Multinational Analysis of Children Transfused With Pathogen Inactivated Platelets

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Pediatric Blood Safety

Background:

• Pathogen inactivated (PI) platelets represent an advancement in blood safety.
• The safety and efficacy of PI platelets in pediatric populations require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate transfusion reaction rates in pediatric patients receiving PI platelets versus conventional platelets.
• To compare the incidence of acute transfusion reactions between PI and conventional platelet transfusions in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, multisite study comparing two time periods: before and after widespread PI platelet use.
• Analysis of suspected acute transfusion reactions in pediatric patients (0-18 years) receiving platelet transfusions.
• Comparison of reaction rates between patients receiving PI platelets and those receiving conventional platelets.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the overall rate of acute transfusion reactions between PI and conventional platelets (1.0% vs. 1.1%, P = .803).
• A statistically significant reduction in mild allergic reactions was observed during the PI platelet period (0.2% vs. 0.7%, P = .018).
• Study included 3839 pediatric patients and over 7930 platelet transfusions across 4 centers in 3 countries (2013-2019).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric patients experience comparable rates of acute transfusion reactions with PI and conventional platelets.
• The observed decrease in mild allergic reactions may be linked to the broader use of platelet additive solutions.
• Future research should incorporate pediatric populations to fully assess PI platelet efficacy and hemostatic outcomes.