Adverse Events Associated with Plateletpheresis Procedures: Prevalence and Predictors

Plateletpheresis is generally well tolerated, but identifying associated adverse reactions and their contributing factors is essential. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of adverse reactions in plateletpheresis donors. An observational study was conducted from Jan 2022 to Dec 2023 in the Department of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology (BT&IH). A total of 2011 plateletpheresis procedures were performed and donors were selected according to the guidelines laid down by Drug and Cosmetic Act. Donors demographic details such as age, gender, and plateletpheresis procedure details such as blood volume processed, amount of anticoagulant were recorded. The adverse events occurring during or after the procedures were classified as Citrate reactions, Vasovagal Reactions and Hematoma. Of all 2011 Plateletpheresis procedures 133 (6.6%) developed adverse reactions. The rate of Citrate Reactions was 84 (4.2%), Vasovagal Reaction 24 (1.2%), Hematoma 18 (0.9%) and Citrate Reactions plus Vasovagal Reaction 7 (0.3%). Out of the four independent variables only Acid citrate dextrose infusion made a statistically significant contribution to the model which had an odds ratio 4.95. The low prevalence of usually mild adverse events indicates that the procedure is generally safe and well tolerated. The only significant predictive factor for adverse donor reactions during plateletpheresis was infusion of more than 250 ml of Acid citrate dextrose to donor.