title: An audit of the use of platelet concentrates in the prophylaxis of thrombocytopenic haemorrhage in a large haematology unit.
abstract: Platelet transfusions are valuable in the prevention of thrombocytopenic bleeding in patients undergoing chemotherapy for haematological malignancies. The commonly used threshold platelet count for transfusion of 20 x 10(9)/l was established in the 1960s when the clinical situation was very different from today. Review of the use of platelet concentrates in a large haematology unit showed lack of adherence to this threshold with the use of platelet transfusions at higher platelet counts. Major bleeding episodes occurred at counts above the threshold when additional clinical factors were operating. A lower threshold was therefore recommended and instituted. This resulted in a 20% reduction in the use of platelet concentrates with no increase in major bleeding episodes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, University College, Middlesex School of Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Kelsey
mesh_terms: D016913:Blood Component Transfusion / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008131:London; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D010976:Platelet Count; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications