title: Autologous platelet-rich plasma does not reduce transfusion of homologous blood products in patients undergoing repeat valvular surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients undergoing cardiac surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass frequently require transfusion of homologous blood products and, therefore, are exposed to the risk of transfusions. Autologous platelet-rich plasma administration may reduce homologous transfusion and attendant risks.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a blinded, randomized fashion, patients undergoing repeat sternotomy and valvular surgery received either a sham product (n = 28) or autologous platelet-rich plasma (n = 28) at the conclusion of cardiopulmonary bypass. Perioperative blood loss, coagulation profiles, and transfusion requirements were compared between the two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first 24 h postoperatively, both the platelet-rich plasma and sham groups received a median of 10.5 units of homologous blood products. Total median perioperative homologous transfusion requirements were 13 and 11.5 units for the platelet-rich plasma and sham groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in intraoperative or postoperative bleeding between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Autologous platelet-rich plasma did not reduce perioperative bleeding or transfusion requirements in repeat valvular surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Ereth
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Beynen
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Mullany
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Orszulak
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Santrach
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ilstrup
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Williamson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010949:Plasma; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures