Giant Platelets in Platelet Donors - A Blessing in Disguise?
BACKGROUND
Inherited thrombocytopenias, including inherited giant platelet disorders (IGPD) are relatively rare, but their prevalence is probably underestimated. Harris platelet syndrome, the most common IGPD reported from Indian subcontinent, mostly from eastern part, is characterised by a low platelet count, high mean platelet volume (MPV) and absence of bleeding.


OBJECTIVE
A short study was conducted to assess the prevalence of giant platelets in voluntary donors of single donor platelets (SDP) and analyse the effect of transfusion of such SDPs in patients.


METHODS
Voluntary donors of SDPs were screened as per standard guidelines prior to the procedure. A complete blood count (including MPV) along with a peripheral smear was done. A total of 45 donors were screened for plateletpheresis. Following plateletpheresis from these donors, a platelet count from the collection bag was done after one hour. The SDP was transfused as a single unit or divided into two and transfused to the same patient at two different occasions, as per clinical need. Platelet counts on pateints were done after one hour and the platelet recovery was noted.


RESULTS
Out of the 45 donors who were screened, 30 (66.67%) were found to have giant platelets. It was observed that the pre procedure platelet counts in donors having giant platelets were relatively low (1.5 -1.7 lacs) and so also the platelet yield (2.7-3x10(11)) compared to donors who did not, but the post transfusion platelet recovery was greater.


CONCLUSIONS
Since presence of giant platelets has been seen to be common in the Eastern part of India, a peripheral smear examination should always be considered during screening of plateletpheresis donors to avoid rejecting donors with giant platelets whose platelet counts are given falsely low by autoanalysers.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and In Charge Transfusion Medicine, IQ City Medical College , Durgapur, West Bengal, India .
Asitava Deb
AD
Roy
Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute , Gurgaon, Haryana, India .
Nabajyoti
N
Choudhury
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, IQ City Medical College , Durgapur, West Bengal, India .
Deepanjan
D
Ray
Apheresis donors