Thrombocytopenia Following Routine Blood Transfusion: Micro-Aggregate Blood Filters Prevent Worsening Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Low Platelet Counts

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Abstract
11 patients with anaemia and thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow failure each received 2 sets of red-cell transfusions. They were randomised to receive 1 blood transfusion through a standard 170-.mu.m giving set filter and another through a 40 .mu.m micro-aggregate filter. After transfusion, the main fall in platelet count was 15 .times. 109/l (41.7%) and 1.4 .times. 109l (4.6%), respectively (p < 0.01). The results confirm the findings of a previous study which showed that micro-aggregate filters prevent a post-transfusional decrease in platelet counts. In addition, this new study shows that this is clinically relevant in patients who are thrombocytopenic at the time of their blood transfusion.