A clinical comparison of cold-stored and room temperature-stored allogeneic platelet transfusions in bleeding adult cardiac surgery patients - A randomized multicentre pilot study (PLTS-1 study)

One in three cardiac surgery patients require platelet transfusion to control bleeding, consuming a large proportion of the Canadian platelet supply. In Canada, platelets are stored at room temperature with a shelf-life of only 7 days, resulting in system-wide wastage rates as high as 30% due to expiry. Preliminary findings suggest that storing platelets at cold temperatures (1-6 °C) safely doubles their shelf life (improving supply and reducing wastage) while maintaining or even improving their clotting ability. To determine if cold-stored platelets can be used in bleeding surgical patients, a large randomized trial will be needed. In preparation for this definitive study, we will conduct a pilot study including 50 bleeding cardiac surgical patients who will receive either cold-stored platelets or standard platelets. This will ensure our planned study design is feasible and allows us to test our methods for producing cold-stored platelets and delivering them to patients. If this pilot study is successful, we will proceed to the full-scale, definitive study. Ultimately, if we find that cold-stored platelets are safe and effective, this is likely to lead to their routine use in bleeding surgical patients, thereby improving the available platelet supply and the management of bleeding patients.

BARTOSZKO, Justyna

University Health Network

Intramural Research Grant Program

Ontario

$242,617