A randomized trial of platelet transfusions over 30 vs 120 minutes: is there an effect on post-transfusion platelet counts?

Objective:to determine whether platelet infusion time affects platelet counts in thrombocytopenic newborns.study design:this was a prospective randomized control study of 43 platelet transfusions given to newborns. transfusions were randomized to run over either 30 min or 2 h. platelet counts taken 30 min and 6 h after transfusion were compared using parametric, nonparametric, pearson’s correlation and logistic regression.result:changes in platelet counts 30 min and 6 h after transfusion were not different between the groups. weak but significant negative correlations existed between postmenstrual age and change in platelet count at 30 min (r=−0.33, p=0.04) and 6 h (r=−0.37, p=0.018) after transfusion. there were no differences between the mean blood pressures before and after transfusion in either group.conclusion:transfusion duration does not affect post-transfusion platelet counts in newborns. babies of lower postmenstrual age (pma) may have better responses to platelet transfusions. finally, platelet transfusions over both durations are well tolerated in neonates.