The Effects of Platelet Transfusions Evaluated Using Rotational Thromboelastometry

In Brief BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the immediate effects of platelet transfusion on whole blood coagulation. METHODS: Ten thrombocytopenic patients given a single unit platelet transfusion of 200–300 × 109 platelets had their coagulation status assessed before and immediately after transfusion using rotational thromboelastometry. RESULTS: Transfusion increased the median platelet count from 31.5 to 43.5 × 109/L. Clot formation time decreased by 32% (P = 0.005), whereas maximum clot strength increased by 47% (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Statistically significant improvements in rotational thromboelastometry-measured parameters were observed in association with a mean increase of 12 × 109/L in platelet count after platelet transfusion in these patients. IMPLICATIONS: Platelet transfusions given to thrombocytopenic patients have an immediate effect on whole blood coagulation, measured using rotational thromboelastometry.