Linear decline of corrected platelet count increment within 24 hours after platelet transfusion in haematological patients: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to prospectively explore the detailed longitudinal development of platelet increments in patients with chemotherapy-induced bone marrow aplasia during the first 24 hours after platelet transfusion.

METHODS

Patients admitted to the Haematology department during 7 months, and fulfilled inclusion criteria were divided into 4 groups: Group 1, patients with acute leukaemia; Group 2, patients after autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT); Group 3, patients after allogeneic SCT; and Group 4, patients given platelet transfusion prior to intervention. We used frequent blood sampling within 24 hours after platelet transfusion to investigate the kinetics of platelet counts following transfusion.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Fifty-four platelet transfusion occasions in patients with chemotherapy-induced bone marrow aplasia were included. The decrease in corrected count increment (CCI) 1-24 hours after platelet transfusions in all groups could be described as linear functions. For patients in the aggregated Groups 1-3, the decline was 2.0% ± 0.6% (mean ± standard deviation) per hour. For patients in Group 4, the decline of CCI was 2.8% ± 1.2% per hour. We found no differences between the groups, either in the rate of platelet elimination from the bloodstream or in the mean CCI, in the first 24 hours post-transfusion.