Abstract

Platetet containing preparations are used in the treatment of thrombocytopenia and - although more rarely - of impaired ptatetet function. It was the objective of this study to investigate the platelet function of preparations produced by whole blood fractionation (R-TK) and platelet apheresis (THK). We studied 12 apheresis concentrates (AS-104, Fresenius AG) and 12 random platelet concentrates produced from whole blood by means of component separation. We measured platelet activation, platelet reactivity according to the Grotemeyer method, a modification of the method by Wu & Hoak, ADP- and collagen-induced platelet reactivity and the platelet volume. Prior to blood donation the donors did not differ with regard to platelet function and platelet volume. The platelet reactivity in both platelet concentrates (p = 0.58) does not differ. However, in the R-TK the reaction to an ADP-stimulus is no longer adequate, here the increase in platelet reactivity amounted to only 10%, whereas in the THK it amounted to 107% (p = 0.0003). Consequently, the physiological reaction upon ADP is significantly reduced in R-TK. This correlates with the measured platelet volumes. The platelets in the R-TK with a MCV of 7.5 ± 0.69 fl are significantly smaller than in the THK with 9.8 ± 1.47 fl (p = 0.0002). This is mainly due to the fact that the large platelets with a volume exceeding 12 fl are markedly reduced (14.1% versus 7.1%; p = 0.001). According to our investigations a clearly impaired platelet function is found before transfusion in the R-TK.

DOI: Clin. Lab. 1999 ;45:623-626