Platelet Transfusion Efficacy in Critically Ill Patients

Between 10 and 15% of critically ill patients require platelet transfusion within their intensive care unit (ICU).

Platelets (PLT) are given to prevent bleeding in thrombocytopenic patients or to treat bleeding as part of massive transfusion or in bleeding thrombocytopenic patients.

International and local guidelines (American Association of Blood Banks-AABB) are mainly based on experts' opinion. The efficacy of PLT transfusion in the ICU setting remains poorly studied and unknown and the administration of PLT may be associated with adverse effects including an increased risk of hospital acquired infection. Finally, the short PLT shelve-life may be responsible for inventory issues. Altogether, this makes very important to improve the evidence that support PLT transfusion in ICU patients.

This is a multicentre prospective observational study that aims to first determine PLT transfusion efficacy and to identify the parameters associated with transfusion efficacy and to analyse the compliance with international (and local) guidelines of PLT transfusion in ICU patients.