Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights the recent research on the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions, which is a topic that still provokes controversy. Over the last 12 months, there have been several studies with important new findings. RECENT FINDINGS: Two randomized controlled trials compared different doses of prophylactic platelet transfusions in patients with haematological malignancies. In neonates, platelet mass has been used as a trigger for prophylactic platelet transfusions rather than the morning platelet count; and interim results of a therapeutic vs. a prophylactic platelet-transfusion strategy in acute myeloblastic leukaemia have been published. SUMMARY: Low-dose prophylactic platelet transfusions are as effective in the prevention of bleeding as high-dose platelets. Fewer platelets were transfused but more frequent transfusions were required. Platelet mass as a transfusion trigger led to a lower prophylactic platelet requirement and did not increase the risk of bleeding in thrombocytopenic neonates. The interim results of the trial of a therapeutic vs. a prophylactic transfusion strategy were unable to provide any firm conclusion about their relative effectiveness and further information is required from ongoing trials.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/MOH.0b013e32833c07e8

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Opin Hematol

Publication Date

09/2010

Volume

17

Pages

411 - 417

Keywords

Hemorrhage, Humans, Platelet Count, Platelet Transfusion, Thrombocytopenia