Impact of pathogen reduction technology and storage in platelet additive solutions on platelet function.

BACKGROUND

There are limited studies on the effect of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) on platelet (PLT) products stored in PLT additive solutions (PASs). Our study has evaluated the effect of Mirasol PRT (CaridianBCT) followed by storage in PASs (PAS-III or PAS-IIIM) on analytical and functional characteristics of PLT concentrates (PCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

PCs obtained by apheresis were divided into: 1) untreated and stored in plasma (CON-PPP); 2) untreated and stored in PAS (CON-PASIII and CON-PASIIIM); and 3) subjected to PRT and stored in PAS (PRT-PASIII and PRT-PASIIIM). Cell quality variables (pH, swirl, lactate, and glucose), flow cytometry analysis, and adhesive and aggregating functions using a perfusion system were assessed on Days 0, 3, 5, and 7.

RESULTS

All the groups showed a progressive reduction in cell quality variables during storage. Swirl was progressively reduced and better maintained in CON-PPP. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a moderate reduction in glycoprotein Ib for all study groups on Day 7, being less evident in CON-PPP. A progressive increase in P-selectin levels was observed during storage. Perfusion studies demonstrated that PRT-treated PCs stored in PAS presented similar reactivity with subendothelium than that observed for untreated PCs stored in plasma or in PAS for Day 5. Moderate reductions in cohesive properties in PRT-PASIII PCs, but not in PRT-PASIIIM PCs, were observed after 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

PLT properties were preserved in PRT-treated concentrates stored in PAS for 5 days. PASIIIM provides a better preservation of adhesive and cohesive functions of PRT-PCs than PASIII for 7 days of storage. The relevance of in vitro data deserves further clinical investigations.