A comprehensive approach to continuous quality improvement of massive transfusion by developing key performance indicators.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To develop key performance indicators (KPI) for use in quality assessment of our institutional goal-directed massive transfusion (GDMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A team comprising our transfusion and emergency medicine departments carried out a cross-sectional data analysis of GDMT in adult patients from January 2021 to December 2022. The study was rooted in the Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) approach. Features of KPIs were (a) importance, (b) scientific soundness and (c) feasibility. Study parameters were defined and analysed using measures of central tendencies and benchmark comparison. RESULTS: Ninety-two massive transfusion events occurred and 1405 blood components were used. Trauma was the leading cause, followed by postpartum haemorrhage and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Appropriate GDMT activation was observed only in 43.47% of events. The turnaround time (TAT) was within the benchmark in 85.8% of events with an average of 16 ± 10 min. The average utilization of blood components was 20.5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 11.3) in the appropriate group and 5.5 (IQR = 4.25) in the inappropriate group with a wastage rate of 3.5%. Duration of activation was 6.19 ± 4.59 h, and the adherence to thromboelastography was 66.3%. Overall mortality was 45.65%, and the average duration of hospital stay was 6.1 ± 5.9 days. CONCLUSION: The KPIs developed were easy to capture, and the analysis provided a comprehensive approach to the quality improvement of the GDMT protocol.

Assessing the clinical efficacy of low-volume therapeutic plasma exchange in achieving recovery from acute liver failure induced by yellow phosphorous poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) following yellow phosphorous (YP) ingestion is similar to acetaminophen-induced ALF and it has become a public concern in our region. This study assessed low volume therapeutic plasma exchange (LV-TPE) efficacy in improving the transplant free survival in YP poisoning. METHODS: Adult patients with toxicology reports of YP and ALF requiring critical care were included in the study. LV-TPE was planned for three consecutive days and three more if required. Performed 1.3 to 1.5 plasma volume replacing with 0.9% normal saline, 5% human albumin solution, and fresh frozen plasma based on ASFA 2019 criteria. MELD score, laboratory parameters, LV-TPE details were captured. The study end point was clinical outcome of the patients. RESULTS: Among 36 patients, 19 underwent LV-TPE and 17 opted out of LV-TPE and they were included as a control arm. The MELD score was 32.64 ± 8.05 and 37.83 ± 9.37 in both groups. There were 13 survivors in LV-TPE group leading to a 68.42% reduction in mortality. The coagulation and biochemical parameters showed a significant percentage change after LV-TPE. Refractory shock, delay in initiating procedure and acidosis were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: A well-timed LV-TPE improves the survival of patients with ALF due to YP poisoning.

S.O.S. - Save our supplies: Understanding reasons to tackle the challenge of wasted returned blood products.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the return of blood components across different hospital areas, reasons for the same and suggest preventive strategies which might reduce out of controlled temperature storage (CTS) blood logistics and wastage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective audit was carried out in the department of Transfusion Medicine from January 2019 to December 2022. Data related to returned blood components was compiled using departmental records and blood centre software entries. RESULTS: A total of 218 instances of returned components were noted and the total number of components returned were 442 (0.4% of all issued components) (38.4% (170) packed red blood cells, 16.2% (72) single donor cryoprecipitate concentrate, 19.6% (87) platelet concentrate and 25.5% (113) fresh frozen plasma). Components were returned back within 30 mins in only 27% (59/218) of all instances . Wards followed by high dependency units/intensive care units were noted to have the highest number of instances (86 (39.4%) and 69 (31.6%) respectively) with emergency department having the least,comprising 19 instances (8.7%). 77.9% (170/218) instances were observed for routine transfusion requests and 44.5% (97/218) of all instances could have been prevented by an appropriate clinical status assessment of the patient. CONCLUSION: Stakeholders such as clinicians, transfusion laboratory professional and nursing staff must take consolidated efforts to eliminate wastage of blood components. Instances of returned blood components can be targeted by the hospital quality team as a quality improvement project.

A survey on insight of blood donors during COVID pandemic in Southern India

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) surveys prove beneficial to the transfusion services by providing an insight into the donors and, thus, aiding in mobilizing and retaining voluntary blood donors. We aim to study the knowledge, attitude and practices of donors towards blood donation in a pandemic setting. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of blood donors was conducted between June to and October 2020. Non-parametric tests (Mann - Whitney U and Kruskal - Wallis) were performed to evaluate the relation of knowledge, attitude and practices overall scores with age group, gender and history of blood donations (first us. repeat). The Chi-Square test/Fisher's Exact test was used to evaluate the differences in the distribution of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices items within the groups. Results: A total of 403 of 2,748 individuals who came for whole blood donation participated in the study. The mean age of the study population was 31.1years (SD ± 8.4 range: 18 - 58), with 75% of the donors donating for the first time. The fear of acquiring COVID-19 infection was perceived as a major reason for the eligible population not to donate. The overall knowledge, attitude and practice score among the donors was satisfactory, being 76.14%, with a significant association with age. The overall positive attitude and practices scores of blood donors were 85.48% and 78.04%, respectively. Conclusion: The KAP scores were satisfactory among the donors. Timely communication of the precautionary measures at blood centers to contain the spread of the COVID-19 infection and effective counseling would help in motivating and retaining blood donors.

Implementation of a regional rare donor registry in India.

Background: In an ethnically diverse country like India, establishing a national rare donor registry is a massive challenge. We aimed to establish a regional rare donor registry at our center by screening the local donor population for rare phenotypes. Methods: Serological testing of O blood group donors was done using monoclonal antisera from Bio-Rad for 23 different blood group antigens, which include Rh subgroups (C,cE,e), Kell (K,k, Kpa, Kpb), P1, Duffy (Fya, Fyb), Kidd (Jka, Jkb), Lewis (Lea, Leb), Lutheran (Lua, Lub), H, M, N, S and s. We categorized the donors with rare blood phenotypes into two categories. Category-I: High-frequency antigen-negative phenotypes with a prevalence of less than 1% in our study population. Category-II: Multiple common antigen-negative phenotypes with a prevalence of less than 1% in our study population. Results: A total of 521 donors with blood group O, meeting the inclusion criteria among a total of 23567 were phenotyped for minor blood group antigens. Out of these, 85.6% (n = 446) were Rh D positive, and 14.4% (n = 75) were Rh D negative. The male-to-female ratio was 9:1. We had identified eight rare phenotypes in category-I and 18 rare phenotypes in Category-II according to the definition adopted in our study. We have noticed a significant decrease in turnaround time in providing rare blood to patients after implementing the registry. Conclusion: This is a first-of-its-kind rare donor registry established in South India. Establishing a national rare donor registry is the need of the hour in India.

Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel. Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1 st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates. Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I 2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01). Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.

Prevalence of blood group antigens among regular blood donors: A single center study from South India with a review of national literature.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The antigen frequencies vary across different regions and ethnic groups. Hence, we aimed to study the prevalence of blood group antigens in our population and to systemize the zone-wise prevalence of the same across India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Regular voluntary O group blood donors were screened for 21 blood group antigens; C, c, E, e, K, k, Kpa, Kpb, Jka, Jkb, Fya, Fyb, Lea, Leb, Lua, Lub, P1, M, N, S, s, using commercially available monoclonal antisera by column agglutination technology. A literature search was performed to identify all the studies that reported blood group antigens prevalence to estimate the zone-wise prevalence of these antigens in the country. RESULTS: A total of 521 participants of 9248 O group donors meeting all the inclusion criteria were included. Among the study group, the male-to-female ratio was 9:1 with a mean age of 32.6 years (±10.01) ranging from 18-60 years. The majority of the donors 446 (85.6%) were D positive. The most common phenotypes among Rh, Lewis, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Lutheran and MNSs were CcDee (34.93%), Le(a-b+) (61.80%), K-k+(98.27%), Fy(a+b-) 43.19%, Jk(a+b+) 42.61%, Lu(a-b+) ( 99.61%), M+N+ (48.17%), S-s+ (45.29%) respectively. The prevalence of D and E antigens was significantly lower in the South zone compared to other zones of India. CONCLUSION: Significant difference in the prevalence of blood group antigens is observed between the South and other zones of India. Zone-wise prevalence of blood group phenotypes is essential in the timely management of alloimmunized patients.

A survey on insight of blood donors during COVID pandemic in Southern India.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) surveys prove beneficial to the transfusion services by providing an insight into the donors and, thus, aiding in mobilizing and retaining voluntary blood donors. We aim to study the knowledge, attitude and practices of donors towards blood donation in a pandemic setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of blood donors was conducted between June to and October 2020. Non-parametric tests (Mann - Whitney U and Kruskal - Wallis) were performed to evaluate the relation of knowledge, attitude and practices overall scores with age group, gender and history of blood donations (first vs. repeat). The Chi-Square test/Fisher's Exact test was used to evaluate the differences in the distribution of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices items within the groups. RESULTS: A total of 403 of 2,748 individuals who came for whole blood donation participated in the study. The mean age of the study population was 31.1years (SD ± 8.4 range: 18 - 58), with 75% of the donors donating for the first time. The fear of acquiring COVID-19 infection was perceived as a major reason for the eligible population not to donate. The overall knowledge, attitude and practice score among the donors was satisfactory, being 76.14%, with a significant association with age. The overall positive attitude and practices scores of blood donors were 85.48% and 78.04%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The KAP scores were satisfactory among the donors. Timely communication of the precautionary measures at blood centers to contain the spread of the COVID-19 infection and effective counseling would help in motivating and retaining blood donors.

A case report and review of literature on the role of automated red cell exchange in managing sickle cell crisis in India.

Red cell exchanges (RCE) help in the treatment of complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA) by reducing the viscosity of blood and improving the oxygen-carrying capacity. We present a case of sickle cell crisis (SCC) managed with automated RCE and also reviewed the literature to assess the utilization and clinical efficiency of this therapy in India. A 19-year-old gentleman diagnosed with SCA presented with acute chest syndrome. Hemoglobin (Hb) was 8.8 g%, hematocrit (HCT) was 24%, and HbS was 90%. As there was worsening of symptoms with conventional management, the patient underwent two procedures of automated RCE. The clinical condition of the patient was improved, HbS was reduced to 16% and HCT was remained at 21% postprocedure. Articles on automated RCE in SCA conducted in India were reviewed and four articles were analyzed based on the search strategy. All the included articles concluded automated RCE as an effective procedure for complications of SCA. Common indication in India was SCA patients undergoing surgery as a prophylactic measure. Automated RCEs are promising as an acute treatment for indicated sickle cell complications. This therapy is underutilized in the Indian scenario, especially in patients with SCC.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model). Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09-1.84); I 2 = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8-82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762). Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.

Red blood cell alloimmunization among recipients of blood transfusion in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a varied prevalence of red cell alloimmunization being reported from different parts of India. This study aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of alloimmunization in India by performing a systematic review of the literature and to establish the most suitable antigen-matching strategy to reduce the red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization rate among transfusion recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of all the original articles published in English on RBC alloimmunization among transfusion recipients from India in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL and Google Scholar bibliographic databases was conducted. After screening the articles as per inclusion/exclusion criteria, data extraction was done independently by two sets of investigators. Meta-analysis was performed by the binary random-effects model using the restricted maximum likelihood method. RESULTS: A total of 44 studies on RBC alloimmunization, with a cumulative sample size of 309,986 patients, were grouped into hospital-based and multiply-transfused patients, which yielded a prevalence of 0.5 (95% confidence interval; 0.3-0.8) and 4.8 (95% confidence interval; 3.9-5.7) per 100 patients, respectively. As many as 1992 alloantibodies were identified among the 1846 alloimmunized patients. The most common antibody identified was anti-E (127; 31.99%), followed by anti-c (75; 18.89%) in multiply-transfused patients. CONCLUSION: The rate of alloimmunization was 0.5 per 100 patients tested for antibodies and 4.8 per 100 patients receiving transfusion. Considering E- and c-antigen-matched red cells along with ABO and RhD matching may significantly reduce the overall occurrence of alloimmunization among Indian population who are transfusion-dependent.

Self-ignored onsite adverse donor reaction among whole blood donors: A single center experience from India.

OBJECTIVES: Adverse donor reactions (ADR) may often go unreported due to donor related or blood center related factors. Possible donor related factors are self-ignorance of the adverse reaction, inertia to notify blood centre and non-compliance to follow-up. A better understanding of the self-ignored adverse donor reaction (SIADR) helps in early detection, avoidance of complications, adoption of mitigation strategies, and retention of donors. In the current study, we aim to identify the incidence and reasons for onsite SIADR among whole blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective single-center observational study where 501 participants who completed whole blood donation were recruited. They were interviewed twice by an experienced investigator to identify any onsite SIADR occurred. First interview was conducted just before leaving the premise and second two days after donation using a peer reviewed and validated questionnaire. Cross-tabulation and Chi-square test were used for bivariate analysis. RESULTS: Twelve participants out of 501 (2.39%) were found to have onsite SIADR which was twice the frequency of reported onsite ADR (1.20%) during the study period in our center. A majority (75%) of them experienced grade I vaso-vagal reactions (VVR). Around 58.3% of the SIADR donors ignored the reaction as they perceived it as mild, while 25% perceived the symptoms but failed to interpret them as a reaction. CONCLUSION: In our center, incidence of onsite SIADR was double the incidence of ADR and majority were VVR grade I. Commonest reason for SIADR was interpretation of reaction as mild. Blood center team shall be proactive and vigilant to identify and report SIADR.

COVID-19 pandemic and blood transfusion services: The impact, response and preparedness experience of a tertiary care blood center in southern Karnataka, India

Abstract Introduction With the outbreak of COVID-19 and its containment measures, blood centers faced a huge challenge in balancing blood demand and supply and devising a preparedness plan to withstand the uncertain situation. This study assesses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood transfusion services and discusses the appropriate mitigation strategies adopted. Methods We analyzed our center's blood transfusion services during the first half-period of the pandemic (Y3) and non-pandemic years 2018(Y1) and 2019(Y2) in two-quarters Q1 (pre-lockdown), from January to March and Q2 (post-lockdown), from April to June. The blood donation variables, the packed red blood cells (PRBCs) demand and the utilization pattern were compared between pandemic (Y3) and non-pandemic years (Y1 and Y2) in each quarter. The mitigation strategy adopted at every step of the transfusion service is highlighted. Results During post-lockdown (Q2) of the pandemic year (Y3), the blood donation was majorly by repeat donors (83%) from the in-house site (82.5%). Furthermore, the proportion of outdoor donation, deferral, blood collection, demand and issue demonstrated a significant drop of 50%, 32.6%, 33%, 31.8% and 32.3%, respectively, in comparison to Q2 of the non-pandemic years (Y1 and Y2), with a statistically significant difference for surgical and hemorrhagic indications (p < 0.05). Coping strategies, such as blood donor education and motivation using e-platforms emphasizing eligibility during the pandemic, staggering of donor in-flow, postponement of elective surgeries and donor and staff' COVID-19 safety assurance, were followed. Conclusion The timely adoption of coping strategies played a crucial role in the better handling of shortcomings at our center's blood transfusion services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naturally occurring anti-Kpa in an infant with recurrent bacterial infection: A case report and review of the literature.

Naturally occurring anti-Kpa antibody is extremely rare and was first reported in 1957, named after the first producer 'Penney'. However, the subsequent anti-Kpa reports presented were all anti-Kpa due to isoimmunization. Individuals with severe bacterial infections particularly Gram-negative bacteria are known to be capable of producing cross-reactive antibodies against Kell blood group system. However, such uncommon antibodies like anti-Kpa can be easily missed in routine pre-transfusion testing unless the panel cells containing low incidence antigen are used for antibody screening. Here, we report a case of naturally occurring anti-Kpa antibody, identified incidentally during pre-transfusion testing of a 12-month-old female infant with the diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease and recurrent bacterial (Escherichia coli) infection.

COVID-19 pandemic and blood transfusion services: The impact, response and preparedness experience of a tertiary care blood center in southern Karnataka, India.

INTRODUCTION: With the outbreak of COVID-19 and its containment measures, blood centers faced a huge challenge in balancing blood demand and supply and devising a preparedness plan to withstand the uncertain situation. This study assesses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood transfusion services and discusses the appropriate mitigation strategies adopted. METHODS: We analyzed our center's blood transfusion services during the first half-period of the pandemic (Y3) and non-pandemic years 2018(Y1) and 2019(Y2) in two-quarters Q1 (pre-lockdown), from January to March and Q2 (post-lockdown), from April to June. The blood donation variables, the packed red blood cells (PRBCs) demand and the utilization pattern were compared between pandemic (Y3) and non-pandemic years (Y1 and Y2) in each quarter. The mitigation strategy adopted at every step of the transfusion service is highlighted. RESULTS: During post-lockdown (Q2) of the pandemic year (Y3), the blood donation was majorly by repeat donors (83%) from the in-house site (82.5%). Furthermore, the proportion of outdoor donation, deferral, blood collection, demand and issue demonstrated a significant drop of 50%, 32.6%, 33%, 31.8% and 32.3%, respectively, in comparison to Q2 of the non-pandemic years (Y1 and Y2), with a statistically significant difference for surgical and hemorrhagic indications (p < 0.05). Coping strategies, such as blood donor education and motivation using e-platforms emphasizing eligibility during the pandemic, staggering of donor in-flow, postponement of elective surgeries and donor and staff' COVID-19 safety assurance, were followed. CONCLUSION: The timely adoption of coping strategies played a crucial role in the better handling of shortcomings at our center's blood transfusion services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cocktail Protocol for Preparation of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Glue for Autologous Use.

BACKGROUND: Biomaterials containing platelets have been used to promote healing of ulcers and burns, as well as in implantology and maxillofacial and plastic surgery to achieve wound healing and tissue repair. Commercial devices to prepare autologous biomaterials involve diverse preparation methods that can have high production costs and low yields. Hence, we designed a protocol for preparation of large amounts of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) glue using conventional processing techniques for blood components. METHODS: Autologous whole blood collected 72 h before surgery was processed to prepare platelet concentrates and cryoprecipitate. In a closed system, calcium was added to the cryoprecipitate to release autologous thrombin and generate a firm fibrin clot. The fibrin clot, platelets and calcium were then placed in a conical flask in which a PRF glue formed. The protocol was validated through determination of pre- and post-platelet counts and fibrinogen amounts in the product. RESULTS: Platelets were recovered with 68% efficiency during the preparation. Essentially no platelets or fibrinogen were found in the supernatant of the PRF glue, suggesting that nearly all had been incorporated in a PRF glue having a relatively large (8 cm × 10 cm) size. CONCLUSION: The protocol described here is a cost-effective, simple and closed system that can be used to produce large-size PRF glue to promote repair of major surgical defects.

The role of thrombocytapheresis in the management of extreme thrombocytosis: a 6 years' experience from a tertiary care center.

Background: According to the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) guidelines, thrombocytapheresis is a Category II indication in symptomatic patients and is a Category III indication when used as secondary or prophylactic treatment. The role of thrombocytapheresis is to prevent untoward complications that might occur even before the cytoreductive agents can exert their action. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent thrombocytapheresis between 2012 to 2018 was conducted. Demographic details, complete blood counts, diagnosis and indication for thrombocytapheresis were noted. Results: A total of 12 patients with thrombocytosis were included in the study. The cause of thrombocytosis was primary in 3 (25%) patients and secondary in 9 (75%) patients. The average percentage reduction in platelet count was 47.1% (range 12.3%-65.64%). There was a significant decrease in platelet count, platelet crit, and mean platelet volume after the procedure when compared to pre-procedure. Conclusion: Thrombocytapheresis selectively reduces platelet counts with no effect on other cellular and plasma components. The role of thrombocytapheresis in extreme thrombocytosis is to be considered for an immediate decrease in platelet count and to minimize the risks associated with thrombocytosis.

Evaluation and monitoring of response to platelet transfusion therapy: experience from a tertiary care center.

Objective: Refractoriness to platelet transfusion is defined as Corrected Count Increment (CCI) <5000 after two sequential ABO identical transfusions. Immune causes include alloimmunization to HLA and/or platelet-specific antigens. Analysis of various factors leading to platelet refractoriness would help in the management of the patient in a timely manner.Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study on platelet transfusions from November 2013 to June 2015 was conducted. Demographic information, pre, and post-transfusion platelet counts and relevant clinical details were noted. Among patients who were considered refractory to platelet transfusions, platelet factor 3 assay was performed to detect antiplatelet antibodies. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. A P value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: A total of 1190 patients received platelet transfusions during the study period. Among these only 339 (28.5%) patients received transfusions on two or more occasions, of which 237 (69.91%) were considered non-refractory. Among the 102 (30.1%) refractory cases non-immune causes for refractoriness were present in 97 (95.1%) patients and antiplatelet antibody was positive in 18 (17.64%) patients. Bleeding and medication have shown to have significantly contributed to refractoriness (p = 0.025 and 0.003) respectively. Use of medication was independently associated with refractoriness.Conclusion: Non-immune causes are more profound in leading to a poor response to platelet transfusions. Recognizing the cause of poor response and treating the underlying cause would help in getting a better response.

Use of platelet components: An observational audit at a tertiary care centre.

Background Platelets should be transfused appropriately, based on the cause of thrombocytopenia. The practice and policies of transfusion vary among institutions and even among clinical practitioners, leading to inappropriate use of platelets, which might increase the risk of transfusion-related complications to recipients, and lead to a shortage of platelets. An audit of platelet components helps to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of their use and in improving transfusion practices. We did an audit of the use of platelet transfusions at our centre. Methods We conducted a prospective concurrent audit of the platelet transfusion practices. The audit cycle had four steps: (i) defining the standards; (ii) data collection; (iii) comparison against the standards; and (iv) presenting them to clinicians for further improvement. Results Platelet components were used appropriately in 93.6% (2420/2586) of episodes. The platelet count was not done before transfusion in only 6.4% (165/2586) of episodes. The dose of platelets was given appropriately in 84.3% (2180) of episodes of transfusion. Indications for appropriate transfusion classified as pre-procedure, prophylactic and therapeutic transfusions were 11.3% (293), 66.1% (1450) and 13% (412), respectively. Medicine and medical oncology were the specialties with the highest level of appropriateness. Conclusion An audit of transfusion practices benefits transfusion services and clinicians in terms of judicious use of platelet components and better inventory management.