Canine platelet transfusions

To review potential platelet storage options, guidelines for administration of platelets, and adverse events associated with platelet transfusions. Data sources included original research publications and scientific reviews. Transfusion of platelet concentrates (PCs) plays a key role in the management of patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Currently PCs are stored at 22°C under continuous gentle agitation for up to 5 days. Chilling of platelets is associated with rapid clearance of transfused platelets, and galactosylation of platelets has proven unsuccessful in prolonging platelet survival. Although approved by the American Association of Blood Banks, cryopreservation of human platelets in 6% DMSO largely remains a research technique. Pre-storage leukoreduction of PCs has reduced but not eliminated acute inflammatory transfusion reactions, with platelet inflammatory mediators contributing to such reactions. Canine plateletpheresis allows collection of a concentrate with a high platelet yield, typically 3-4.5 x 10¹¹ versus