Transfusion of Fresh Platelet Concentrates to Adult Patients with Thrombocytopenia

Fresh platelet concentrates were given to 18 adult patients on 68 occasions without adverse effect. The concentrates were prepared by means of a closed‐system plateletpheresis technic which permitted rapid and frequent bleeding of donors. There was a direct relationship of the amount of platelets infused to the mean posttransfusion increment. Excellent hemostatic effect was noted in 84% of patients with active bleeding when the platelet increment was 40,000/mm 3 or better. Transfusion of large numbers of platelet concentrates is effective in controlling or averting bleeding in adults with thrombocytopenia and is recommended on a therapeutic and prophylactic basis.