Increased platelet-leucocyte complexes do not result in coagulation activation in plateletpheresis donors.

Abstract

Although plateletpheresis donation is commonly accepted as a safe procedure, its influence on platelet function, coagulation system and fibrinolysis is not completely elucidated. In this study, we tried to assess the effects of plateletpheresis on donor's hemostasis system by measuring platelet activation, development of platelet-leukocyte aggregates, and coagulation activation. Prospective observational study. We used flow cytometry to determine the levels of platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC) and platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNC). sP-selectin and prothrombin fragment (PF) 1 + 2 values were determined by ELISA. The PMC levels increased significantly seven days after apheresis in comparison with just after apheresis and 24 h after apheresis (p < 0.05). The PNC levels increased significantly seven days after apheresis compared to immediately after apheresis (p < 0.05). sP-selectin values decreased significantly immediately after apheresis (p < 0.05). While sP-selectin values increased seven days after apheresis in comparison with immediately after apheresis and 24 h after apheresis, but there were not statistically significant differences for sP-selectin levels (p > 0.05). PF1 + 2 levels decreased significantly immediately after apheresis compared to pre-apheresis (p < 0.05) and increased 24 h after apheresis and seven days after apheresis, but these differences were not statistically significant. We concluded that plateletpheresis affects platelet activation but does not cause any change in coagulation activation.