Evaluation of Appropriateness of Platelet transfusions in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction:  Blood transfusion is an essential part of modern health care. Transfusion is considered appropriate when it is used to treat conditions leading to significant morbidity and mortality and which cannot be prevented or managed effectively by other means. The aim of this study was to evaluate appropriateness of platelet transfusions in a tertiary care centre as per National blood transfusion guidelines. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care centre. A total of 4236 blood request forms were analyzed over a period of 12 months out of which 8.3% (n=352) were for Platelets (PLT). Number of units requested were noted and appropriateness of requested transfusions was assessed according to the National guidelines on transfusion. Results: A total of 4236 blood request forms were analyzed in this study out of which 8.3% (n=352) were for Platelets (PLT). There were 352 platelet requests out of which 59.6 % (n=210) requests were considered appropriate, 30.2% (n=106) were considered inappropriate and 10.2% (n=36) requests could not be assessed due to unavailability of platelet count. Out of 30.2% (n=106) inappropriate transfusions, in 14.8% (n=52) transfusions were appropriate but number of units transfused was inappropriate and in 15% transfusion itself was considered inappropriate. Conclusion: It was observed that 30.2% (n=106) were considered inappropriate and in 10.2% (n=36) requests could not be assessed due to unavailability of platelet count. Regular audits and CMEs should be conducted and development of standard hospital transfusion guidelines are the measures which can be incorporated in this hospital to rationalize the use of blood components.