[Reduction of the platelet transfusion dose and its effects]

In Korea, a platelet transfusion dose (TD) of 8 units of platelet concentrates (PC) is usually used. To minimize the shortage of blood products and transfusion-related adverse reactions, the TD has been changed from 8 to 6 units in 2006 in our hospital. Here, we analyzed the dose reduction effect on patients' platelet counts and transfusion frequency.

We compared the amount of issued PC, platelet counts before and after transfusion, post-transfusion platelet increments, and transfusion frequencies in patients who were transfused with 8 PC in 2006 and 6 PC in 2008.

Despite an increase in the number of admitted patients by 20% in 2008 with a disease distribution similar to that in 2006, the number of issued PC in 2008 was decreased by 26.6% compared to that in 2006. In 2008, post-transfusion platelet counts, pre-transfusion platelet counts in patients transfused with 320 mL whole blood-derived PC, and platelet increments in patients transfused with 400 mL whole blood-derived PC were significantly decreased. However, the mean transfusion frequency per one month was not significantly different, 4.3 times in 2006 and 4.7 in 2008.

By implementing a policy of platelet TD restriction, the amount of total issued PC was markedly decreased. Although post-transfusion platelet counts were decreased, the transfusion frequency in a month was not significantly increased. The restriction of platelet TD was helpful for increasing physicians' recognition of blood shortage while achieving similar transfusion effects. We conclude that 6 units of PC would be a better guideline for the platelet TD.