[Guidelines based on scientific evidence for the application of platelet transfusion concentrates]

Platelet transfusion concentrates are commonly used to prevent and treat bleeding due to thrombocytopenia and abnormal platelet function. Although these concentrates are indispensable while safely conducting anticancer chemotherapy and surgery, their use may cause certain adverse effects, including fever, urticaria, anaphylaxis, and transfusion-related acute lung injury. In addition, repeated platelet transfusions may induce allogeneic antibodies, possibly resulting in platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR). Intrinsically, the use of platelet transfusion concentrates should be carefully administered and reserved to a minimum. This chapter introduces the guidelines based on scientific evidence for the therapeutic use of platelet transfusion concentrates, which The Japan Society of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy recently established.