Prophylactic Transfusion Threshold Research Articles

Lowering platelet-count threshold for transfusion in preterm neonates decreases the number of transfusions without increasing severe hemorrhage events

Thrombocytopenia is common in preterm neonates and can be associated with hemorrhage. Most platelet transfusions are prophylactic. Previously, higher platelet-count thresholds were recommended for neonates, but this recommendation has been questioned in recent studies. In the PlaNeT2 trial, mortality and serious bleeding were more frequent in neonates with the highest platelet-count threshold than in others. Following this trial, we changed our platelet transfusion practice by lowering the platelet-count threshold for prophylactic transfusion from 50,000 to 25,000/mm3. We conducted a before–after retrospective cohort study to quantify the frequency of platelet transfusions and assess the new protocol by analyzing death and serious hemorrhage events. This retrospective monocentric study included neonates born before 37 weeks of gestation with platelet count < 150,000/mm3 during the 2 years preceding the new platelet transfusion protocol (high prophylactic transfusion threshold, 50,000/mm3) and during the 2 years after the new platelet transfusion protocol (low prophylactic transfusion threshold, 25,000/mm3). The primary outcome was the proportion of neonates receiving at least one platelet transfusion in both groups. We also compared the proportion of deaths and severe hemorrhage events. A total of 707 neonates with thrombocytopenia were identified. In the high-threshold group, 99/360 (27.5%) received at least one platelet transfusion as compared with 56/347 (16.1%) in the low-threshold group (p < 0.001). The groups did not differ in proportion of deaths or severe hemorrhage events.Conclusions: A reduced platelet-count threshold for transfusion allowed for a significant reduction in the number of platelet transfusions without increasing severe hemorrhage events.What is Known:• A recent randomized trial suggested that restrictive platelet-count thresholds for platelet transfusion could be beneficial for preterm neonates.What is New:• On lowering the platelet-count threshold for transfusion from 50,000 to 25,000/mm3, the number of transfusions significantly decreased without increasing severe hemorrhage events in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Association between the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and platelet transfusion: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is a lack of consensus on the management of thrombocytopenia in preterm infants, and the threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusion varies widely among clinicians and institutions. Reports in animal models suggested that platelets may play a relevant role in lung alveolarization and regeneration. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe respiratory condition with a multifactorial origin that affects infants born at the early stages of lung development. Recent randomized controlled trials on the platelets count threshold for prophylactic transfusions in preterm infants with thrombocytopenia suggest that a higher exposition to platelet transfusion may increase the risk of BPD. Here, we report a protocol for a systematic review, which aims to assist evidence-based clinical practice and clarify if the administration of platelet products may be associated with the incidence of BPD and/or death in preterm infants. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane databases, and sources of gray literature for conference abstracts and trial registrations will be searched with no time or language restrictions. Case-control studies, cohort studies, and nonrandomized or randomized trials that evaluated the risk for BPD and/or death in preterm infants exposed to platelet transfusion will be included. Data from studies that are sufficiently similar will be pooled as appropriate. Data extraction forms will be developed a priori. Observational studies and nonrandomized and randomized clinical trials will be analyzed separately. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (95% CI) for continuous outcomes will be combined. The expected heterogeneity will be accounted for using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis will be performed based on a priori-determined covariate of interest. In case of sufficient homogeneity of interventions and outcomes evaluated, results from subgroups of studies will be pooled together in a meta-analysis. This systematic review will investigate the association of BPD/death with platelet components administration in preterm infants, and, consequently, it will provide reliable indications for the evidence-based management of premature patients with thrombocytopenia.

How Low Can You Go: What Is the Safe Threshold for Platelet Transfusions in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Platelet transfusions play an essential supportive role in treatment of hematologic cancer patients who are predisposed to thrombocytopenia. However, the optimal platelet count threshold for prophylactic transfusion is unknown in sub-Saharan Africa. We sequentially lowered thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusion in Ugandan cancer patients and measured bleeding and adherence to these thresholds.Methods: We prospectively followed patients admitted to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) with a hematological malignancy from October 2014 to October 2015 in 3 sequential 4-month time-periods using incrementally lower thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusion: platelet counts ≤ 30 x 109/L in period 1, ≤ 20 x 109/L in period 2, and ≤ 10 x 109/L in period 3. Clinically significant bleeding was defined as WHO grade ≥ 2 bleeding. The number of platelet units that UCI requested and received during the study period was abstracted from the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service records. We used GEE to compare the frequency of clinically significant bleeding, platelet transfusions, and log10-transformed platelet counts by study period, adjusting for age, sex, cancer type, chemotherapy, baseline platelet count, and baseline hemoglobin. Cox regression was used to compare survival by period.Results: Overall, 188 patients were enrolled. The median age was 18 years (range 1-78), 26 (range 1-80) and 22 (range 2-75) in each period; 56-64% were male. Previous or current chemotherapy use was similar among the 3 periods and ranged from 39-45% of participants. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounted for most malignancies. Sixty-two patients in period 1 accrued 998 days of follow up, 69 in period 2 accrued 1300 days, and 57 in period 3 accrued 1047 days. The geometric mean platelet count x109/L was 36 (range 0-730) in period 1, 26 (range 0-723) in period 2, and to 21 (range 1-924) in period 3 (adjusted p = 0.55). Platelet transfusions were given to 42%, 55% and 45% of patients and on 65/842 (8%), 154/1268 (12%) and 84/1058 (8%) days for the 3 time periods. In adjusted models, period 3 had significantly fewer transfusions than period 1 (RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9; p = 0.01) and period 2 (RR=0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7; p<0.001). Most (54-60%) platelet transfusions were given as prophylaxis for low platelets only. The median pre-transfusion platelet counts x109/L were 10 (range 0-62), 7 (range 0-73), and 5 (range 1-35) for the 3 periods, respectively. The mean number of 60-80mL platelet concentrate units requested for the entire UCI per day was 17 for period 1, 21 for period 2, and 25 for period 3 but the mean platelet units received was only 5.8, 6.4 and 7.7, respectively.Among all days with platelet counts below the trigger threshold, platelet transfusions were given within 1 day of the low platelet counts on 29 (32%) days in period 1, 76 (46%) days in period 2, and 40 (34%) in period 3. Platelet transfusions were rarely given for prophylaxis when platelet counts were above the threshold, and the overall number of days that transfusions were given according to our defined thresholds was 132 days (68%) in period 1, 241 days (72%) in period 2 and 224 (74%) in period 3.Eighteen patients (30%), 23 (30%) and 15 (23%) had clinically significant bleeding on at least one day in period 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Of the 559 total days with bleeding assessed, clinically significant bleeding was noted on 45 days (8%) of 559 patient-days in time period 1, 72/809 (9%) days in period 2 and 38/755 (5%) in period 3 (p = 0.41 in adjusted analyses). Thirteen (21%) patients died in period 1, 15 (22%) in period 2, and 11 (19%) in period 3 (p = 0.72 in adjusted analyses).Conclusion:Platelet counts were low among UCI inpatients with hematological malignancies and platelet transfusions were given to nearly half of patients. Low availability of blood products likely hindered clinicians' ability to provide transfusions when platelet counts dropped below our defined trigger thresholds, but overall adherence was good. Lowering the threshold for platelet transfusion led to fewer transfusions and did not change the incidence of clinically significant bleeding or mortality, suggesting that a threshold of 10 x 109/L platelets used in resource-rich countries may be a safe level for transfusions in Uganda. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

How low can you go: What is the safe threshold for platelet transfusions in patients with hematologic malignancy in sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundDespite the importance of platelet transfusions in treatment of hematologic cancer patients, the optimal platelet count threshold for prophylactic transfusion is unknown in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsWe followed patients admitted to the Uganda Cancer Institute with a hematological malignancy in 3 sequential 4-month time-periods using incrementally lower thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusion: platelet counts ≤ 30 x 109/L in period 1, ≤ 20 x 109/L in period 2, and ≤ 10 x 109/L in period 3. Clinically significant bleeding was defined as WHO grade ≥ 2 bleeding. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to compare the frequency of clinically significant bleeding and platelet transfusions by study period, adjusting for age, sex, cancer type, chemotherapy, baseline platelet count, and baseline hemoglobin.ResultsOverall, 188 patients were enrolled. The median age was 22 years (range 1–80). Platelet transfusions were given to 42% of patients in period 1, 55% in period 2, and 45% in period 3. These transfusions occurred on 8% of days in period 1, 12% in period 2, and 8% in period 3. In adjusted models, period 3 had significantly fewer transfusions than period 1 (RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9; p = 0.01) and period 2 (RR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7; p<0.001). Eighteen patients (30%) had clinically significant bleeding on at least one day in period 1, 23 (30%) in period 2, and 15 (23%) in period 3. Clinically significant bleeding occurred on 8% of patient-days in period 1, 9% in period 2, and 5% in period 3 (adjusted p = 0.41). Thirteen (21%) patients died in period 1, 15 (22%) in period 2, and 11 (19%) in period 3 (adjusted p = 0.96).ConclusionLowering the threshold for platelet transfusion led to fewer transfusions and did not change the incidence of clinically significant bleeding or mortality, suggesting that a threshold of 10 x 109/L platelets, used in resource-rich countries, may be implemented as a safe level for transfusions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Restrictive Transfusions in the Era of Pathogen-Inactivated Platelets: A Single Center Experience

Introduction Blood management and infectious disease mitigation are essential for success with allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT). We sought to investigate the safety profile of a proactive infection mitigation strategy with the use of pathogen-inactivated (PI) platelets (PLT) during the alloSCT peri-engraftment period in the era of restrictive blood transfusion. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from patients undergoing alloSCT that received prophylactic red blood cell (RBC) and PLT transfusion triggered by a hemoglobin of 8 g/dL and PLT count of 15,000 PLT/mL. When available, PI PLT (non-irradiated) were used starting November 2016 until March 2018 (study timeframe). Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC). Patients characteristics and clinical parameters were summarized using mean and standard deviation or median and range for continuous data, and frequency and percentage for categorical data. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from day of transplant. A two-sided logrank test was used to compare across strata using p Results Sixty-eight patients received alloSCT. Median age at transplant was 55 years (range [R], 18-73). Peripheral blood stem cells were the graft source in all but one patient. Donor source was a matched related, 10/10 matched unrelated (MUD), 9/10 MUD and haploidentical donor in 30.9%, 44.1%, 2.9%, and 22.1% of cases, respectively. Myeloablative conditioning was used in 45.6% of patients. Indication for alloSCT was a myeloid or lymphoid disorder in 64.7% and 35.3% of cases. Median time to neutrophil and PLT engraftment was 12 (R, 10-35) and 12 days (R, 8-120), respectively. Pre-alloSCT RBC alloimmunization was present in 11.8% of patients. Cumulative incidence of grades II-IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 20.6% and 22.1%, respectively. PI PLT were used in 73.5 % patients. There were no cases of transfusion associated graft failure (GF) or GVHD. Bacteremia occurred in 10.0% and 22.1% of patients by 30 days and 100 days post-alloSCT, respectively, and were both associated with worse OS (both p Conclusions Restrictive prophylactic transfusion thresholds in alloSCT recipients is feasible. Limited PI PLT transfusion was not associated with transfusion-attributable GVHD, GF or infectious complications. Future prospective studies should determine the short term hemostatic efficacy and long term post-alloSCT outcomes with restrictive transfusion criteria in an era of expanding PI product use.

Severe Thrombocytopenia Does Not Increase Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Bronchoscopy

▪IntroductionProphylactic platelet transfusions are often performed prior to bronchoscopy or broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) to prevent bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients. There is a paucity of data to validate this approach, with a platelet transfusion threshold of <50,000/mm3 largely based on expert opinion. We conducted a retrospective study on the incidence of bleeding complications in thrombocytopenic patients undergoing bronchoscopy.MethodsWe identified 150 consecutive patients with platelet counts <100,000/mm3 who underwent bronchoscopy and/or BAL from January 2009 to May 2014 at our institution. Bronchoscopies performed in patients with frank hemoptysis and trans-bronchial lung biopsy procedures were excluded. Patient characteristics, underlying diagnosis, platelet count prior to bronchoscopy, administration of platelet transfusions and bronchoscopy details were recorded. Factors affecting bleeding risk including presence of renal dysfunction (defined as BUN >30 and/or Cr>2.0) and coagulation studies (PT, PTT, INR) were identified. The British Thoracic Society guidelines1 were used to categorize bleeding as a result of bronchoscopy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe median age was 59 years (range 27-90), with two-thirds of patients (63%) being male. One hundred and seventeen (78%) patients had underlying malignancy and 55 (37%) had thrombocytopenia related to malignancy. Fellows and residents under the supervision of a bronchoscopy certified attending performed all but 4 of the bronchoscopies. Infection (40%) was the primary indication for bronchoscopy with BAL performed in 127 (85%) patients. Fifty-eight of 89 (65%) patients with baseline platelet counts <50,000/mm3 received prophylactic transfusions compared to 8% of those with platelet counts >50,000/mm3. The platelet count did not rise to >50,000//mm3 in many transfused patients.Seventy patients (47%) had counts <50,000/mm3 and eighty patients (53%) had counts >50,000/mm3 at the time of bronchoscopy. 49% were receiving immunosuppressive medications, 45% had renal dysfunction and 8% had INR >1.5. Bloody lavage that resolved spontaneously without continuous suctioning (Grade 0) was observed in 9 (6%) patients. Bleeding that required continuous suctioning but then resolved spontaneously (Grade 1) was noted in 1 patient with a platelet count of 61,000/mm3. Of 10 total bleeding events, 7 occurred in patients who were intubated. Two additional patients with platelet counts of 30,000/mm3 and 53,000/mm3 had diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, which was present before bronchoscopy. “Old” blood and blood clots were observed in 6 patients.DiscussionThe low incidence of bleeding complications from bronchoscopy +/- BAL even in patients with platelet counts <30,000/mm3 (3 episodes in 31 patients, all grade 0) demonstrates that bronchoscopy can be safely done in severely thrombocytopenic patients. Adopting a lower threshold for prophylactic transfusions could save a considerable number of platelet units and translate into significant cost savings and decreased risk of transfusion-related complications.Table 1Platelet count, transfusion history and bleeding complications during bronchoscopyPlatelet count at the time of bronchoscopyNumber (n) and percentage (%) of patients who underwent bronchoscopyNumber of patients who received prior platelet transfusionBleeding during bronchoscopyn%0-15,000/mm396% (9/150)5Grade 0=1 pt16-292215%16Grade 0=2 pts30-391711%9Grade 0=1 pt40-492215%9Grade 0=3 pts50-754429%14Grade 1=1 pt76-1003624%10Grade 0=2 ptsTotal15063Grade 0=9 pts,Grade 1=1 pt.1.Du Rand IA, Blaikley J, Booton R, et al. British Thoracic Society guideline for diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy in adults: accredited by NICE. Thorax. 2013:68 Suppl 1:i1-i44 DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

An audit of platelet transfusion within the Wellington Cancer Centre

An audit of platelet transfusion was performed to assess adherence to local prophylactic policy and to assess if therapeutic transfusions were administered in line with international recommendations. A prospective audit of platelet transfusion therapy was conducted at the Wellington Cancer Centre in patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia over a 3-month period from 26 January 2008 to 30 April 2008. There were 398 episodes of evaluable clinical decision activity generated through either platelet counts <50 × 10(9) /L or platelet transfusion events. Each episode was assessed and defined as either adhering to or breaching the local prophylactic platelet transfusion policy. Thrombocytopenia and/or platelet transfusion occurred in 63 patients aged 16-84 years with either a haematological or solid organ malignancy. Decisions to withhold prophylactic platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenic patients adhered to policy for 99% of platelet counts <50 × 10(9) /L. Where transfusions were administered, 77% were prophylactic and 23% were for therapeutic indications. Prophylactic transfusions adhered to policy for 72% of platelet counts <50 × 10(9) /L. Adherence to prophylactic transfusion policy for febrile patients with a threshold of ≤15 × 10(9) /L was 84%, compared to 63% for stable afebrile patients with a threshold of ≤10 × 10(9) /L. Where policy was breached, in 80% of cases the platelet count had not reached the prophylactic transfusion threshold. Of the clinical decisions leading to therapeutic transfusions, 67% were deemed appropriate and predominantly a single adult therapeutic dose of platelets was administered. Where multiple doses of platelets were transfused, 86% of these transfusion events either breached policy or were deemed suboptimal management. The audit demonstrated a high rate of adherence to local transfusion policy. Where policy was breached, predominantly a transfusion had occurred prior to a platelet count reaching the pre-defined trigger. The use of multiple dose platelet transfusions was almost never appropriate. Educating staff in the use of a stringent transfusion policy may lead to reductions in platelet product use.

Indications for Platelet Transfusions: How Educational Interventions Can Improve Compliance with National Guidelines

Abstract 4331 Intro:Evidence-based guidelines are developed and promoted to help physicians implement best practice care. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) platelet transfusion guidelines changed in 2007 to a prophylactic transfusion threshold of 10, 000/μL from the previous 20,000/μL. We conducted a retrospective analysis at a metropolitan teaching hospital to assess how well physicians are complying with the new professional guidelines as well as the older, less stringent criteria to administer platelet transfusions. We then assessed the effect of an educational intervention on transfusion practices. Methods:All patients receiving platelet transfusions over a five-month period from Jan-Feb, and April-June 2010, admitted to the medical, critical care and cardiac services were reviewed. The medical record clinical indication was then evaluated against the ASH 2007 “Evidence-Based Platelet Transfusion Guidelines” (Slichter SJ. Hematology 2007): bleeding and platelets ≤50, 000/μL, pre-invasive procedure and platelets ≤50, 000/μL, prophylactic transfusion for platelets ≤10, 000/μL and WHO bleeding grade ≥ 2. We also assessed how the patients' clinical indication met the previous prophylactic threshold for platelet transfusion of ≤20, 000/μL laid forth by the landmark study by Gaydos LA. et. al. (The quantitative relation between platelet count and hemorrhage in patients with acute leukemia. N Engl J Med 1962).Following initial data collection, we implemented an educational intervention by giving a lecture, reviewing all indications for platelet transfusions, and distributing a pocket card to the house-staff on the medical wards in August, 2010. We subsequently gathered post-intervention data following the methods described above for four consecutive months from Sept-December, 2011. Results:Eighty-six patients on the selected units received a total of 241 platelet transfusions. Fifty nine percent of the time the patient's clinical indication failed to meet the currently accepted 2007 ASH guidelines and 37% of cases failed to meet even the older guideline.Eighty-one patients received a total of 237 platelet transfusions post-intervention. Forty-seven percent of the time the patient's clinical indication failed to meet the currently accepted 2007 ASH guidelines and 19% of cases failed to meet the older guideline.Table 1Percent Transfusions Meeting Guidelines. Corresponding p-values calculated using a Z-test with α = 0.05, Z critical value = 1.96.Old GuidelinesPre-IntervOld GuidelinesPost-IntervP-valueNew GuidelinesPre-IntervNew GuidelinesPost-IntervP-value63%81%0.0000048741%53%0.008 Conclusions:Based on the significant difference observed between the pre- and post-educational intervention groups, our initial study shows that updating physicians on current evidence-based guidelines for platelet transfusions is a simple and effective means to improve transfusion practices. Periodic educational interventions may prove to even further enhance physician compliance with up-to-date guidelines and we plan to implement additional educational interventions throughout the upcoming academic year. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Indications for Platelet Transfusions: How Well Do Physicians Comply with Professional Guidelines

AbstractAbstract 4402 Background:Professional, evidence-based guidelines are developed to help physicians implement best practice care. Unfortunately, guidelines are not followed. Platelet transfusion guidelines have recently changed to a prophylactic transfusion threshold of 10, 000/μ L from the older threshold of 20,000/μ L. We conducted a retrospective analysis at a metropolitan teaching hospital to assess how well physicians comply with the new professional guidelines as well as the older, less stringent criteria to administer platelet transfusions. Methods:All patients admitted to the medical service who received platelet transfusions over a two month period in 2010 were reviewed. These patients represented the following services: ICU, general medicine, medical step down, interventional cardiology, CCU, and the cardiac step down unit. The indication selected in the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system was compared to the clinical indication found in the patients' medical record. The medical record clinical indication was then evaluated against the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2007 “Evidence-Based Platelet Transfusion Guidelines” (Slichter SJ. Hematology 2007): bleeding and platelets ≤50, 000/μ L, pre-invasive procedure and platelets ≤50, 000/μ L, prophylactic transfusion for platelets ≤10, 000/μ L and WHO bleeding grade ≥ 2. We also assessed how the patients' clinical indication met the older less stringent prophylactic threshold for platelet transfusion of ≤20, 000/μ L laid forth by the landmark study by Gaydos LA. et. al. (The quantitative relation between platelet count and hemorrhage in patients with acute leukemia. N Engl J Med 1962). Results:A total of 108 patients received platelet transfusions; 29 were medicine patients to tally 95 platelet transfusions. The most common patient clinical indication was “platelets ≤ 20, 000/μ L without bleeding” (27%), while the clinical indication was not specified in 16% of cases. The CPOE documented indication coincided with the patient's clinical indication from the medical record in 23% of cases. Sixty five percent of the time the patient's clinical indication failed to meet the currently accepted 2007 ASH guidelines and 36% of cases failed to meet the older less stringent guidelines. Conclusions:A majority of platelet transfusions did not meet the current professional guidelines for indication. Our pilot study suggests the need for more physician education regarding evidence-based guidelines for platelet transfusions, and in a larger context, initiatives to enhance compliance. We are currently developing an educational intervention and plan to reassess compliance with indications pre and post intervention. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Platelet transfusions: trigger, dose, benefits, and risks

Over the last half century, platelet transfusion has been an effective therapy for the prevention and treatment of bleeding, particularly in patients with hematologic malignancies. Recent randomized trials have demonstrated that current practices may be suboptimal in a number of ways. The rationale for parsimony in the use of this powerful therapy includes previously described severe and fatal adverse outcomes (including refractoriness, hemolysis from ABO-mismatched transfusions, acute lung injury, and bacterial sepsis), newly described serious potential risks (including thrombosis and earlier leukemic recurrence), difficulty in maintaining adequate supplies of platelets, the need to place volunteer donors on cell separators to provide the product, and cost. Recent findings demonstrate that the platelet count threshold for prophylactic transfusion can be as low as 10,000/µL, and a therapeutic rather than a prophylactic strategy of transfusion for bleeding manifestations only may be equally safe for most patients. Another recently completed study suggests that very low doses of platelet transfusions (the equivalent of half a unit of apheresis platelets or two to three units of whole blood-derived platelets) are as effective at preventing bleeding as much higher doses. One question for which there are no randomized trial data is at what threshold prophylactic platelet transfusion should be given before invasive procedures or major surgery. The typically recommended threshold of 50,000/µL is based only on expert opinion, and substantial observational data indicate that this threshold leads to many transfusions that are likely unnecessary and therefore represent risk with little or no additional benefit.

Prophylactic platelet transfusion in children with thrombocytopenic disorders: A retrospective review

The safety of low platelet thresholds for prophylactic transfusions was retrospectively evaluated in 673 children with various thrombocytopenic disorders. In patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and X linked thrombocytopenia the threshold for the use of platelet transfusion was based on bleeding events rather than platelet count. In children with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia and Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, prophylactic platelet transfusions were used when the platelet count was ≤ 5000/μl in stable patients and > 10,000/μl in cases of bleeding or infections. The restrictive policy of platelet transfusions was shown to be proved safe in many thrombocytopenic disorders.

The platelet prophylactic transfusion trigger: when expectations meet reality

The platelet prophylactic transfusion trigger: when expectations meet reality

A Restrictive Platelet Transfusion Policy Allowing Long-Term Support of Outpatients With Severe Aplastic Anemia

The threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusions in patients with hypoplastic thrombopenia generally recommended in the standard literature is 20,000 platelets/microL. A more restrictive transfusion policy may be indicated in patients with chronic severe aplastic anemia (SAA) in need of long-term platelet support. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of a policy with low thresholds for prophylactic transfusions (</=5,000 platelets/microL in stable patients; 6,000 to 10,000 platelets/microL in cases with fever and/or hemorrhagic signs) combined with progressive lengthening of transfusion intervals (up to at least 7 days irrespective of the interim course of platelet counts). The study was based on a retrospective analysis of a total of 18,706 patient days with platelet counts </=10,000/microL in patients with chronic SAA treated (for more than 3 months) on an outpatient basis. Altogether, 1,135 platelet transfusions were given, 88% at counts </=10, 000/microL and 57% at counts </=5,000/microL. The mean transfusion interval was 10 days. During the period of observation, three major nonlethal bleeding complications occurred, which could be well controlled. We conclude that the restrictive policy with low transfusion thresholds and prolonged transfusion intervals proved feasible and safe in chronic SAA patients.

A Restrictive Platelet Transfusion Policy Allowing Long-Term Support of Outpatients With Severe Aplastic Anemia

AbstractThe threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusions in patients with hypoplastic thrombopenia generally recommended in the standard literature is 20,000 platelets/μL. A more restrictive transfusion policy may be indicated in patients with chronic severe aplastic anemia (SAA) in need of long-term platelet support. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of a policy with low thresholds for prophylactic transfusions (≤5,000 platelets/μL in stable patients; 6,000 to 10,000 platelets/μL in cases with fever and/or hemorrhagic signs) combined with progressive lengthening of transfusion intervals (up to at least 7 days irrespective of the interim course of platelet counts). The study was based on a retrospective analysis of a total of 18,706 patient days with platelet counts ≤10,000/μL in patients with chronic SAA treated (for more than 3 months) on an outpatient basis. Altogether, 1,135 platelet transfusions were given, 88% at counts ≤10,000/μL and 57% at counts ≤5,000/μL. The mean transfusion interval was 10 days. During the period of observation, three major nonlethal bleeding complications occurred, which could be well controlled. We conclude that the restrictive policy with low transfusion thresholds and prolonged transfusion intervals proved feasible and safe in chronic SAA patients.

Difficulties in Determining Prophylactic Transfusion Thresholds of Platelets in Leukemia Patients

To the Editor: It was recently pointed out that platelet transfusion thresholds of 10,000 platelets/μL, as opposed to 20,000/μL, reduce platelet transfusions by approximately 20% in leukemic patients without increasing any major risk of bleeding.[1][1]Others[2][2] [3][3] have suggested that an

Safety of stringent prophylactic platelet transfusion policy for patients with acute leukaemia

Early studies suggested that the risk of haemorrhagic complications become unacceptable when platelet counts drop below 20 × 109/l. Because there are insufficient data to define 20 x 109/l as the threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusions, the practicability of a more restrictive transfusion policy has been assessed prospectively in 102 consecutive patients being treated for acute leukaemia. Besides platelet count, the transfusion protocol took into consideration factors such as presence of bleeding, fever, coagulation disorders, and intention to do therapeutic procedures. 31 major bleeding episodes occurred on 1·9% of the study days when platelet counts were 10 × 109/l or less and on 0·07% of study days when counts were 10-20 × 109/l. The findings indicate that the threshold for prophylactic transfusions can safely be set at 5 × 109/l in patients without fever or bleeding manifestations and at 10 × 109/l in patients with such signs. For patients with coagulation disorders or anatomical lesions, or for those on heparin, the threshold should be at least 20 × 109/l. Such a restrictive platelet transfusion policy, which is applicable not only to thrombocytopenia associated with acute leukaemia but also to other forms of hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia, reduces exposure of such patients to blood donors and results in substantial health-care savings.