Evaluation of changes in platelet level and influenced factors in patients with thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Background: Hemostasis is a hemodynamic process in which the platelet play a major role. Platelet transfusion is one of the effective treatments in patients with thrombocytopenia, which has been increased during the recent decades. There is limited data regard the factors that influence the amount of increase in platelet levels in patients with thrombocytopenia who undergo platelet transfusion. Methods: 35 patients with thrombocytopenia who underwent platelet transfusion in Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran, between the years 2012 and 2014 were enrolled. Platelet levels were measured 1 hour before and 24 hour after platelet transfusion. Changes in platelet levels were evaluated considering demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Findings: The average platelet count after platelet transfusion was significantly higher than before it (P = 0.001). Gender, splenomegaly, fever, and receiving heparin had significant effect on the change in platelet count (P < 0.050 for all) whereas bleeding had no significant effect (P ≥ 0.050). Conclusion: Variable factors could influence the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with thrombocytopenia. Future prospective studies with enough sample sizes are needed in order to warrantee the results. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.