Storage pool defect in pooled huffy coat platelet concentrates within the shelf-life period

Platelet concentrate (PC) transfusions are useful for maintaining haemostas is in a variety of clinical situations. The function of transfused platelet s is of critical importance, and changes on storage of buffy coat-prepared PC may influence their haemostatic potential, Total platelet adenine nucleo tide content and platelet aggregation responses were studied, serially, in pooled buffy coat-derived PCs (n = 7), stored under UK recommended blood ba nk conditions, over the stipulated shelf-life of 5 days. Mean platelet volu me (MPV), platelet counts and platelet distribution width (PDW) were also q uantified. Total platelet ADP content decreased from 4.45 +/- 0.78 to 3.71 +/- 0.69 nmol/10(8) platelets (P < 0.01, day 1 versus day 5, mean +/- SEM) over the shelf-life period. This was associated with reduced aggregatory re sponses: responses (expressed as percentage of maximum height) to 5 and 10 mu M ADP decreased from 10.8 +/- 2.8% to 1.0 +/- 1.0% (P < 0.005, 5 mu M, d ay 1 versus day 5) and from 18.0 +/- 5.4% to 4.7 +/- 2.2% (P < 0.02, 10 mu M, day 1 versus day 5) while the decreased responsiveness was more pronounc ed for 4 mu g/ml of collagen: 49.0 +/- 13.3% to 7.2 +/- 7.1% (P < 0.01, day 1 versus day 4) and 49.9 +/- 13.3% to 2.1 +/- 1.9% (P < 0.001, day 1 versu s day 5). These data indicate an acquired storage pool defect that is maxim al by day 4 or 5 and accompanied by decreased platelet function, characteri zed by significant decreases in platelet aggregation responses. Addition of freeze-thawed plasma (autologous day 1) to PCs on days 2, 3, 4 and 5 did n ot alter the responses to ADP and collagen.