Haemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Epidemiology of platelet transfusion in critically ill patients: a multicentre observational prospective study
Authors' conclusion
In this large study, 42% of platelet transfusions were not aligned with guidelines. Prophylactic platelet transfusion was the indication with the lowest adherence to guidelines.
Study context
- Population
- Critically ill patients receiving platelet transfusions975 platelet transfusions
- Participants
- 310 patients
- Primary endpoint
- Platelet transfusion indications, pre-transfusion platelet count and adherence to guidelines
Methodological detailspre-planned secondary analysis
- Pre-planned secondary analysis
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Platelet transfusions given in accordance with guidelines
- Transfusions in accordance with guidelines
- 58% (95% CI 55-61)
- Prophylactic transfusions in thrombocytopenic patients
- 41.7%
- Prophylactic transfusions before invasive procedure
- 19.7%
- Platelet concentrates to treat major bleeding
- 210 (21.5%)
- Platelet concentrates to treat minor bleeding
- 166 (17.0%)
- Median platelet count, prophylactic transfusion
- 14 × 109/L (IQR 8-23 × 109/L)
- Median platelet count, prior to invasive procedure
- 21 × 109/L (IQR 12-36 × 109/L)
- Median platelet count, prior to therapeutic transfusion
- 43 × 109/L (IQR 27-66 × 109/L)
Further findings
| Outcome | Prophylactic | Pre-procedure or bleeding | Absolute difference (percentage points) (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Predicted probability of non-adherence to guidelines (exploratory multivariable analysis)Exploratory · model-based | 76.4% | 28.5% | 47.8 (40.7–55.0) | |
| −50050100Difference, percentage points (linear scale) |
Original publication
Epidemiology of platelet transfusion in critically ill patients: a multicentre observational prospective study. J Crit Care. Published 30 September 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →