Impact of platelet transfusion on toxicity and mortality after hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation

Background Thrombocytopenia occurs commonly after hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) and is associated with potential morbidity and mortality. Few studies have examined the impact of platelet (PLT) transfusion on clinical outcomes in HPCT while optimal PLT transfusion strategies after HSCT remain uncertain. Study Design and Methods A retrospective single‐center cohort study was conducted on 522 patients undergoing HPCT between January 2002 and December 2007. Associations between PLT transfusion events and clinical characteristics with transplant‐related outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Mean number of PLT transfusion events before Day +60 posttransplant was 7.5 (95% confidence interval, 6.7‐8.4) with greater number of events after allogeneic compared with autologous HPCT (p