Therapeutic efficacy of pooled buffy-coat platelet components prepared and stored with a platelet additive solution

Despite the introduction of platelet additive solutions for the preparation of pooled platelet components, only a few studies of limited scope have evaluated the clinical efficacy of platelets stored in these solutions. The current report presents an analysis of data to evaluate the response to the transfusion of pooled buffy-coat components suspended in storage solution with reduced (35%) plasma content in comparison with 100% plasma products. During the euroSPRITE clinical trial of platelet components treated with a pathogen inactivation process, control treatment group platelet components were prepared in 100% allogeneic donor plasma (plasma control) or in platelet additive solution (T-Sol) mixed with plasma (T-Sol control). Control group thrombocytopenic patients received either plasma control or T-Sol control platelet components. One-hour and 24-h platelet count increments (CIs) and corrected count increments (CCIs) were analysed for these two types of preparation. In addition, haemostatic assessments were conducted for each transfusion. One-hour and 24-h mean platelet CIs and post-transfusion haemostatic scores were not significantly different for patients receiving platelet components suspended in 100% plasma and T-Sol plasma mixtures. Pooled buffy-coat platelet components prepared in reduced plasma content mixtures provided therapeutic platelet CIs with effective haemostasis.     

Endogenous glutathione and platelet function in platelet concentrates stored in plasma or platelet additive solution

Platelet function was studied in platelet concentrates by assay of the thrombin-induced release of endogenous serotonin and presence of the swirling phenomenon in relation to endogenous glutathione (GSH) and cysteine. In platelets stored in plasma, addition of cysteamine resulted in only a moderate fall in GSH after 5 days of storage, from an average of 14.91 to 11.46 nmol per 109 platelets. Exogenously added GSH had no effect, and addition of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) resulted in almost complete depletion of GSH, to an average of 0.65 nmol per 109 platelets. Addition of cysteamine or GSH resulted in increased endogenous cysteine whereas BSO had no effect. In platelets stored in a platelet additive solution (T-sol), complete depletion of GSH was found in the presence of cysteamine, GSH and BSO. Endogenous serotonin was unchanged during storage both in plasma and in additive solution (2.8 nmol per 109 platelets). Despite almost total depletion of endogenous GSH, the thrombin-induced release of serotonin after 5 days' storage was significantly affected only in the presence of BSO in platelets stored in additive solution (mean values 72.3% vs. 63.3% of endogeneous serotonin, P < 0.05). Similarly, addition of cysteamine or GSH had no significant effect on swirling but BSO reduced the swirling score after 5 days' storage in platelet additive solution compared with plasma. After 10 days' storage, there was a significant reduction in swirling in the concentrates where BSO was added (P < 0.05).     

Ultrastructural changes and activation differences in platelet concentrates stored in plasma and additive solution

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to demonstrate how ultrastructural morphology of platelets stored in different media correlate with the appearance of particular activation markers on their cell surface. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Concentrates of buffy coat-derived platelets were stored in plasma or a glucose-free citrate-acetate-NaCl platelet additive solution (PAS2, Baxter Healthcare Corp.). Activation markers on platelets were measured by flow cytometry and compared with changes in the platelet cell surface as demonstrated by electron microscopy. Levels of the vasoactive cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) were determined in the storage medium of the platelet concentrate. RESULTS: The activation markers CD62P and CD63 and the binding of thrombospondin measured by flow cytometry were expressed to a higher extent in the PAS2 group compared with the plasma group. The difference reached significance on Day 3 (CD62P: 66.37 +/- 2.44 vs. 37.83 +/- 2.03, p < 0.001; CD63: 42.11 +/- 3.29 vs. 34.84 +/- 2.04, p < 0.05; and thrombospondin binding: 18.84 +/- 3.9 vs. 13.98 +/- 3.87, p < 0.001, respectively). The form factor that is related to changes of the platelet shape was determined by image analysis and correlated significantly with the cell surface expression of CD62P (p < 0.001) and with CD63 (p < 0.05) and with thrombospondin binding (p < 0.05). The chemokines VEGF and RANTES were measured at higher levels in the PAS2 group. CONCLUSIONS: With exception of baseline activation probably due to necessary handling procedures, platelets remain relatively unaltered and more stable in plasma in comparison to storage in PAS2.     

Effect of platelet additive solution on bacterial dynamics and their influence on platelet quality in stored platelet concentrates

BACKGROUND: Platelet additive solutions (PASs) are an alternative to plasma for the storage of platelet concentrates (PCs). However, little is known about the effect of PAS on the growth dynamics of contaminant bacteria. Conversely, there have been no studies on the influence of bacteria on platelet (PLT) quality indicators when suspended in PAS. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight buffy coats were pooled, split, and processed into PCs suspended in either plasma or PAS (SSP+, MacoPharma). PCs were inoculated with 10 and 100 colony‐forming units (CFUs)/bag of either Serratia liquefaciens or Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial growth was measured over 5 days by colony counts and bacterial biofilm formation was assayed by scanning electron microscopy and crystal violet staining. Concurrently, PLT markers were measured by an assay panel and flow cytometry. RESULTS: S. liquefaciens exhibited an apparent slower doubling time in plasma‐suspended PCs (plasma‐PCs). Biofilm formation by S. liquefaciens and S. epidermidis was significantly greater in PCs stored in plasma than in PAS. Although S. liquefaciens altered several PLT quality markers by Days 3 to 4 postinoculation in both PAS‐ and plasma‐PCs, S. epidermidis contamination did not produce measurable PLT changes. CONCLUSIONS: S. liquefaciens can be detected more quickly in PAS‐suspended PCs (PAS‐PCs) than in plasma‐PCs by colony counting. Furthermore, reduced biofilm formation by S. liquefaciens and S. epidermidis during storage in PAS‐PCs increases bacteria availability for sampling detection. Culture‐based detection remains the earliest indicator of bacterial presence in PAS‐PCs, while changes of PLT quality can herald S. liquefaciens contamination when in excess of 10⁸ CFUs/mL.     

The role of bicarbonate in platelet additive solution for apheresis platelet concentrates stored with low residual plasma

BACKGROUND: Complex platelet additive solutions (PASs) are required to store platelet (PLT) concentrates with plasma levels below 30%. Previously, apheresis PLTs stored with 5% plasma in acetate‐ and bicarbonate‐containing PAS maintained stable pH and bicarbonate levels during 7‐day storage. Due to this observation, the necessity of added bicarbonate in PAS was investigated and whether the concurrent increase in PAS pH after bicarbonate addition had any effect on PLT storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PLTs were stored in 5% plasma‐95% high‐ or low‐pH PAS, with or without bicarbonate (n = 10 per arm). Bicarbonate PAS PLTs were paired and nonbicarbonate PAS PLTs were paired (split from same double‐dose collection). PLTs were evaluated for in vitro variables on Days 1 and 7 and up to Day 14 if the Day 7 pH was higher than 6.2. RESULTS: PLT pH was maintained above 7.3 to Day 14 in bicarbonate PAS PLTs while pH failures below 6.2 were observed in 4 of 10 and 2 of 10 units on Day 7 in low‐ and high‐pH nonbicarbonate PAS arms, respectively. Day 7 in vitro variables in nonbicarbonate PAS PLTs with pH values of higher than 6.2 were comparable to Day 7 variables in bicarbonate PAS PLTs. The pH of bicarbonate PAS did have a small effect on pH and bicarbonate levels in PLT units, but did not have an effect on functional variables and metabolism. CONCLUSION: Bicarbonate was not required to maintain in vitro PLT function in 5% plasma‐95% PAS, but was required as a pH buffer and increased PAS pH did not significantly contribute to this effect.     

医用电解质溶液作添加液制备汇集少白细胞血小板

目的采用医用电解质溶液作添加液(PAS),建立1种白膜法制备添加液汇集少白细胞血小板(PAS汇集BC-PCs)的方法。方法从400ml全血中分离白膜层,容量35—40ml,放(22±2)℃静置过夜,将ABO同型的6袋白膜汇集,加220g添加液(90%复方电解质注射液、8%ACD-A血液保养液和2%含量为50g/L的碳酸氢钠注射液的混合液)稀释白膜,汇集后的白膜在(22±2)℃中,以300×g离心10min,将上层的富含血小板悬液再经白细胞滤除器过滤去除白细胞,并转移到血小板保存袋内,即制备成1个成人治疗量的PAS汇集BC-PCs,制备过程在一个特制的密闭系统内完成。结果共制备30个成人治疗量的PAS汇集BC-PCs,其容量为(270±32)ml、血小板含量为(2.96±0.31)×1011、WBC混入量为(1.3±0.2)×106、RBC混入量为(5.8±1.1)×109、CD62P表达率为(22.5±10.6)%。保存8d后的pH为7.14±0.04、低渗休克反应率(HSR)为(54.0±8.2)%、CD62P表达率为(45.7±13.8)%。结论由复方电解质注射液、ACD-A保养液和碳酸氢钠注射液的混合液为添加液汇集血小板的方法可行。     

Comparison of two platelet additive solutions

The use of an additive solution for substitution of plasma for storage of leukodepleted platelet concentrates can have many advantages. In this study, a comparison was made between two platelet additive solutions: one containing citrate and acetate (PAS-II), the other also supplemented with additional salts such as magnesium, and with gluconate (Composol-PS). Donor-dependent differences were avoided by applying a paired experimental design (n = 10). The platelet concentrates were prepared by pooling five buffy coats and the additive solution, and prestorage filtration was utilized to remove leucocytes to well below 1 x 106. Storage of platelet concentrates up to 9 days after blood collection revealed that platelet concentrates in Composol-PS maintained an almost constant pH of on average 6.93 from day 2 through day 7, and at 6.90 at day 9. This was in contrast to PAS-II, which showed a gradually decreasing pH from on average 6.97 at day 1 to 6.86 at day 9. In all units stored in both solutions the swirling effect was present during 9 days of storage. In conclusion, both additive solutions allow storage of platelets, derived from pooled buffy coats, for up to 9 days after collection of the whole blood, with maintenance of good quality in vitro. Composol-PS has a slightly better buffering capacity, reflected as a more constant pH throughout the storage period.     

Paired in vitro and in vivo comparison of apheresis platelet concentrates stored in platelet additive solution for 1 versus 7 days

BACKGROUND: To improve clinical access to platelet concentrates (PCs), prolonging the storage period is one alternative, provided that they are free from bacteria. The quality of platelets (PLTs) stored for 1 versus 7 days was compared by in vitro analyses and in vivo recovery and survival in blood donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PCs from 10 donors were divided and stored in PLT additive solution in 2 equal units for a paired comparison. PLTs in one unit were (111)In-labeled at 1 day of storage, and PLTs in the other unit were labeled after 7 days of storage. PLTs were injected into the donor after labeling and samples were drawn after 30, 60, and 150 minutes and thereafter once a day for 14 days for recovery and survival measurements. RESULTS: PLT recovery on Day 7 was 80 percent of the recovery on Day 1 (p<0.05), and the survival on Day 7 was 65 percent of survival on Day 1 (p<0.005). No significant differences were seen regarding mean PLT volume (MPV), pH, pCO2, pO2, bicarbonate, or hypotonic shock response. Lactate increased and lactic dehydrogenase increased slightly, whereas glucose and ATP decreased, but not to a critical level. A significant increase in RANTES (110.7+/-76.6 vs. 277.6+/-50.8 pg/10(6) PLTs [p<0.005]) and PLT factor 4 (19.9+/-9.6 vs. 59.8+/-7.5 IU/10(6) PLTs [p<0.0001]) was noticed during storage. CONCLUSION: Recovery and survival of PCs stored for 7 days decreased, but met suggested criteria. Analyzed in vitro parameters showed acceptable results. Randomized patient transfusion studies will provide additional verification of the suitability of 7-day storage of PLTs.     

Platelet apoptosis and activation in platelet concentrates stored for up to 12 days in plasma or additive solution

Background: Several studies suggest that apoptosis of platelets occurs during storage of platelet concentrates (PC). We sought to determine whether storage of PC in additive solution alters levels of apoptosis during storage beyond the current shelf life (5–7 days). Study design and methods: Pooled buffy coat PC (n = 7) were prepared in either 100% plasma or 70% Composol and stored at 22 °C for 12 days. A third arm of the study stored PC in 100% plasma at 37 °C, which is thought to induce apoptosis. PC were tested for mitochrondrial membrane potential, annexin V binding, microparticles, caspase‐3/7 activity and decoy cell death receptor 2, as well as standard platelet quality tests. Results: Composol units remained ≥pH 6·88, with 36% lower lactate and higher pH vs plasma by day 12 (P < 0·001). Platelet function was better maintained, and activation and apoptotic markers tended to be lower in Composol units towards the end of storage. However, levels of all apoptosis markers assessed were not significantly different in units stored in Composol. Storage at 37 °C saw stronger correlation of apoptotic markers with standard quality tests compared to 22 °C, but loss of correlation of caspase‐3/7 activity with other apoptosis markers. Conclusion: We conclude that storage of platelets in 70% Composol vs 100% plasma does not increase the rate of platelet apoptosis. Our data agree with other studies suggesting that platelet apoptosis is sequential to high levels of activation, but share a significant degree of overlap.     

Reactions and platelet increments after transfusion of platelet concentrates in plasma or an additive solution: a prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND: Reactions after platelet transfusions are rather common and frequently are caused by plasma constituents. In recent developments, the preparation and storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) in a platelet additive solution (PAS-2) have been shown to result in acceptable storage conditions. A major drawback of the use of these PCs is the progressive increase of P-selectin-positive platelets during storage. The clinical benefit of transfusions of PCs in PAS-2 was studied. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs prepared from buffy coats were suspended in either plasma or PAS-2 and stored for up to 5 days. Clinical responses were evaluated in a prospective study in 21 patients treated with intensive chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive prophylactic transfusions of PCs prepared in either plasma or PAS-2. Reactions and CCIs were recorded after each transfusion. RESULTS: The incidence of reactions in 12 patients given PCs in plasma (n = 192) was 12 percent. Transfusions to 9 patients of PCs in PAS-2 (n = 132) showed a reduction in the incidence of reactions to 5.3 percent (p<0.05). The average 1-hour and 20-hour CCIs after transfusion of PCs in plasma were 20.7 +/- 8. 5 and 11.5 +/- 8.0, respectively. CCIs after transfusion of PCs in PAS-2 were significantly lower: the average 1-hour CCI was 17.1 +/- 6.6 (p<0.001) and the average 20-hour CCI was 9.5 +/- 7.0 (p<0.05). Storage conditions of PCs were optimal: in each group, average 1-hour CCIs of both fresh and stored PCs were similar. The 20-hour CCIs after the transfusion of fresh and stored PCs in PAS-2 also were similar. CONCLUSION: Transfusion of PCs in PAS-2 significantly reduces the incidence of reactions. The 1-hour and 20-hour CCIs after transfusion of PCs in PAS-2 were significantly lower than the CCIs after transfusion of PCs in plasma. Because storage conditions of both PCs were found to be optimal, the decrease in CCIs after transfusion of PCs prepared in PAS-2 may be caused by rapid elimination of a subpopulation of P-selectin-positive platelets from the circulation.     

Platelet storage lesion in interim platelet unit concentrates: A comparison with buffy-coat and apheresis concentrates

Platelet storage lesion is characterized by morphological changes and impaired platelet function. The collection method and storage medium may influence the magnitude of the storage lesion. The aim of this study was to compare the newly introduced interim platelet unit (IPU) platelet concentrates (PCs) (additive solution SSP+, 40% residual plasma content) with the more established buffy-coat PCs (SSP, 20% residual plasma content) and apheresis PCs (autologous plasma) in terms of platelet storage lesions. Thirty PCs (n = 10 for each type) were assessed by measuring metabolic parameters (lactate, glucose, and pH), platelet activation markers, and in vitro platelet aggregability on days 1, 4, and 7 after donation. The expression of platelet activation markers CD62p (P-selectin), CD63 (LAMP-3), and phosphatidylserine was measured using flow cytometry and in vitro aggregability was measured with multiple electrode aggregometry. Higher platelet activation and lower in vitro aggregability was observed in IPU than in buffy-coat PCs on day 1 after donation. In contrast, metabolic parameters, expression of platelet activation markers, and in vitro aggregability were better maintained in IPU than in buffy-coat PCs at the end of the storage period. Compared to apheresis PCs, IPU PCs had higher expression of activation markers and lower in vitro aggregability throughout storage. In conclusion, the results indicate that there are significant differences in platelet storage lesions between IPU, buffy-coat, and apheresis PCs. The quality of IPU PCs appears to be at least comparable to buffy-coat preparations. Further studies are required to distinguish the effect of the preparation methods from storage conditions.     

Cryopreserved buffy-coat-derived platelets reconstituted in platelet additive solution: A safe and available product with sufficient haemostatic effectiveness

BackgroundPlatelets (PLTs) stored at 20–24 °C have a short shelf life of only 5 days, which can result in their restricted availability. PLT cryopreservation extends the shelf life to 2 years.MethodsWe implemented a method of PLT freezing at ?80 °C in 5–6% dimethyl sulfoxide. Buffy-coat-derived leucodepleted fresh PLTs blood group O (FP) were used for cryopreservation. Cryopreserved pooled leucodepleted PLTs (CPP) were thawed at 37 °C, reconstituted in PLT additive solution SSP + and compared to FP regarding PLT content, PLT concentration, pH, volume, PLT loss, anti-A/B antibody titre, total protein, plasma content, and PLT swirling. Clot properties were evaluated via rotational thromboelastometry. PLT microparticle number and surface receptor phenotype were assessed via flow cytometry.ResultsCPP met the required quality parameters. The mean freeze-thaw PLT loss was 22.24 %. Anti-A/B antibody titre and plasma content were significantly lower in CPP. CPP were characterised by faster clot initiation and form stable PLT clots. The number of PLT microparticles increased 25 times in CPP and there were more particles positive for the activation marker CD62 P compared to FP.ConclusionThawing and reconstitution are easy and fast processes if platelet additive solution is used. Low anti-A/B antibody titre and plasma content make possible the use of CPP of blood group O reconstituted in SSP + as universal ABO products, including clinical situations where washed PLTs are required. Clot properties evaluated via rotational thromboelastometry demonstrated that CPP retain a significant part of their activity compare to FP and are haemostatically effective.     

白细胞过滤对冰冻保存浓缩血小板制剂细胞因子和血小板功能的影响

目的探讨白细胞过滤对浓缩血小板悬液(platelet concentrate suspend,PCs)在冰冻保存前后的一些细胞因子及血小板体外功能的影响。方法取25份浓缩血小板样品(40ml/份),将每份样品再等分为4份,其中2份白细胞过滤(过滤组),另2份不过滤(未过滤组);将过滤组和未过滤组的分别常规保存和冰冻保存。常规保存0、1、3d和冰冻保存3个月解冻后0、1、3d的所有样品均采用ELISA法测定IL-2、IL-6、INFγ-、TNF-α、IL-10的含量;对冰冻保存复溶后当天的样品和新鲜样品分别作血小板聚集功能、粘附功能及血小板第Ⅲ因子活性检测;采用配对t检验作统计分析。结果未过滤组PCs冰冻保存后复溶0d与常规保存0d的PCs细胞因子的水平无明显升高,两种条件保存后1、3d细胞因子的水平均显著升高;过滤组PCs在冰冻保存和常规保存时细胞因子均无显著变化。过滤组和未过滤组PCs经冰冻保存后的血小板体外功能活性均无明显变化。结论PCs中的细胞因子在常规保存及冰冻保存复溶后随时间延长呈显著性增加趋势,白细胞过滤可明显减轻这种效应。白细胞过滤对冰冻保存的血小板体外功能活性无明显影响。     

Donor platelet and leukocyte count as predictive factors of the quality of platelet concentrates obtained from whole blood by semiautomated fractionation

Platelet concentrates (PCs) obtained from whole blood are produced by fractionation of the buffy coat (BC) or the platelet-rich plasma. Despite the improvements in the technologies used for the hemocomponent fractionation, the proportion of PCs that do not accomplish the quality requirements is high. This study aimed to determine whether the basal platelet and leukocyte counts are predictive factors of the quality of the PCs obtained from BC by semiautomated fractionation. Quality control registers of 196 PCs were analyzed. Gender- and age-dependence of the blood cell count and the characteristics of PCs were evaluated. Platelet yield and residual leukocytes in the PCs were correlated with the platelet and leukocyte counts and the age of the donors. Predictive efficacy was assessed, and an optimal cut-off was established. The proportions of PCs accepted and rejected by using or not the optimal cut-off were compared. 50.0% of the PCs accomplished all the quality control requirements. Female donors had a higher basal platelet count than males. A correlation was observed between basal platelets and platelet yield, but not between basal leukocytes and residual leukocytes. The basal platelet count predicted the quality of the PCs. A cut-off of 231,000 platelets/mm³ was established, but it did not improve the proportion of accepted PCs. In conclusion, we found that the basal platelet count is correlated with the platelet yield. The basal leukocyte count is not correlated with the residual leukocytes. The established cut-off for the basal platelet count did not improve the proportion of accepted PCs.     

Problem of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates

Bacterial contamination of blood is being recognized more frequently now and is one of the serious complications of transfusion. Use of integrally attached collection systems and strict standards for skin preparation, collection and storage of blood and components have reduced but not eliminated the risk of bacterial contamination. As bacteraemia may be part of acute or sub acute infections, strict donor selection is warranted. The longer the storage time, the greater is the number of organisms and amount of endotoxin present in the unit and associated with transfusion reactions. Importance of haemovigilance system and awareness among clinicians on the potential complications will go a long way in reducing patient morbidity. New approaches for detection of bacterial contamination, pathogen reduction and developments in the field of platelet biology will increase blood safety.     

Pathogen reduction treatment of buffy coat platelet concentrates in additive solution induces proapoptotic signaling

BACKGROUND: Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) can potentially reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections. However, PRT treatment of platelet (PLT) concentrates also results in reduced PLT quality and increased markers of apoptosis during storage. The aim of this study was to investigate changes to the expression and activation of proteins involved in apoptosis signaling. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from riboflavin and ultraviolet light PRT‐treated and untreated (control) buffy coat–derived PCs in 70% SSP+ and 30% plasma were taken on Days 1, 5, and 7 of storage. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, expression of Bcl‐2 family proteins, cytochrome c release, and cleavage of caspase‐3 and caspase‐3 substrates were analyzed using flow cytometry and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared to untreated controls, markers of apoptosis signaling were increased after PRT and subsequent storage. PS exposure on the PLT outer membrane was significantly higher after PRT on Days 5 and 7 of storage (p < 0.05). Expression of proapoptotic Bak and Bax was higher after PRT and subsequent storage. Cytochrome c release and caspase‐3 cleavage were also greater and occurred earlier in the PRT‐treated PLTs. The cleavage of caspase‐3 substrates gelsolin and ROCK I were also increased after PRT, compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated an increase in proapoptotic signaling during PLT storage, which was exacerbated by PRT. Many of these differences emerged outside the current 5‐day storage period. These changes may not currently influence PLT transfusion quality, but will need to be carefully evaluated when considering extending PLT storage beyond 5 days.     

PASⅢM血小板保存添加液对保存期血小板质量的影响

目的:探讨PASⅢM血小板保存添加液对保存期血小板质量的影响。方法:采集正常献血者标本15份,制备浓缩血小板。应用PASⅢM血小板保存添加液保存浓缩血小板(PASⅢM保存组),富含血小板的血浆作对照(血浆组)。分别在保存1、5、7、10d,检测血小板计数、平均血小板体积(MPV)、胶原诱导的聚集反应、血小板活化率及葡萄糖消耗和乳酸生成。结果:PASⅢM保存组血小板溶液的pH、pCO2和MPV比血浆组稳定。血小板活化率在血浆组随保存时间上升,在PASⅢM保存组比较稳定。血小板聚集率在PASⅢM保存组比血浆组下降幅度小。PASⅢM保存组葡萄糖消耗和乳酸生成幅度低于血浆组。结论:PASⅢM保存添加液在血小板的体外保存期维持血小板质量的作用上优于血浆。