Isolated platelet concentrate transfusion during surgery: a single‐center observational cohort study. Issue 5 (29th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anders, Megan; Rock, Peter; Cartron, Alex; Chow, Jonathan; Henderson, Reney; Martz, Douglas; Tanaka, Kenichi; Mazzeffi, Michael
• Is Part Of: Transfusion. Volume 59:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 1661
• Page End: 1666
• Publication Date: 2019-01-29
• Subjects: Hematology -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Blood Group Antigens -- Periodicals; Blood Preservation -- Periodicals; Blood Transfusion -- Periodicals; 615
• DOI: 10.1111/trf.15156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1132

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: Surgical patients receive platelet concentrates (PCs) for a variety of indications. However, there is limited evidence for efficacy or dosing of PCs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of surgical patients receiving isolated PC transfusion at a single academic tertiary medical center during 1 year. The primary outcome was reoperation for a bleeding complication. Bleeding complication rates were compared in patients transfused for different indications, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with bleeding complications. RESULTS: Approximately 1% of surgical patients (n = 205), including 7% of cardiac surgery patients, received an isolated PC transfusion. Cardiac surgery patients accounted for 47% of isolated PC transfusions, followed by neurosurgery (19%) and gastrointestinal surgery (13%). Most patients (81%) received a single apheresis unit of PC. Common indications were antiplatelet drugs (50%), thrombocytopenia (19%), congenital platelet disorders (2%), and both thrombocytopenia and antiplatelet drugs (12%). Bleeding complications occurred in 23% of patients, with the lowest bleeding complication rate observed in patients transfused for antiplatelet drugs (13%) and the highest rate in patients transfused for thrombocytopenia with or without antiplatelet drugs (40% and 38%, respectively). Bleeding complications were more common in noncardiac surgery but had no association with transfusion indication. CONCLUSION: Despite transfusion for conventionally accepted indications, patients who received an isolated PC transfusion experienced a high rate of bleeding complications, particularly noncardiac surgery patients. Further studies are needed to establish optimal dosing, timing, and indications for perioperative PC transfusion.