Increase in platelet count is not affected by the platelet yield of single donor pheresed platelets

Abstract

Objectives: To determine if the rise in platelet count after transfusion in neonates is associated with platelet yield of the pheresed platelet unit.

Study design: Cohort study of infants in a level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that received single donor platelets (SDP). Platelet rise in infants were compared between 3 groups: underproduction, destruction, and idiopathic. The main outcome variable studied was the rise in platelet count posttransfusion. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression.

Results: The gestational age was 28+/-4.5 weeks. The platelet yield was 4.2+/-0.7 (x10(11)) and resultant platelet rise was 71+/-58.6x1000/mm3. Infants with platelet underproduction (n=30) had a greater rise compared with infants with platelet destruction (n=51) after transfusion (95.3+/-58 vs. 59.6+/-57.5x1000/mm3, P=0.01). After controlling for confounding variables, there was no correlation between the platelet yield and platelet rise, but the etiology of the thrombocytopenia remained associated with increased platelet rise.

Conclusions: There was no association between platelet yield of SDP and platelet rise. Infants with thrombocytopenia related to platelet underproduction had a greater rise in platelets after transfusion compared with those with platelet destruction, independent of yield or volume of the SDP transfusion.