Status of platelet transfusion practice in Akita University Hospital.

This study evaluated the status of the use of platelet concentrate supplied from the Japan Red Cross blood center from April, 1989 to December, 1993. The units of platelet concentrate supplied were significantly increased in recent 2 years. The percentage of platelet concentrate products procured by apheresis was more supplied in 1993. The percentage of the patients who received only 1 or 2 unit product of platelet concentrate was approximately 40% until February, 1993, however, the number of patients receiving only more than 5 unit product of platelet concentrate was being increased since May, 1993. In addition, the number of donors transfused to the patient was significantly decreased to 2.13-3.71 donor number/patient in recent several months. Fifty four percent of the patients and 84% of the units transfused were for those with hematological diseases for which frequent platelet transfusion was performed. In hematological disease patients, an average platelet count was 20000-30000/μl before platelet transfusion. The levels of platelet counts were significantly lower in the patients with aplastic anemia and MDS compared with acute leukemia patients.