Effect of bedside filtration on aggregates from cold-stored whole blood-derived platelet-rich plasma and apheresis platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND: The current approach to manufacture cold-stored platelets (CSP) replicates that of room temperature-stored platelets (RSP). However, this production method is associated with aggregate formation in CSP, a major pitfall that leads to significant wastage. We hypothesized that isolating platelets from whole blood as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and storing them at a lower concentration reduces aggregates and that conventional bedside transfusion filtration removes CSP aggregates. METHODS: We collected platelets from healthy humans by apheresis (AP) and by phlebotomy, from which we generated platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We split each AP and PRP platelets into two equal aliquots, storing one at 22°C (RT-PRP and RT-AP) and the other at 4°C (4C-PRP and 4C-AP). We evaluated platelets on day 0 and day 7 of storage. After storage, we measured platelet counts, aggregates, and other key characteristics before and after filtration by a bedside filter. RESULTS: After storage, the 4C-AP platelet counts decreased significantly. 4C-PRP preserved glucose better and prevented a significant increase in lactate contrary to 4C-AP. Filtration led to significantly lower platelet counts in both 4C-PRP and 4C-AP but not in their RT counterparts. Post filtration, we observed 50% fewer aggregates only in 4C-AP, whereas 4C-PRP showed an unexpected but significant increase in aggregates. Testing confirmed activation during storage but filtration did not further activate platelets. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence that 4C-PRP is an alternative to 4C-AP and that bedside filters reduce aggregates from 4C-AP. Further studies are needed to evaluate the hemostatic potential of 4C-PRP and the management of aggregates.

Red blood cells derived from whole blood treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light maintain adequate survival in vivo after 21 days of storage.

BACKGROUND: Pathogen reduction (PR) of whole blood (WB) may increase blood safety when applied before component separation. This study evaluates the in vivo performance of red blood cells (RBCs) derived from WB treated with the riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light PR (Mirasol) system. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective, two-center, single-blind, randomized, two-period, crossover clinical trial designed to evaluate autologous 51 Cr/99m Tc-radiolabeled recovery and survival of RBCs derived from Mirasol-treated WB compared to untreated WB. RBCs were stored in AS-3 for 21 days at 1 to 6°C. In vitro RBC variables were characterized. Frequency and severity of treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) and neoantigenicity were determined. RESULTS: Twenty-four healthy adult volunteers (n = 12 per site) were evaluated. The Mirasol 24-hr RBC recoveries were 82.5 ± 3.9% with one-sided 95% lower confidence limit of 80.9%, meeting US Food and Drug Administration acceptance criteria, albeit at lower level than controls (91.7 ± 6.8%, p < 0.001). Mean RBC survival and T50 were reduced in the Mirasol group (61 and 23 days, respectively) versus controls (82 and 36 days, respectively; p < 0.001) with a mean area under the curve survival of treated RBCs of 83% of untreated controls. End-of-storage hemolysis in the Mirasol group was 0.22 ± 0.1% (control, 0.15 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001). No neoantigenicity or differences in TEAEs were found. CONCLUSION: RBCs derived from Mirasol WB and stored for up to 21 days in AS-3 maintained acceptable cell quality and recovery, albeit modestly reduced compared with untreated RBCs. Mirasol WB may represent a valid single WB PR platform that allows manufacture of RBC for storage for up to 21 days.

Exploratory studies of extended storage of apheresis platelets in a platelet additive solution (PAS).

To evaluate the poststorage viability of apheresis platelets stored for up to 18 days in 80% platelet additive solution (PAS)/20% plasma, 117 healthy subjects donated platelets using the Haemonetics MCS+, COBE Spectra (Spectra), or Trima Accel (Trima) systems. Control platelets from the same subjects were compared with their stored test PAS platelets by radiolabeling their stored and control platelets with either (51)chromium or (111)indium. Trima platelets met Food and Drug Administration poststorage platelet viability criteria for only 7 days vs almost 13 days for Haemonetics platelets; ie, platelet recoveries after these storage times averaged 44 ± 3% vs 49 ± 3% and survivals were 5.4 ± 0.3 vs 4.6 ± 0.3 days, respectively. The differences in storage duration are likely related to both the collection system and the storage bag. The Spectra and Trima platelets were hyperconcentrated during collection, and PAS was added, whereas the Haemonetics platelets were elutriated with PAS, which may have resulted in less collection injury. When Spectra and Trima platelets were stored in Haemonetics' bags, poststorage viability was significantly improved. Platelet viability is better maintained in vitro than in vivo, allowing substantial increases in platelet storage times. However, implementation will require resolution of potential bacterial overgrowth during storage.

Metabolites in stored platelets associated with platelet recoveries and survivals.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of platelets (PLTs) is a common therapy in a number of clinical settings. However, it is well understood that there is substantial donor-to-donor variation in how well PLTs store and thus the quality of the products that are transfused. The basis of such variation is poorly understood, and there are limited metrics by which units of PLTs can be assessed for their posttransfusion performance. It has repeatedly been demonstrated that myriad biologic changes take place during PLT storage; however, which of the changes correlate with quality of the stored PLTs and/or are mechanistically involved in PLT function remains undetermined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The current study tested stored PLTs from 21 normal subjects, combining high-resolution metabolomics of stored PLTs with in vivo PLT recoveries and survivals. Both individual analytes and metabolic pathways that correlate with posttransfusion PLT viability were identified. RESULTS: Caffeine metabolites were associated with poor PLT recovery; caffeine metabolism was not ongoing in the PLT bag and remained at prestorage levels. Acylcarnitines, particular fatty acid metabolites, and oxidized fatty acids were associated with poor PLT survivals. Of the myriad metabolic changes during PLT storage, these are the first reported metabolic findings to begin distinguishing which changes are of functional importance regarding posttransfusion PLT performance. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the functional biology of the PLT storage lesion as well as identifying potential targets for modifying donor environment (e.g., caffeine consumption) and also metrics of quality assessment for stored human PLTs.

Extended storage of buffy coat platelet concentrates in plasma or a platelet additive solution.

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) prepared from whole blood in the United States are made using the PLT-rich plasma method. The PCs must be made within 8 hours of blood collection and stored for only 5 days. In Europe and Canada, PCs are made using the buffy coat (BC) method from whole blood held overnight at 22 °C and storage times may be up to 7 days. Our studies were designed to determine how long BC PLTs can be stored in plasma or Plasmalyte while meeting the FDA's poststorage viability criteria. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Normal subjects donated whole blood that was stored at 22 °C for 22 ± 2 hours before preparation of BC PLTs. PLTs were stored for 5 to 8 days in either plasma or Plasmalyte concentrations of 65 or 80%. Radiolabeled autologous stored versus fresh PLT recoveries and survivals were assessed as well as poststorage in vitro assays. RESULTS: BC PLTs stored in either plasma or 65% Plasmalyte met FDA poststorage PLT recovery criteria for 7 days but survivals for only 6 days, while storage in 80% Plasmalyte gave very poor results. Both stored PLT recoveries and survivals correlated with the same donor's fresh results, but the correlation was much stronger between recoveries than survivals. In vitro measures of extent of shape change, morphology score, and pH best predicted poststorage PLT recoveries, while annexin V binding best predicted PLT survivals. CONCLUSION: BC PLTs stored in either plasma or 65% Plasmalyte meet FDA's poststorage viability criteria for 6 days.

Platelet concentrates prepared after a 20- to 24-hour hold of the whole blood at 22°C.

BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that red blood cells must be refrigerated within 8 hours of whole blood collection. Longer storage of whole blood at 22°C before component preparation would have many advantages. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two methods of holding whole blood for 20 to 24 hours at room temperature were evaluated, refrigerated plates or a 23°C incubator. After extended whole blood storage, platelet (PLT) concentrates were prepared from PLT-rich plasma on Day 1 postdonation, and the PLTs were stored for 6 more days. On Day 7 of PLT storage, blood was drawn from each subject to prepare fresh PLTs. The stored and fresh PLTs were radiolabeled and transfused into their donor. RESULTS: Eleven subjects' whole blood was stored using refrigerated butanediol plates (Compocool, Fresenius), and 10 using an incubator. Poststorage PLT recoveries averaged 47 ± 13% versus 53 ± 11% and survivals averaged 4.6 ± 1.7 days versus 4.7 ± 0.9 days for Compocool versus incubator storage, respectively (p = NS). With all results, poststorage PLT recoveries averaged 75 ± 10% of fresh and survivals 57 ± 13% of fresh; PLT recoveries met FDA guidelines for poststorage PLT viability but not survivals. CONCLUSION: Seven-day poststorage PLT viability is comparable when whole blood is stored for 22 ± 2 hours at 22°C using either refrigerated plates or an incubator to maintain temperature before preparing PLT concentrates.

Effect of Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine on Autologous Platelet Kinetics and Function.

PURPOSE: Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) treatment results in grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia in 8%-13% of patients. Prior in vitro studies reported T-DM1 inhibition of megakaryocyte maturation as the cause of decreased platelet production. The current observational study was initiated to evaluate causes of thrombocytopenia in patients with metastatic breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer (N = 11) were enrolled in this postmarket safety study. 111-Indium- radiolabeled autologous platelet recoveries and survivals as well as serial platelet counts, bleeding time assays, and platelet aggregation responses to a wide range of agonists were performed at baseline (BL) and during two consecutive cycles of the drug (3.6 mg/kg IV once every 3 weeks). RESULTS: Platelet nadirs occurred earlier in cycle 2 than in cycle 1. Average nadir counts (% BL) in cycles 1 and 2 were 116,000/µL (53% ± 6%) and 115,000/µL (51% ± 9%), respectively, with return to BL by D15 in both cycles. BL platelet survival averaged 8.8 (± 0.3) days but progressively shortened to 5.5 (± 0.5) days during cycle 1 and to 4.6 (± 0.3) days during cycle 2 (P < .001 compared with BL for both cycles). Aggregation responses to all agonists decreased during the study, both in cycle 1 and cycle 2. CONCLUSION: Following T-DM1 administration, we observed statistically significant progressive decreases in platelet survivals and decreased platelet function from BL values. In distinction to published in vitro studies, these unexpected results indicate a direct toxic effect of T-DM1 on patients' autologous circulating platelets.

A randomized controlled trial comparing autologous radiolabeled in vivo platelet (PLT) recoveries and survivals of 7-day-stored PLT-rich plasma and buffy coat PLTs from the same subjects.

BACKGROUND: A recent review concluded that there was inadequate evidence to show a difference between buffy coat (BC) and platelet (PLT)-rich plasma (PRP) PLT concentrates prepared from whole blood. We hypothesized that 7-day-stored BC-PLTs would have superior autologous recoveries and survivals compared to PRP-PLTs and that both would meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for poststorage viability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study design in healthy subjects who provided informed consent. Each participant donated a unit of whole blood on two occasions. In random order, either BC-PLTs or PC-PLTs were prepared after a 20 ± 2 °C overnight hold of the whole blood. PLTs were stored under standard conditions. On Day 7, fresh PLTs were prepared from 43 mL of autologous whole blood. The fresh PLTs paired with either BC-PLTs or PRP-PLTs were alternately labeled with (111) In or (51) Cr and simultaneously reinfused to determine recoveries and survivals. In vitro assays were performed on Days 1 and 7. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects completed the study at two sites. No differences in poststorage PLT viabilities were observed between BC-PLTs and PRP-PLTs; recovery differences averaged 3.7 ± 2.4% (± SE, p = 0.15) and survival differences averaged 0.48 ± 0.56 days (p = 0.41). Neither type of PLTs met the current FDA criteria for either poststorage PLT recoveries or survivals. CONCLUSION: We were unable to demonstrate that single-unit BC-PLTs stored for 7 days have superior poststorage viability compared to PRP-PLTs. Failure to meet the minimum FDA criteria for poststorage PLT viability raises questions regarding the acceptance thresholds of these metrics.

Storage temperature determines platelet GPVI levels and function in mice and humans.

Platelets are currently stored at room temperature before transfusion to maximize circulation time. This approach has numerous downsides, including limited storage duration, bacterial growth risk, and increased costs. Cold storage could alleviate these problems. However, the functional consequences of cold exposure for platelets are poorly understood. In the present study, we compared the function of cold-stored platelets (CSP) with that of room temperature-stored platelets (RSP) in vitro, in vivo, and posttransfusion. CSP formed larger aggregates under in vitro shear while generating similar contractile forces compared with RSP. We found significantly reduced glycoprotein VI (GPVI) levels after cold exposure of 5 to 7 days. After transfusion into humans, CSP were mostly equivalent to RSP; however, their rate of aggregation in response to the GPVI agonist collagen was significantly lower. In a mouse model of platelet transfusion, we found a significantly lower response rate to the GPVI-dependent agonist convulxin and significantly lower GPVI levels on the surface of transfused platelets after cold storage. In summary, our data support an immediate but short-lived benefit of cold storage and highlight the need for thorough investigations of CSP. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03787927.

Extended storage of platelet-rich plasma-prepared platelet concentrates in plasma or Plasmalyte.

BACKGROUND: Using bacterial detection or pathogen reduction, extended platelet (PLT) storage may be licensed if PLT viability is maintained. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s poststorage PLT acceptance guidelines are that autologous stored PLT recoveries and survivals should be 66 and 58% or greater, respectively, of each donor's fresh PLT data. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nonleukoreduced PLT concentrates were prepared from whole blood donations. Autologous PLT concentrates from 62 subjects were stored in 100% plasma (n=44) or 20% plasma/80% Plasmalyte (n=18), an acetate-based, non-glucose-containing crystalloid solution previously used for PLT storage. Fresh PLTs were obtained on the day the donor's stored PLTs were to be transfused. The fresh and stored PLTs were alternately radiolabeled with either (51) chromium or (111) indium, and in vitro measurements were performed on the stored PLTs. RESULTS: The FDA's PLT recovery criteria were met for 7 days of plasma storage, but PLT survivals maintained viability for only 6 days. Plasmalyte-stored PLTs did not meet either acceptance criteria after 6 days of storage. After 7 days of storage, PLT recoveries averaged 43±4 and 30±4% and survivals 4.1±0.4 and 2.0±0.2 days for plasma- and Plasmalyte-stored PLTs, respectively (p=0.03 for recoveries and p<0.001 for survivals). Poststorage PLT recoveries correlated with the commonly used in vitro PLT quality measurements of hypotonic shock response and annexin V binding, while survivals correlated with extent of shape change, morphology score, and pH. CONCLUSION: There is a progressive decrease in recoveries and survivals of plasma-stored PLTs over time. PLT viability is better maintained in plasma than Plasmalyte.

Effects of pretransfusion warming of platelets to 35 degrees C on posttransfusion platelet viability.

BACKGROUND: Three of four prior studies suggested that warming platelets (PLTs) to 37 degrees C before transfusion into patients with thrombocytopenia gave improved corrected PLT count increments. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighteen normal subjects had apheresis PLTs collected that were stored at 22 degrees C for 5 days in two storage bags. One bag of PLTs was warmed to 35 degrees C before infusion, and one remained at 22 degrees C. Three different methods of warming the donor's autologous PLTs before reinfusion were evaluated: warming PLTs to 35 degrees C for 10 or 60 minutes followed by radiolabeling or radiolabeling the PLTs followed by warming to 35 degrees C for 60 minutes. In the first two methods, the warmed PLTs would have returned to 22 degrees C before infusion, and in the third, the PLTs would still be warm when injected. The paired test and control PLTs were radiolabeled with either (111)In or (51)Cr to determine posttransfusion PLT recoveries and survivals. PLT morphology score, pH, hypotonic shock response, extent of shape change, and annexin V binding were determined just before transfusion. RESULTS: There were no differences in posttransfusion autologous radiolabeled PLT recoveries and survivals or in the in vitro measurements for the PLTs maintained at 22 degrees C versus those warmed to 35 degrees C using any of the three methods of PLT warming before infusion. CONCLUSION: Based on these 5-day-stored autologous radiolabeled PLT recovery and survival measurements, there is no evidence that warming PLTs to 35 degrees C before infusion improves postinfusion PLT viability.

Review of in vivo studies of dimethyl sulfoxide cryopreserved platelets.

A literature review was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) cryopreserved platelets for potential military use. In vivo DMSO cryopreserved platelet studies published between 1972 and June of 2013 were reviewed. Assessed were the methods of cryopreservation, posttransfusion platelet responses, prevention or control of bleeding, and adverse events. Using the Department of Defense's preferred 6% DMSO cryopreservation method with centrifugation to remove the DMSO plasma before freezing at -65°C and no postthaw wash, mean radiolabeled platelet recoveries in 32 normal subjects were 33% ± 10% (52% ± 12% of the same subject's fresh platelet recoveries), and survivals were 7.5 ± 1.2 days (89% ± 15% of fresh platelet survivals). Using a variety of methods to freeze autologous platelets from 178 normal subjects, mean radiolabeled platelet recoveries were consistently 39% ± 9%, and survivals, 7.4 ± 1.4 days. More than 3000 cryopreserved platelet transfusions were given to 1334 patients. There were 19 hematology/oncology patient studies, and, in 9, mean 1-hour corrected count increments were 11 100 ± 3600 (range, 5700-15 800) after cryopreserved autologous platelet transfusions. In 5 studies, bleeding times improved after transfusion; in 3, there was either no improvement or a variable response. In 4 studies, there was immediate cessation of bleeding after transfusion; in 3 studies, patients being supported only with cryopreserved platelets had no bleeding. In 1 cardiopulmonary bypass study, cryopreserved platelets resulted in significantly less bleeding vs standard platelets. In 3 trauma studies, cryopreserved platelets were hemostatically effective. No significant adverse events were reported in any study. In summary, cryopreserved platelets have platelet recoveries that are about half of fresh platelets, but survivals are only minimally reduced. The platelets appear hemostatically effective and have no significant adverse events.

Viability and function of 8-day-stored apheresis platelets.

BACKGROUND: Methods of bacterial detection and pathogen inactivation of platelets (PLTs) may allow extended storage of PLTs as long as PLT quality is maintained. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty normal volunteers had their PLTs collected with an apheresis machine (Haemonetics Corp.). A variety of in vitro PLT function and metabolic assays were performed both on Day 0 and after 8 days of storage. On Day 8, a small blood sample was drawn from each donor to obtain fresh PLTs. The fresh and stored autologous PLTs were labeled with either (51)Cr or (111)In, and the radiolabeled PLTs were transfused. Posttransfusion serial blood samples were drawn to determine the relative posttransfusion recoveries and survivals of the fresh versus the stored PLTs. RESULTS: Although the in vitro assays showed some differences between the two trial sites, the results were generally within the ranges expected for fresh and stored PLTs. Overall, PLT recoveries averaged 66 +/- 16 percent versus 53 +/- 20 percent and survivals averaged 8.5 +/- 1.6 days versus 5.6 +/- 1.6 days, respectively, for fresh compared to 8-day-stored PLTs. There were no significant differences in the in vivo PLT data between the trial sites or based on the radiolabel used for the measurements. CONCLUSION: After 8 days of storage, the in vivo posttransfusion recovery and survival of autologous Haemonetics apheresis PLTs meet the proposed standards for poststorage PLT quality.