A comparative study of the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma and fresh autologous whole blood on haemostasis after cardiac surgery.

The effects of fresh autologous platelet-rich plasma and autologous whole blood on haemostasis after cardiopulmonary bypass were examined in adult cardiac surgery patients. Platelet count, adenosine diphosphate 10 microM maximum aggregation rate and clotting Factor VIII were greater in the platelet-rich plasma group (n = 11) than in the whole blood group (n = 8) after platelet-rich plasma or whole blood reinfusion. Blood loss after heparin neutralization was less in the platelet-rich plasma group than in the whole blood group. Blood loss from heparin neutralization to 12h after surgery was correlated with platelet count, fibrinogen and ADP aggregation rate. The number of patients who required homologous blood transfusion was less in the platelet-rich plasma group. In conclusion, the reinfusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma improves haemostasis after cardiopulmonary bypass, and may enable surgery to be performed without homologous blood transfusion.