Different Platelet Count Thresholds to Guide Use of Prophylactic Platelet Transfusions for Patients With Hematological Disorders After Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy or Stem Cell Transplantation

JAMA Oncol. 2016 Aug 1;2(8):1091-2. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.2466.

Abstract

Clinical question: What is the optimal platelet count threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusions to minimize bleeding, platelet use, and adverse clinical outcomes in thrombocytopenic patients with hematological malignant neoplasms?

Bottom line: Maintaining a higher platelet count threshold (≤20 × 109/L or ≤30 × 109/L) was not associated with less bleeding than the current standard (≤10 × 109/L), but required more platelet transfusions (low-quality evidence).

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Hematologic Diseases / therapy*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hemorrhage / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia / drug therapy*
  • Platelet Count
  • Platelet Transfusion / methods*
  • Thrombocytopenia / blood
  • Thrombocytopenia / etiology
  • Thrombocytopenia / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents