Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Major ABO-Incompatible Platelet Transfusions Are Associated With Brain Ischemia After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Fernanda Carvalho Poyraz1,2, Mohamed Ridha1,3, Marialaura Simonetto1
1Department of Neurology (F.C.P., M.R., M.S., A.K., S.G., S.A., S.P., J.C., D.J.R.), Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
Background:
Major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions are associated with poor intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes, yet drivers for this relationship remain unclear. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ischemic lesions after ICH are neuroimaging biomarkers of secondary brain injury and are associated with poor outcomes. Given that ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions can induce immune complex formation, thrombo-inflammation, and endothelial barrier disruption, factors that could exacerbate cerebral ischemia, we explored whether major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions are risk factors for ischemic lesions on brain MRI after ICH.
Methods:
Adult patients admitted to a tertiary-care academic center between 2009 and 2016 who received a single-platelet transfusion within 24 hours of admission after an ICH, had available donor/recipient ABO data, and brain MRI during the hospitalization were analyzed. Adjusted regression models evaluated relationships between major ABO-incompatible platelet units and MRI ischemic lesions.
Results:
A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 67.1 (SD, 14.1), and 37.5% were female. Twenty percent of patients received a major ABO-incompatible platelet unit. Major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions were associated with increased odds of MRI ischemic lesions after adjusting for ICH severity (adjusted odds ratio, 9.2 [95% CI, 1.3-62.7]).
Conclusions:
Our exploratory findings suggest that major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions may contribute to secondary brain injury after ICH. Further work is needed to assess whether avoiding major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions can prevent secondary brain injury burden and improve ICH outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...