Adverse Events Encountered in Platelet Aphaeresis Procedure and Their Management: A Retrospective Study

Background: Platelet aphaeresis is an essential procedure, which meets the demand of single donor platelets (SDP) effectively. The procedure is well tolerated by donors with fewer side effects. Adverse events in Platelet aphaeresis have been reported from as low as 0.32 to 6.81%.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of present study is to ascertain adverse events observed in a large cohort of platelet aphaeresis procedures and determining management strategies to resolve them.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study, from January 2012 to May 2019 in Blood Bank, Department of Pathology, in a tertiary care centre in Central India. Donors for Platelet aphaeresis were selected based on the standard criteria of National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines 2017 and Platelet aphaeresis protocol. Leukoreduced SDP were collected by Haemonetics® MCS +, having Leukoreduction bag system. Adverse events encountered were noted and categorized.

Results: A total number of 1600 Plateletpheresis procedures were conducted to prepare SDP and transfused to 1054 patients. A total of 24 out of 1600 plateletaphaeresis procedures reported adverse events (1.5%). Donor related adverse events were 16 (66.6%), Kit related 4 (16.66%) procedure related were 4 (16.66%). Three out of 24 procedures were terminated prematurely, 1 due to severe hypocalcaemia (ACD effect) in donor and 2 due to bowl leakage.

Conclusion: Platelet aphaeresis is a safe procedure for donors if done expertly while exercising caution. Adverse events reported are minimal and manageable.