Platelet Transfusion Practices Research Articles

Platelet transfusion practices among neonatologists in Saudi Arabia: A nationwide cross-sectional survey.

The etiologies of thrombocytopenia are highly diverse; however, early neonatal thrombocytopenia might be more common among extremely low-weight neonates. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the current neonatal platelet (PLT) transfusion practices in Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional online survey study that was conducted between October and December 2022. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants. In this study, we developed a questionnaire based on an extensive literature review to examine current neonatal PLT transfusion practices. A total of 81 neonatologists participated. The vast majority of them (85.2%) were practicing in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, with 60.0% of them reporting that they transfuse PLTs over 1 hour. Around 53% reported that they typically order 10 mL/kg per PLT transfusion. Up to 34.6% of the study participants reported that they use pooled whole-blood-derived PLT products in their practicing unit. Almost half (48.0%) of the study participants reported that they have written guidelines for PLT transfusion in their practicing unit, with 81.1% reporting that the PLT transfusion threshold was stated in the guidelines. Neonatal thrombocytopenia is typically treated with PLT transfusions. PLT transfusion criteria should be lowered in light of recent evidence suggesting that doing so may be counterproductive. However, there is some disagreement about whether a PLT count constitutes a medical emergency requiring a transfusion for a newborn baby. Furthermore, there is a great deal of variation in the administration of PLT infusions in Saudi Arabia because of the absence of clear protocols. Strict neonatal PLT transfusion standards and carefully planned clinical research are needed to address the risks and/or benefits of these diverse methods.

Patient-tailored platelet transfusion practices for children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) serves as cardiopulmonary therapy in critically ill patients with respiratory/heart failure and often necessitates multiple blood product transfusions. The administration of platelet transfusions during ECMO is triggered by the presence or risk of significant bleeding. Most paediatric ECMO programmes follow guidelines that recommend a platelet transfusion threshold of 80-100 × 109/L. To reduce exposure to platelets, we developed a practice to dynamically lower the threshold to ~20 × 109/L. We describe our experience with patient-tailored platelet thresholds and related bleeding outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated our platelet transfusion policy, bleeding complications and patient outcome in 229 ECMO-supported paediatric patients in our unit. We found that more than 97.4% of patients had a platelet count <100 × 109/L at some point during their ECMO course. Platelets were transfused only on 28.5% of ECMO days; and 19.2% of patients never required a platelet transfusion. The median lowest platelet count in children who had bleeding events was 25 × 109/L as compared to 33 × 109/L in children who did not bleed (p < 0.001). Our patients received fewer platelet transfusions and did not require more red blood cell transfusions, nor did they experience more haemorrhagic complications. We have shown that a restrictive, 'patient-tailored' rather than 'goal-directed' platelet transfusion policy is feasible and safe, which can greatly reduce the use of platelet products. Although there was a difference in the lowest platelet counts in children who bled versus those who did not, the median counts were much lower than current recommendations.

Assessing Donor and Platelet Transfusion Characteristics on Intracranial Hemorrhage Outcomes

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) patients require rapid treatment to reverse coagulopathy, which can help establish hemorrhage control and improve outcomes. While acute platelet transfusions are given in ICH to reverse platelet dysfunction, delays in administration of hemorrhage control therapies and platelet unit characteristics themselves may impact the efficacy and clinical outcomes in different patient populations. Thus, we sought to evaluate the relationship of platelet transfusion timing and platelet unit characteristics with ICH mortality. Methods: Available data for incident hospitalizations of adult ICH patients between 2019-2022 from 3 of the 5 participating sites within the multicenter REDS-IV-P network were assessed. ICH patients were included if they received ≥ 1 acute platelet transfusion within 48 hours of admission and presented with one of the following ICH etiologies: trauma (tICH), spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Patients with early withdrawal of care and death within the first 48 hours were excluded. Separate logistic regression models (each adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, and number of platelet transfusions) assessed the relationship of 30 day ICH mortality outcome with the following: a) time to initial platelet transfusion in hour quartiles: &amp;lt;2.7 hours [reference] vs 2.7-5.6 hours vs 5.7-14.5 hours vs 14.6-48 hours, b) any major ABO incompatible platelet transfusion versus identical or minor mismatch, and c) any donor-recipient sex mismatched platelet transfusion. Separate subgroup analyses were performed by ICH etiologic subgroups. Results: Amongst 619 ICH patients receiving an acute platelet transfusion, 52% were from tICH, 36% from sICH, and 12% from aSAH. Mortality was seen in 17% of the overall cohort. Longer times to platelet transfusion (longest quartile: 14.6-48 hours) were associated with mortality in the overall ICH cohort (adjusted OR 2.12; 95%CI: 1.10-4.12). In sICH, effect size estimates were notably greater with the longest quartile time to platelet transfusion also being associated with mortality (adjusted OR 4.66; 95%CI: 1.58-14.8). Longer times to platelet transfusion were not associated with mortality in tICH (adjusted OR 1.19; 95%CI: 0.45-3.15). Amongst 543 ICH patients with available donor-recipient ABO data, 32% received a major ABO incompatible platelet transfusion. While there was not an association of major ABO incompatible platelet transfusion with mortality in the overall cohort (adjusted OR 1.41; 95%CI 0.82-2.40), there again was a significant association of this exposure with mortality in the sICH subgroup (adjusted OR 3.06; 95%CI: 1.22-7.90). No associations of major ABO incompatible platelet transfusions were identified in tICH subgroup (adjusted OR 1.02; 95%CI: 0.49-2.10). We did not identify a relationship of sex mismatched platelet units with mortality in the overall ICH cohort or in any ICH subgroups. Conclusions: In our analyses of data available from the REDS-IV-P network, we identified a suggestive relationship between longer times to platelet transfusion and mortality, but not of ABO mismatch in our overall ICH cohort. However, sICH may be a specific ICH subgroup more vulnerable to platelet transfusion characteristics and practices, particularly time to platelet transfusion and major ABO incompatible platelet unit exposures. Further work is necessary to assess the generalizability of our data and to clarify whether certain adult ICH patients require specially tailored platelet transfusion approaches.

Patient Blood Management after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Pediatric Setting: Starting Low and Going Lower.

Despite the substantial transfusion requirements, there are few studies on the optimal transfusion strategy in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our study aimed to retrospectively analyze red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusion practices during the first 100 days after HSCT at the pediatric hematology/oncology unit of our hospital between 2016 and 2019, due to a more restrictive approach adopted after 2016. We also evaluated the impact on patient outcomes. A total of 146 consecutive HSCT patients were analyzed. In patients without hemorrhagic complications, the Hb threshold for RBC transfusions decreased significantly from 2016 to 2017 (from 7.8 g/dL to 7.3 g/dL; p = 0.010), whereas it remained the same in 2017, 2018, and 2019 (7.3, 7.2, and 7.2 g/dL, respectively). Similarly, the PLT threshold decreased significantly from 2016 to 2017 (from 18,000 to 16,000/μL; p = 0.026) and further decreased in 2019 (15,000/μL). In patients without severe hemorrhagic complications, the number of RBC and PLT transfusions remained very low over time. No increase in 100-day and 180-day non-relapse mortality or adverse events was observed during the study period. No patient died due to hemorrhagic complications. Our preliminary observations support robust studies enrolling HSCT patients in patient blood management programs.

A cross-sectional survey of platelet transfusion practices from a tertiary care center

Introduction and Aim: Platelets are precious blood components with a very short shelf life of only 5 days. Appropriate usage is essential for judicial utilization of these components. Blood utilization metrics help in assessing the demand and understanding the utilization pattern of blood components and in improving transfusion practices. This study aims to audit and evaluate the platelet transfusion metrics and to know the utilization pattern of platelet transfusion practices at our center. Methods: This was a retrospective observational audit conducted over a period of 6 months to evaluate the transfusion requests received for platelet transfusion and to understand the utilization pattern across various specialties. Results: Platelet transfusions were done only in about half the requests received 855/1543(55.4%) comprising 92% of Random Donor Platelet products and in the remaining Single donor platelet were transfused. The pre-transfusion platelet counts were documented in 1007(62.26%) of the request forms received. The utilization of platelet components was highest in General Medicine (29.6% SDP, 37.23% RDP) and Medical Oncology (40.8% SDP; 30.65% RDP). Conclusion: Training and education at regular intervals about transfusion guidelines is essential for improvement of overall patient management. A standby order for platelet transfusion requests in par with type and screen of red cell components may help in better utilization of this valuable resource.

Responsiveness to Platelet Transfusions in Pediatric Patients with Thrombocytopenia: Incidence, Clinical Variables.

Refractoriness to platelet transfusion has not been adequately studied in pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia. Our objectives were: (1) to describe the practice of platelet transfusion in pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia of various etiologies; (2) to assess the responsiveness to platelet transfusions and clinical variables affecting platelet transfusions response; and (3) to evaluate incidence of PTR. A retrospective study included pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia admitted to a tertiary children's hospital who received ≥ 1 platelet transfusion during hospitalization. Responsiveness was measured by corrected count increment (CCI), poor platelet transfusion response (PPTR), and platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR). A total of 334 patients were eligible for the study and received 1,164 transfusions, with a median of 2 (IQR: 1 - 5) platelet transfusions. Patients admitted with hematologic malignancies had the highest median number of platelet transfusions (5, IQR: 4 - 10). The median CCI of 1,164 platelet post-transfusions was 17.0 (IQR: 9.4 - 24.6) and the incidence of PPTR was 11.9%. Patients admitted with ITP had the lowest median CCI (7.6, IQR: 1.0 - 12.5) and the highest incidence of PPTR (36.4%, 8/22). Older age of platelet components, low doses of platelet transfusion, increasing number of platelet transfusions (≥ 5), splenomegaly, bleeding, DIC, shock, ECMO supported, and HLA antibody-positive were independent risk factors for PPTR. Finally, the incidence of PTR was 11.4%. Practical experience of clinicians regarding the use of apheresis platelets in pediatric patients is determined. Highlight that PTR is not a low probability event when apheresis platelets are received in pediatric patients.

A National Survey of Outpatient Platelet Transfusion Practice

Platelets are a limited resource frequently subject to inventory shortages. It benefits all to transfuse judiciously, according to evidence-based guidelines. Several organizations have published recommendations for platelet transfusions, but none specifically focused on outpatients. The Clinical Hemotherapy subsection of the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Transfusion Medicine Subsection Coordinating Committee conducted a survey targeting outpatient transfusions to understand current practice in the United States. To determine use of platelets in the outpatient setting, a survey was developed, piloted, validated, and distributed by email to 735 AABB members. Frequencies were calculated and free-text comments categorized. A total of 317 responses were received (43% response rate) from 44 states. Half the respondents' institutions have formal outpatient platelet guidelines. Slightly more than half the respondents (51%) with guidelines used a threshold of less than 10,000/µL when transfusing stable, afebrile outpatients, with 29% using less than 20,000/µL. Fewer than half (45%) monitored outpatient platelet use by prospective and retrospective audits, with the next-largest group (25%) using retrospective audits only. Approximately half the respondents had outpatient guidelines, and half used a threshold of less than 10,000/µL when transfusing platelets to stable outpatients. Greater adoption of this threshold and monitoring may improve the nation's platelet inventory.

Platelet transfusions and thrombocytopenia in intensive care units: Protocol for an international inception cohort study (PLOT‐ICU)

IntroductionThrombocytopenia is frequent in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and has been associated with worse outcome. Platelet transfusions are often used in the management of ICU patients with severe thrombocytopenia. However, the reported frequencies of thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion practices in the ICU vary considerably. Therefore, we aim to provide contemporary epidemiological data on thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion practices in the ICU.MethodsWe will conduct an international inception cohort, including at least 1000 acutely admitted adult ICU patients. Routinely available data will be collected at baseline (ICU admission), and daily during ICU stay up to a maximum of 90 days. The primary outcome will be the number of patients with thrombocytopenia (a recorded platelet count < 150 × 109/L) at baseline and/or during ICU stay. Secondary outcomes include mortality, days alive and out of hospital, days alive without life‐support, the number of patients with at least one bleeding episode, at least one thromboembolic event and at least one platelet transfusion in the ICU, the number of platelet transfusions and the indications for transfusion. The primary and secondary outcomes will be presented descriptively. In addition, we will assess risk factors for developing thrombocytopenia during ICU stay and the association between thrombocytopenia at baseline and 90‐day mortality using logistic regression analyses.ConclusionThe outlined international PLOT‐ICU cohort study will provide contemporary epidemiological data on the burden and clinical significance of thrombocytopenia in adult ICU patients and describe the current platelet transfusion practice.

Platelet Transfusion and Outcomes After Massive Transfusion Protocol Activation for Major Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Incorporation of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) into acute major trauma care has reduced hemorrhagic mortality, but the threshold and timing of platelet transfusion in MTP are controversial. This study aimed to describe early (first 4 hours) platelet transfusion practice in a setting where platelet counts are available within 15 minutes and the effect of early platelet deployment on in-hospital mortality. Our hypothesis in this work was that platelet transfusion in resuscitation of severe trauma can be guided by rapid turnaround platelet counts without excess mortality. We examined MTP activations for all admissions from October 2016 to September 2018 to a Level 1 regional trauma center with a full trauma team activation. We characterized platelet transfusion practice by demographics, injury severity, and admission vital signs (as shock index: heart rate/systolic blood pressure) and laboratory results. A multivariable model assessed association between early platelet transfusion and mortality at 4 hours, 24 hours, and overall in-hospital, with P <.001. Of the 11,474 new trauma patients admitted over the study period, 469 (4.0%) were massively transfused (defined as ≥10 units of red blood cells [RBCs] in 24 hours, ≥5 units of RBC in 6 hour, ≥3 units of RBC in 1 hour, or ≥4 units of total products in 30 minutes). 250 patients (53.0%) received platelets in the first 4 hours, and most early platelet transfusions occurred in the first hour after admission (175, 70.0%). Platelet recipients had higher injury severity scores (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 35 ± 16 vs 28 ± 14), lower admission platelet counts (189 ± 80 × 10 9 /L vs 234 ± 80 × 10 9 /L; P < .001), higher admission shock index (heart rate/systolic blood pressure; 1.15 ± 0.46 vs 0.98 ± 0.36; P < .001), and received more units of red cells in the first 4 hours (8.7 ± 7.7 vs 3.3 ± 1.6 units), 24 hours (9 ± 9 vs 3 ± 2 units), and in-hospital (9 ± 8 vs 3 ± 2 units) than nonrecipients (all P < .001). We saw no difference in 4-hour (8% vs 7.8%; P = .4), 24-hour (16.4% vs 10.5%; P = .06), or in-hospital mortality (30.4% vs 23.7%; P = .1) between platelet recipients and nonrecipients. After adjustment for age, injury severity, head injury, and admission physiology/laboratory results, early platelet transfusion was not associated with 4-hour, 24-hour, or in-hospital mortality. In an advanced trauma care setting where platelet counts are available within 15 minutes, approximately half of massively transfused patients received early platelet transfusion. Early platelet transfusion guided by protocol-based clinical judgment and rapid-turnaround platelet counts was not associated with increased mortality.

Platelet transfusion practice and related transfusion reactions in a large teaching hospital.

Platelet transfusion practice varies widely since many aspects of platelet concentrate (PC) use have not been definitively determined. The objectives of this retrospective study were to present platelet transfusion practice and evaluate PC and patient characteristics, as well as their association with transfusion reaction (TR) rate. Platelet transfusions over a 5-year period were analysed regarding PC characteristics (the ABO and RhD compatibility, product type, and storage duration), patient characteristics (most responsible diagnosis, age, and gender), and TR type. A total of 46,351 PCs were transfused: 76.4% whole blood-derived (WBD) and 23.6% single donor apheresis (SDA). Three thousand seven hundred seventy-six patients received platelet transfusions: 24.7% paediatric and 75.3% adult patients, 79.6% outpatients and 20.4% inpatients. As much as 63.1% of all transfused PCs were fresh (stored for≤3 days), 98.0% ABO-identical, and 87.3% of all PCs given to RhD- patients were RhD-. PCs were mainly transfused to haemato-oncology (76.8%) and cardiovascular surgery patients (6.5%). Overall, 84 (0.18%) TRs were reported, with allergic TRs (ATRs) being the most common. Although PC ABO compatibility and storage duration, as well as patient age and gender, showed differences in TR rate, only the use of PCs in platelet additive solution (PAS) showed a statistically significant reduction of TRs (P<0.001). Transfusion practice at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb resulted in almost all patients receiving ABO and RhD identical PCs, and most of them were fresh PCs. The most important factor affecting the incidence of TRs was platelet storage solution. The use of PAS effectively reduced the rate of TRs, particularly allergic TRs.

Use of platelet components: An observational audit at a tertiary care centre.

Background Platelets should be transfused appropriately, based on the cause of thrombocytopenia. The practice and policies of transfusion vary among institutions and even among clinical practitioners, leading to inappropriate use of platelets, which might increase the risk of transfusion-related complications to recipients, and lead to a shortage of platelets. An audit of platelet components helps to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of their use and in improving transfusion practices. We did an audit of the use of platelet transfusions at our centre. Methods We conducted a prospective concurrent audit of the platelet transfusion practices. The audit cycle had four steps: (i) defining the standards; (ii) data collection; (iii) comparison against the standards; and (iv) presenting them to clinicians for further improvement. Results Platelet components were used appropriately in 93.6% (2420/2586) of episodes. The platelet count was not done before transfusion in only 6.4% (165/2586) of episodes. The dose of platelets was given appropriately in 84.3% (2180) of episodes of transfusion. Indications for appropriate transfusion classified as pre-procedure, prophylactic and therapeutic transfusions were 11.3% (293), 66.1% (1450) and 13% (412), respectively. Medicine and medical oncology were the specialties with the highest level of appropriateness. Conclusion An audit of transfusion practices benefits transfusion services and clinicians in terms of judicious use of platelet components and better inventory management.

Executive Summary of Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Practice in Critically Ill Children: From the Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB).

Critically ill children frequently receive plasma and platelet transfusions. We sought to determine evidence-based recommendations, and when evidence was insufficient, we developed expert-based consensus statements about decision-making for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill pediatric patients. Systematic review and consensus conference series involving multidisciplinary international experts in hemostasis, and plasma/platelet transfusion in critically ill infants and children (Transfusion and Anemia EXpertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding [TAXI-CAB]). Not applicable. Children admitted to a PICU at risk of bleeding and receipt of plasma and/or platelet transfusions. None. A panel of 29 experts in methodology, transfusion, and implementation science from five countries and nine pediatric subspecialties completed a systematic review and participated in a virtual consensus conference series to develop recommendations. The search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, from inception to December 2020, using a combination of subject heading terms and text words for concepts of plasma and platelet transfusion in critically ill children. Four graded recommendations and 49 consensus expert statements were developed using modified Research and Development/UCLA and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. We focused on eight subpopulations of critical illness (1, severe trauma, intracranial hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury; 2, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery; 3, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; 4, oncologic diagnosis or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; 5, acute liver failure or liver transplantation; 6, noncardiac surgery; 7, invasive procedures outside the operating room; 8, sepsis and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation) as well as laboratory assays and selection/processing of plasma and platelet components. In total, we came to consensus on four recommendations, five good practice statements, and 44 consensus-based statements. These results were further developed into consensus-based clinical decision trees for plasma and platelet transfusion in critically ill pediatric patients. The TAXI-CAB program provides expert-based consensus for pediatric intensivists for the administration of plasma and/or platelet transfusions in critically ill pediatric patients. There is a pressing need for primary research to provide more evidence to guide practitioners.

Platelet transfusion practices in neonatology: A single-center observational study

Aims: Platelet transfusions are common in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), yet practices vary substantially. This study aims to determine platelet transfusion incidence, determinants, and justifications in neonatology. Methods: Single-center prospective cohort study, including all patients consecutively admitted to the CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital NICU over a 5-month period in 2013. Data were collected by chart review and transfusion justifications were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 401 participants were included. Mean birth weight (BW) was 2.34±1.01 kg and gestational age (GA) was 34.4±4.5 weeks. Thirty-seven neonates (9.2%) received at least one platelet transfusion. Platelet-transfused neonates were mostly extremely preterm (40.5%) or term (24.3%). The median pre-platelet transfusion count was 57 × 109/L (9–285 × 109/L). Compared to non-transfused patients, those who received at least one platelet transfusion had a significantly lower BW and GA, higher CRIB-II and SNAPPE-II scores (all p and#60;0.001) and were more frequently admitted for respiratory disease (p and#60;0.001), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (p=0.009), and hemolytic disease of the newborn (p and#60;0.001). Gestational age and#60;28 weeks (pand#60;0.001), mechanical ventilation requirements (p=0.008), and platelet nadir ≤150 × 109/L (pand#60;0.001) upon admission were independently associated with a higher risk of platelet transfusion in this cohort. Most frequent justifications for ordering a first platelet transfusion were low platelet counts (86.5%), underlying disease (78.4%) and illness severity (37.8%). Conclusion: Pre-transfusion platelet counts in neonates varied widely and were higher than the thresholds proposed in the literature. Several factors other than platelet count predicted risk of platelet transfusion in this cohort.

Association Between Platelet Transfusion and Mortality Rate Among Preterm Neonates in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background:Platelet transfusion is the main mode of management of thrombocytopenia. However, some studies link frequent and high-threshold platelet transfusions with an incremental increase of mortality rate.Objective:This study aims to assess the association between the frequency and the threshold of platelet transfusions, with the mortality rate among preterm neonates.Methods:A retrospective cohort study design was used. This study was conducted at maternity and children's hospitals in Al-Ahasa, Saudi Arabia. The sample size includes 154 preterm neonates, included in the study by the use of the convenience sampling technique.Results:There is a significant relationship found between the gestational age and the birth weight of the preterm neonates with the survival rates among both groups. In contrast, there is no significant relationship found between transfusion frequency, transfusion threshold, and the survival rates of the group which received platelet transfusion.Conclusion:The current study found that mortality is mainly associated with lower gestational ages, and not platelet transfusions. More studies are needed to fill the remaining gaps of knowledge, and to optimise platelet transfusion practices among preterm neonates.

Large Population Dataset Linkage to Understand Evolving Practice in Red Cell and Platelet Transfusion and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A 15-Year Study

Aim: Transfusions are frequently administered for anemia and thrombocytopenia in MDS. However, evidence to guide transfusion remains sparse, along with data about real-world MDS transfusion practices, transfusion-related outcomes and changes over time with increasing access to disease-modifying therapies. In Australia, from 2011, 5-azacitidine was funded through the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) for patients with IPSS classification intermediate-2 or high-risk MDS, or Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia-2 (CMML-2). Australian Patient Blood Management (PBM) guidelines were also first published in 2011. We aimed to characterise red blood cell (RBC) and platelet transfusion practices, and transfusion-related outcomes of MDS and CMML patients over a 15 year period, and explore whether access to disease-modifying therapies or the introduction of PBM guidelines impacted on transfusion requirements.Methods: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study including all patients with MDS/CMML admitted to hospitals in Victoria, Australia's second most populous state, from 2002-2017. Data linkage from the Victorian Admissions Episode Dataset (VAED) (contains data from all public and private hospital admissions in Victoria, including all transfusion episodes), the Victorian Cancer Registry and the Victorian Death Index was performed. We analysed transfusion episodes and outcome events (cardiac ischemia/failure, transfusion reactions, bleeding).Results: 6771 patients with a diagnosis of MDS/CMML reported to the Cancer Registry were included (5970 MDS; 801 CMML). The cohort was elderly (>50% aged 70y and over) and predominantly male (male 61%; female 39%). The majority of patients had a low number of comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Score: 60% low (0-2); 32% moderate (3-5); 8% high (≥6)).Of the 179 patients on 5-azacitidine, 38 (21.2%) commenced prior to 2011 and 141 (78.8%) from 2011 onwards. Patients on 5-azacitidine were more likely to be RBC transfusion dependent (TD) (defined as 2 or more RBC transfusions within 16 weeks) (77.7.1% vs 49.9%, p<0.001) and receive platelet transfusions (54.2% vs 28.6%, p<0.001).During the study period, the patients had a total of 142,765 hospital admissions. 66,068 (46.3%) admissions involved RBC transfusion, with median 3 admissions (IQR 1-10) per patient and median 14 days (IQR 14-33) between transfusions. 3433 (50.7%) of patients were RBC transfusion-dependent (TD). Comparing pre-and post-2011, the proportion of admissions involving RBC transfusion, median number of RBC transfusion admissions per patient, and rates of RBC-TD decreased (table 1). Cardiac events were common, and more frequent in RBC-TD patients (acute cardiac ischemia 14.6% vs 10.3%, p<0.001; acute cardiac failure 27.3% vs 14.1%,p<0.001).10,049 (7.0%) admissions involved platelet transfusion. Platelet transfusion admissions increased over time (table 1). Median time between platelet transfusions was 7 days (IQR 4-16). 2436 patients (36.0%) experienced bleeding, including 51.3% of platelet-transfused patients. The commonest bleeding site was gastrointestinal (n=1388, 20.5%). Intracranial bleeding occurred in 175 patients (2.6%). 300 patients (4.4%) died from bleeding complications, with higher bleeding-related mortality in platelet-transfused patients (7.0% vs 3.4%, p<0.001) and RBC-TD patients (5.2% vs 4.0%, p=0.001).Conclusion: This study highlights the high transfusion burden in MDS patients, and related adverse cardiac and bleeding outcomes and mortality. RBC transfusion requirements reduced over time but platelet transfusions increased. This may be related to changing availability or use of MDS therapies, or clinical transfusion decision-making practices, or both - although national PBM guidelines do not specify a particular hemoglobin threshold for chronically transfused MDS patients, clinicians may be extrapolating from recommendations for restrictive transfusion thresholds in other settings (e.g. critical care, perioperative transfusion). These data will help design future MDS transfusion trials, which should include quality-of-life and health economics outcomes, given the burden of transfusion on these elderly patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresShortt: Amgen: Research Funding; Astex: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wood: Amgen, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Sanofi, Takeda: Research Funding; Abbvie, Amgen, Antengene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Sanofi, and Takeda.: Other: The Australian and New Zealand Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR) has received funding from Abbvie, Amgen, Antengene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Sanofi, and Takeda. .

Retrospective Review of Transfusion Practices in a Single Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Compared to Recent Transfusion Guidelines

BackgroundPlatelet and packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion practices for preterm infants vary significantly worldwide. Recent randomized trials of preterm infants receiving platelet or pRBC transfusions have not shown any benefit with higher compared to lower transfusion thresholds. In the recent PlaNeT2 study published in January 2019, infants receiving platelets at higher thresholds had significantly higher rates of death and major bleeding. These findings raise concern about transfusing adult platelets into a delicately balanced neonatal hemostatic system with relatively hypofunctional platelets as a potential etiology of this multifactorial outcome. In this retrospective review, we aimed to review transfusion practices and outcomes, including thrombosis, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the University of Arizona, Tucson in comparison to the PlaNeT2 study.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, we reviewed the electronic medical records of all neonates born at < 32 weeks gestation in the NICU or transferred to the NICU within 48 hours of birth between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019, corresponding to one year pre- and one year post-publication of the PlaNet2 study. For each patient record reviewed, we collected demographics, reviewed whether transfusions occurred, and documented pre-transfusion hemoglobin, platelet count, international normalized ratio, fibrinogen activity level, and clinical outcomes. We recorded the number of transfusions of each product, clinical central lines placed, and imaging studies performed to detect thrombosis. These data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.ResultsThere were 127 neonates born <32 weeks gestation, all of whom were analyzed. Twenty-eight (35%) of neonates were born at <27 weeks' gestation and twenty-two (17%) were <1500 g at birth and were considered high risk infants. Seventy three percent of these patients were intubated at some point during their NICU admission. The majority of patients had bronchopulmonary dysplasia (63%). Ten patients developed necrotizing enterocolitis (7.8%), 28 had presumed or confirmed sepsis (22%), 52 had congenital heart disease (41%), and 12 had retinopathy of prematurity (9.4%).During the two-year period of this review, 60% of patients had at least one pRBC transfusion, 13% of patients had at least one platelet transfusion, and 6% of patients had at least one fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion. A total of 35 platelet, 370 pRBC, and 11 FFP transfusions were administered with a mean total of 3.3 total transfusions per patient. The mean and median pre-transfusion platelet counts were 79,300/uL and 52,000/uL, respectively. The mean and median pre-transfusion hemoglobin values were 12.1 g/dL and 12.2 g/dL, respectively. Only two of 35 platelet transfusions were given after the publication of the PlaNeT2 study in January 2019; however, both transfusions were given for neonates with pre-transfusion platelet counts >50,000/uL.There were no arterial or venous thrombosis events noted in our population even though 108 patients (85%) had a peripherally inserted central catheters for an average of 12 days, 32 (25%) had umbilical arterial catheters for an average of 7 days, and 66 (52%) had umbilical vein catheters placed for an average of 6 days.ConclusionsThe majority of transfusions given to neonates born at <32 weeks gestation at the University of Arizona, Tucson institution over a two-year retrospective study period were pRBC transfusions with an incidence of 0.6 followed by platelet transfusions (incidence of 0.13) and FFP. Platelet transfusion practices changed drastically following publication of the PlaNet2 study, with only 2 of 35 (5.7%) platelet transfusions given after the publication of this study. No thrombotic events were documented in the study population despite a high prevalence of central venous lines and a mean pre-platelet transfusion threshold of 79,300/uL. Transfusion practice guidelines can affect clinical practices in the NICU and can potentially minimize risks. Larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate risk of thrombosis related to adult platelet transfusions given to neonates. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A survey of US hospitals on platelet inventory management, transfusion practice, and platelet availability.

A survey of US hospitals was conducted to increase our understanding of the current state of platelet (PLT) practice and supply. The survey captures information on transfusion practice and inventory management, including stock levels, outdate rates, ability to return or transfer PLTs, and low dose PLTs. Notably, the survey also elucidates PLT availability challenges and impact to patient care. A 27 question online survey was distributed directly to over 995 US hospitals and indirectly through blood centers to many more between September 27 and October 25, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used for respondent characteristics. Bivariate analysis was performed and correlation coefficients, chi square tests, and p values determined statistical significance of relationships between variables. Four hundred and eighty-one hospitals completed the survey of which 21.6%, 53.2%, and 25.2% were characterized as small, medium, and large hospitals, respectively. Some key observations from this survey include: (1) there is an opportunity for greater adherence to evidence-based guidelines; (2) higher outdate rates occur in hospitals stocking less than five PLTs and the ability to return or transfer PLTs lowers outdates; (3) use of low dose apheresis PLTs varies; and (4) decreased PLT availability is commonly reported, especially in hospitals with high usage, and can lead to delays in transfusions or surgeries. This survey represents a comprehensive national assessment of inventory management practices and PLT availability challenges in US hospitals. Findings from this survey can be used to guide further research, help shape future guidance for industry, and assist with policy decisions.

Neonatal Platelet Transfusions: Starting Again.

Preterm neonates with severe thrombocytopenia are frequently prescribed prophylactic platelet transfusions despite no evidence of benefit. Neonatal platelet transfusion practice varies, both nationally and internationally. Volumes and rates of transfusion in neonatology are based on historic precedent and lack an evidence base. The etiology of harm from platelet transfusions is poorly understood. Neonates are expected to be the longest surviving recipients of blood produce transfusions, and so avoiding transfusion associated harm is critical in this cohort. This article reviews the evidence for and against platelet transfusion in the neonate and identifies areas of future potential neonatal platelet transfusion research.

British Society for Haematology guidelines for the management of adult myelodysplastic syndromes.

British Society for Haematology guidelines for the management of adult myelodysplastic syndromes.

The Epidemiology of Platelet Transfusions: An Analysis of Platelet Use at 12 U.S. Hospitals

Background: Platelet transfusions in the United States are increasing in sharp contrast to the marked decrease in red cell and plasma use. Understanding the epidemiology and clinical practice for patients requiring platelet transfusions, particularly in the non-oncologic setting, is needed to identify clinical needs or significant change in practice. Such information can be used to focus the design of evidence based studies to assess platelet transfusion practice and efficacy to areas of high clinical need.Methods: Patient demographics, laboratory and clinical data were extracted from 2013 - 2015 from blood bank information systems and medical records from 12 REDS-III hospitals (both academic and community) located in four states across the U.S. A patient encounter was defined as any inpatient admission or outpatient visit documented with a unique visit date and discharge date. A transfusion episode was defined as all platelets transfused within an 8 hour interval beginning with the first platelet dose transfused within any encounter. Pre-platelet counts are defined as the nearest count up to 24 hours prior to the first transfusion for inpatients, and up to 48 hours before for outpatients. Post-platelet counts are defined as the first count up to 24 hours after completing the last transfusion for inpatients, and up to 48 hours after for outpatients.Results: A total of 122,298 platelet doses were issued for transfusion: 74,721 (61%) were apheresis platelets; 47,577 (39%) were pooled whole blood derived platelets; 103,759 (85%) were for inpatients, 18,539 (15%) were for outpatients. For inpatient transfusions 54% were issued to the General Ward, 29% to ICU, 12% to OR, 3% to ER. One platelet dose was issued per episode 78% of the time, 2 doses in 17%, 3 doses in 3%, and 4 doses in 1%. ABO donor-recipient identical platelets were transfused 37% of the time. For selected ABO mis-matched transfusions, type O platelets were given to non-type O patients 8%, and non-type O platelets to type O patients 19% of the time. Cardiovascular, Hematology-Oncology and Gastrointestinal were the most common broad diagnostic categories for encounters. The top three primary ICD 9-10 codes for each of these categories were: Cardiovascular: coronary atherosclerosis of the native coronary artery, aortic valve disorder and intracerebral hemorrhage; Hematology-Oncology: acute myeloid leukemia without achieving remission, neutropenia NOS, and multiple myeloma with achieving remission; Gastrointestinal: alcohol cirrhosis of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver NOS and hepatic encephalopathy.For inpatients a platelet count between >20,000/µL and 50,000/µL was the most common pre-transfusion count (28% of all episodes) with similar results for general ward (29%) and ICU patients (35%). In the ED and OR a platelet count >100,000/µL was most common - found in 38% and 37% of all episodes. For outpatient transfusions a count of >10,000/µL to 20,000/µL was most common (25%). For inpatients post-platelet count increment ranged from a median of 12,000/µL to 23,000/µL with progressively larger increments seen with progressively higher starting counts (Table 1). For outpatients post-platelet count increments ranged from 21,000/µL to 27,000/µL (Table 1).Conclusion: The REDS-III data base provides a wealth of information to assess platelet transfusion therapy in the U.S. Transfusion of more than 1 dose of platelets per episode is uncommon. Transfusion of ABO mismatched platelets is a common practice. Cardiovascular and Hematology -Oncology patients are prominent users of platelet products. General Ward and ICU dominate the location for platelet transfusion therapy and have similar transfusion practice patterns. The common pre-transfusion platelet count of 20,000-50,000/µL is surprising (as this exceeds evidence based recommendations for prophylactic transfusions in hematology-oncology patients) with reasons unclear. Platelet count increments were also surprisingly low. These findings, particularly the high pre-transfusion platelet count, the poor platelet increments and the high number ABO mis-matched transfusions, highlight differences in real world versus controlled studies and provide epidemiologic and laboratory data to develop future research to improve platelet transfusion practice. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNess:Terumo BCT: Consultancy.