Annals of surgery
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Prophylactic platelet administration during massive transfusion. A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study.
Prior studies at Harborview Medical Center have suggested that dilutional thrombocytopenia is a major etiology of microvascular, nonmechanical bleeding (MVB). We undertook a prospective randomized double-blind clinical study to compare the prophylactic effects of 6 units of platelet concentrates (PLT) versus 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) administered with every 12 units of modified whole blood in patients undergoing massive transfusion (12 or more units in 12 hours). ⋯ Only one patient had evidence of dilutional thrombocytopenia as a cause for MVB. Prophylactic platelet administration is not warranted as a routine measure to prevent MVB.