Evaluation of activated plasma clotting time test on prophylactic platelet transfusions

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical values of activated plasma clotting time test (APCT) on prophylactic platelet transfusions.Methods One hundred and fifty patients with platelet couts ＜ 50 ×10 9/L,42 of 150 patients with bleeding symptoms (petechiae,epistaxis)and 108 patients without,were involved in the test.Draw their venous blood and collected in sodium citrate,the platelet count and APCT test were performed.Results APCT in bleeding group was obviously prolonged contrast to the non-bleeding group's.Platelet count and APCT of the bleeding group and the nonbleeding group were (9±4) x 109/L,( 102±7) s and (24±11)×109/L,(68±9) s,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P＜0.01 ).The APCT was better than PLT for predicting the bleeding due to thrombocytopenia.Using APCT≥92 s as the cut-off point for prophylactic platelet transfusion would accurately predict major bleeding due to thrombocytopenia.Conclusions APCT is a good predictor of prophylactic platelet transfusion.APCT≥92 s as trigger is safety and less cost. Key words: Activated plasma clotting time test ; Prophylactic platelet transfusion