Platelet transfusion practice during dengue fever epidemic

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Quality Assurance in Healthcare

Background:

• Blood components, particularly platelet concentrates, have short shelf lives and are often in limited supply.
• Appropriate use of blood components is essential to ensure availability for patients and minimize transfusion-transmitted risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a medical audit of platelet transfusion practices during a dengue hemorrhagic fever epidemic.
• To identify areas for improvement in blood component utilization and transfusion medicine.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of platelet transfusions administered to 208 patients during a dengue hemorrhagic fever epidemic.
• Review of patient records for information on platelet counts, active bleeding, transfusion indications, dosage, and post-transfusion recovery.

Main Results:

• Platelet count information was available for only 25% of patients.
• History of active bleeding was documented in only 31.2% of cases.
• Approximately 35% of transfusions were deemed unnecessary prophylactic measures.
• Inappropriate platelet concentrate dosage was administered in 89% of transfusion episodes.
• Post-transfusion recovery data was available for only 16.5% of transfusions.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights significant issues in the appropriate utilization of platelet transfusions.
• There is a critical need for developing specific transfusion guidelines and fostering collaboration between clinicians and transfusion centers.
• Regular medical audits are essential for monitoring and improving blood component utilization.