humans; Child; Platelet Transfusion; Hemorrhage; Thrombocytopenia; Platelet Count; Blood Transfusion
PubMed: 37599188
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2023.150751 -
Transfusion Clinique Et Biologique :... Sep 2018Since the late sixties, platelet concentrates are transfused to patients presenting with severe thrombocytopenia, platelet function defects, injuries, or undergoing... (Review)
Review
Since the late sixties, platelet concentrates are transfused to patients presenting with severe thrombocytopenia, platelet function defects, injuries, or undergoing surgery, to prevent the risk of bleeding or to treat actual hemorrhage. Current practices differ according to the country or even in different hospitals and teams. Although crucial advances have been made during the last decades, questions and debates still arise about the right doses to transfuse, the use of prophylactic or therapeutic strategies, the nature and quality of PC, the storage conditions, the monitoring of transfusion efficacy and the microbiological and immunological safety of platelet transfusion. Finally, new challenges are emerging with potential new platelet products, including cold stored or in vitro produced platelets. The most debated of these points are reviewed.
Topics: Blood Safety; Hemorrhage; Humans; Monitoring, Physiologic; Platelet Transfusion; Thrombocytopenia
PubMed: 30037501
DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2018.06.004 -
Early Human Development Nov 2019Thrombocytopenia is common in preterm neonates. Thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusion vary widely due to lack of evidence. The results of the PlaNet-2/MATISSE... (Review)
Review
Thrombocytopenia is common in preterm neonates. Thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusion vary widely due to lack of evidence. The results of the PlaNet-2/MATISSE Study identified harm in the form of mortality and major bleed in babies prophylactically transfused below a platelet count of 50 × 10/L compared to 25 × 10/L. Neonatal platelet transfusions are administered at volumes based on historical practice which greatly exceed those routinely used in adults. Rate of transfusion is also based around practice in trauma and does not take into account the physiology of the preterm infant. There are multiple ways in which platelets may be mediating harm and this review discusses these potential mechanisms including immunological, inflammatory and blood group incompatibility. Much of the difficulty in assessing harm relates to problems in classification of transfusion-associated adverse events in babies. Thrombocytopenia and timing, efficacy and adverse effects of platelet transfusion are poorly understood. Further research is essential.
Topics: ABO Blood-Group System; Blood Platelets; Blood Safety; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care, Neonatal; Platelet Transfusion
PubMed: 31488313
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.104845 -
Platelets Jan 2022The supply of platelets for transfusion is a logistical challenge due to the physiology of platelets and current measures of transfusion performance dictating storage at... (Review)
Review
The supply of platelets for transfusion is a logistical challenge due to the physiology of platelets and current measures of transfusion performance dictating storage at 22°C and a short product shelf-life (<7 days). Demand for platelets has increased in recent years and changes in the demographics of the population may enhance this further. Many studies have been conducted to understand what the optimal dose and trigger for transfusion should be, mainly in hematology patients who are the largest cohort that receive platelets, mostly to prevent bleeding. Emerging data suggests that for bleeding patients, where immediate hemostasis is a key consideration, the current standard product may not be optimal. Alternative platelet preparation methods/storage options that may improve the hemostatic properties of platelets are under active development. In parallel with research into alternative platelet products that might enhance hemostasis, better measures for assessing bleeding risk and platelet efficacy are needed.
Topics: Blood Platelets; Humans; Platelet Transfusion
PubMed: 34392769
DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2021.1961711 -
Hematology/oncology Clinics of North... Aug 2007This article provides guidelines for the appropriate use of platelet transfusions to reduce unnecessary transfusions, thereby avoiding transfusion-related risks to the... (Review)
Review
This article provides guidelines for the appropriate use of platelet transfusions to reduce unnecessary transfusions, thereby avoiding transfusion-related risks to the patients and the costs of platelet therapy. Platelet products available for transfusion are whole blood derived platelet concentrates and apheresis platelets. Leukoreduced platelets can be used to reduce platelet alloimmunization, cytomegalovirus transmission, and febrile transfusion reactions, while gamma irradiation prevents transfusion-associated graftversus-host disease. Other topics discussed are the expected response to transfused platelets and reasons for poor responses related to alloimmunization, underlying disease state, clinical conditions, and drugs. Appropriate transfusion guidelines based on pretransfusion platelet count, platelet dose, and whether the transfusion is prophylactic or therapeutic are outlined. Identification, prevention, and management of adverse consequences of platelet transfusions and platelet refractoriness are discussed.
Topics: Blood Grouping and Crossmatching; Blood Platelets; Cell Survival; Humans; Platelet Count; Platelet Transfusion; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 17666286
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2007.06.010 -
Transfusion Clinique Et Biologique :... Sep 2018Platelet transfusion in patients, particularly in onco-haematology, is frequent and can become chronic in some cases. Post-transfusion alloimmunization is often seen, in... (Review)
Review
Platelet transfusion in patients, particularly in onco-haematology, is frequent and can become chronic in some cases. Post-transfusion alloimmunization is often seen, in practice. The risk of this is significantly improved in multitransfused patients. Several classes of antigens binding on platelets (HLA and HPA) are involved and also red blood cell antigens (residual red blood cells in platelet concentrates). Platelet alloimmunization causes a poor transfusion response, refractoriness and, more rarely, post-transfusion purpura. In an alloimmunized recipient, the efficiency of platelet transfusion is based on the selection of compatible products. Significant technical progress means that several methods are currently available to ensure a good post-transfusion platelet count and a satisfactory clinical outcome for the patient.
Topics: Antibody Formation; Blood Platelets; Humans; Platelet Transfusion
PubMed: 29478960
DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2018.01.003 -
Platelets Jan 2022The neonatal hemostatic system is different from that of adults. The differences in levels of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors and the evolving equilibrium in... (Review)
Review
The neonatal hemostatic system is different from that of adults. The differences in levels of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors and the evolving equilibrium in secondary hemostasis during the transition from fetal/neonatal life to infancy, childhood, and adult life are known as "developmental hemostasis." In regard to primary hemostasis, while the number (150,000-450,000/µl) and structure of platelets in healthy neonates closely resemble those of adults, there are significant functional differences between neonatal and adult platelets. Specifically, platelets derived from both cord blood and neonatal peripheral blood are less reactive than adult platelets to agonists, such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine, collagen, thrombin, and thromboxane (TXA) analogs. This platelet hyporeactivity is due to differences in expression levels of key surface receptors and/or in signaling pathways, and is more pronounced in preterm neonates. Despite these differences in platelet function, bleeding times and PFA-100 closure times (an test of whole-blood primary hemostasis) are shorter in healthy full-term infants than in adults, reflecting enhanced primary hemostasis. This paradoxical finding is explained by the presence of factors in neonatal blood that increase the platelet-vessel wall interaction, such as high von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels, predominance of ultralong vWF multimers, high hematocrit, and high red cell mean corpuscular volume. Thus, the hyporeactivity of neonatal platelets should not be viewed as a developmental deficiency, but rather as an integral part of a developmentally unique, but well balanced, primary hemostatic system. In clinical practice, due to the high incidence of bleeding (especially intraventricular hemorrhage, IVH) among preterm infants, neonatologists frequently transfuse platelets to non-bleeding neonates when platelet counts fall below an arbitrary limit, typically higher than that used in older children and adults. However, recent studies have shown that prophylactic platelet transfusions not only fail to decrease bleeding in preterm neonates, but are associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the developmental differences in platelet function and primary hemostasis between neonates and adults, and will analyze the implications of these differences to platelet transfusion decisions.
Topics: Blood Platelets; Humans; Platelet Transfusion
PubMed: 34392772
DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2021.1962837 -
Hematology/oncology Clinics of North... Jun 2013Platelet transfusion therapy has become an integral part of the treatment of patients with hematological and solid tumor malignancy receiving chemotherapy. Since its... (Review)
Review
Platelet transfusion therapy has become an integral part of the treatment of patients with hematological and solid tumor malignancy receiving chemotherapy. Since its introduction almost 60 years ago, several advances and refinements have been introduced in the collection, storage, and administration to improve the safety and efficacy of platelet transfusion. This review summarizes the current practice and clinical approach to patients with thrombocytopenia. Existing evidence-based guidelines for appropriate platelet transfusion is reviewed.
Topics: Blood Platelets; Humans; Platelet Transfusion; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 23714315
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2013.03.004