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.

Differences in residual white blood cell subset counts in buffy coat-depleted red cell concentrates prepared with bottom and top or quadruple-bag systems.

Background: For preparation of buffy coat-depleted red cell concentrates (RCCs) in additive solution whole blood is currently collected in The Netherlands both in quadruple-bag and bottom and top bag systems. By using the quadruple-bag system both plasma and buffy coat cells are transferred into integrated satellite bags while the red cells remain in the collection bag. When bottom and top bags are used, the buffy coat remains in the collection bag while both red cells and plasma are transferred into satellite bags.

Improvement of platelet storage conditions by using new polyolefin containers.

Background: Storage of pooled platelet concentrates (PCs) with yields above 3.0 x 10(11) platelets per unit in a 1-L PL-732 polyolefin container for 5 days often results in a drop in pH to below 6.0.

Evaluation of storage conditions of platelet concentrates prepared from pooled buffy coats.

Five days storage of pooled platelet concentrates (PCs) with high yields often results in a pH fall and poor platelet morphology despite the use of specific containers. In this study we evaluated two techniques for prolonged storage of PCs with high platelet counts, by measuring pH and platelet swirl. In routine procedures, 90 PCs, prepared from five buffy coats, were stored in a single 1-litre PL 732 container.

Prevention of donor-specific T-cell unresponsiveness after buffy-coat-depleted blood transfusion.

The immunosuppressive effect of blood transfusions has been demonstrated in several clinical studies. The effect is probably mediated by HLA-class-II-bearing donor leucocytes, because results from laboratory tests show specific down-regulation of the recipient's T-Cell response after administration of blood from donors sharing one HLA haplotype with the recipient. In the present study we evaluated the immunosuppressive potential of buffy-coat-depleted red cell transfusions in patients waiting for renal transplantation, by measuring the frequency of cytotoxic precursor T cells before and after transfusion.