Effect on platelet properties of exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees C for short periods during storage at 20 to 24 degrees C.

BACKGROUND

When platelet concentrates (PCs) are shipped over long distances, it is not always possible to ensure that their temperature is maintained at 20 to 24 degrees C. In addition, PCs are not agitated as during routine storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Studies have been conducted to evaluate how exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees C in the absence of agitation influences properties of platelets. In initial studies, exposure to 4 degrees C for 3 or 5 hours or to 12 degrees C for 5 or 17 hours on Day 2 of a 5- to 6-day storage period was associated with a loss of discoid shape. This was reflected by slightly lower but statistically different morphology scores after storage compared to those observed with control platelets that were stored only at 20 to 24 degrees C. In addition, a qualitative difference in morphology was noted in controls and PCs held at 16 degrees C for 17 hours. In more detailed studies, both the in vivo viability and in vitro properties of platelets exposed between Day 1 and Day 2 to either 12 degrees C or 16 degrees C for 17 hours were evaluated. The protocol involved a paired study design (n = 4 for each exposure temperature) with the simultaneous storage of two identical PCs, one exposed to 12 or 16 degrees C and the other one maintained at 20 to 24 degrees C throughout the 5-day storage.

RESULTS

Exposure to 12 degrees C significantly reduced (p < 0.05 by paired t test) the in vivo recovery to 37.6 +/- 13.8 percent (mean +/- 1 SD) from 47.8 +/- 11.5 percent and the survival time to 2.0 +/- 0.3 days from 6.5 +/- 1.4 days. On exposure to 16 degrees C, the differences in viability from those of control units were much less but still significant. The in vivo recovery was 42.7 +/- 3.8 percent compared to 49.2 +/- 3.0 percent and the survival time was 3.5 +/- 1.2 days compared to 6.6 +/- 0.3 days. The loss of in vivo viability of the test platelets was associated with a loss of discoid shape, as reflected by morphology scores, extent of shape change, and mean platelet volume. In addition, platelet metabolism also appeared to be affected, as suggested by increased lactate production. All of the in vitro properties except for total ATP and residual glucose that were statistically different from those of controls on exposure to 12 degrees C were also significantly different on exposure to 16 degrees C.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that platelets undergo substantial changes in in vivo viability and in vitro properties when they are exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees C for short periods.