Effectiveness of preoperatively obtained autologous platelet concentrates in open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Autologous blood components have been widely introduced in open heart surgery. However, the effectiveness of autologous platelet products remains controversial. METHODS: Autologous platelet concentrates (PC) were collected from patients (n = 35) scheduled for primary valvular heart surgery 1 to 3 days before the operation and were transfused immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass. Blood loss and platelet-related factors were compared with the control patients who had no PC (n=35). RESULTS: There were no serious complications in harvesting, preservation, and transfusion of autologous PC. The maximal platelet aggregation response significantly improved after its transfusion and tended to be higher with autologous PC stored 1 day than with ones stored 2-3 days. Activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic factors did not significantly differ between the groups. Postoperative blood loss was significantly less in autologous PC group, and seemed to have a negative correlation with platelet aggregation response. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous PC can be safely prepared and are clinically effective in reduction of postoperative blood loss in open heart surgery.