(P-TS-28) Effect of Cryopreserved Platelets on Blood Loss and Platelet Count Increment Compared with Standard Platelet Transfusion: A Systematic Review

Background/Case Studies: Standard platelets are stored at 20-24°C for a maximum of 5 to 7 days. Cryopreserved platelets (CPP) are frozen at -80°C with DMSO and can be stored for 5 years. Cryopreservation leads to platelet activation and is potentially a more efficacious product for actively bleeding patients. This review aims to study the comparison between CPP and standard platelets on blood loss and platelet count increment.

Study

Design/Methods: A comprehensive search via three databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase using PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Search criteria included clinical trials with the terms “cryopreserved platelets” that were published from inception to April 11th, 2023. The clinical endpoints extracted included blood loss, number of RBC units transfused and platelet count increment. Where needed, median was converted to mean using the quantile estimation method recommended by McGrath 2020.

Results/Findings: Four randomized control trials evaluating patients receiving CPP compared to standard platelets fit the inclusion criteria. One of two trials reported a statistically significant decrease in blood loss after CPP transfusion. One of three trials showed a statistically significant decrease in number of RBC units transfused after CPP transfusion. Two of three trials showed a statistically significant decrease in platelet increment after CPP transfusion.

Conclusions: CPP can overcome the issue of platelet dating and improve platelet availability, especially for bleeding patients. This is the first review to summarize the trials comparing CPP and standard platelets, and our review highlights the safety and effectiveness of CCP with important differences in blood loss and RBC unit transfusion. However, the findings are limited by study size. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess the use of CPP in clinical practice.

Importance of research: This is the first review of its kind assessing the effect of CPP on blood loss and platelet count increment. The review can help to stir up interest in CPP as an alternative blood product to standard platelets leading to more research in the field.