Clinical outcome of platelet transfusion using platelet-rich plasma-derived platelets and buffy coat-removed platelets in patients with dengue fever – A comparison

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Platelet transfusions are widely used to treat thrombocytopenia of various etiology. There are two different methods of preparation of platelet concentrate from whole blood: one is platelet-rich plasma method (PRP) and the buffy coat removed (BCR) method. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of patients with dengue fever transfused with platelets prepared by PRP method and BCR method. Methodology: A total of 100 patients with thrombocytopenia due to dengue fever were enrolled in the study, with fifty patients in each group. The outcome of patients transfused with PRP-derived platelets and BCR platelets was compared on the basis of absolute and corrected count increment (CCI), percent platelet recovery, and incidence of posttransfusion reactions. Results: The mean absolute count increment in patients who received BCR-platelet concentrate (BCR-PC) was 23,900/μl ± 7022.56/μl. The mean absolute count increment in patients who received PRP-derived PC was 18,910/μl ± 7482.42/μl. The difference was statistically significant with P = 0.001. The mean CCI of PRP group was 12,847 ± 5146.76 and in the BCR group, it was 12,897 ± 4266.82, and this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.957). None of the patients transfused with BCR platelets reported a transfusion reaction, whereas one out of fifty (2%) patients transfused with PRP platelets had febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction. Conclusion: On the basis of count increment, CCI, percent platelet recovery, and incidence of posttransfusion reactions, BCR platelet transfusions showed a better outcome than PRP platelet transfusions.