Background: Pathogen reduction of platelet concentrates (PCs) using amotosalen and broad-spectrum UVA illumination contributes to the safety of platelet transfusion by reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. We evaluated the in vitro quality of stored buffy-coat (BC) PCs treated with amotosalen and a prototype light-emitting diode (LED) illuminator.
Methods: Double-dose BC-PCs collected into PAS-III/plasma or SSP+ /plasma (55/45%) were treated with amotosalen in combination with either conventional UVA lamps (INT100 Illuminator 320-400 nm) or LED illuminators at 350 nm. Platelet quality and function were evaluated over 7 days.
Results: Platelet counts were conserved during storage in all groups, as was platelet swirling without appearance of macroscopic aggregates. Integrin αIIbβ3 and glycoprotein (GP) VI expression remained stable, whereas GPIbα and GPV declined similarly in all groups. UV lamp- and LED-treated PCs displayed similar glucose consumption, lactate generation, and pH variation. Comparable spontaneous and residual P-selectin and phosphatidylserine exposure, activated αIIbβ3 exposure, mitochondrial membrane potential, lactate dehydrogenase release, and adhesive properties under flow conditions were observed during storage. The use of SSP+ /plasma compared with PAS-III/plasma better preserved most of these parameters, especially during late storage, irrespective of the type of illuminator.
Conclusion: Replacing the UVA lamp for photochemical treatment by LED illuminators had no impact on platelet metabolism, spontaneous activation, apoptosis or viability, or on the in vitro function of BC-PCs stored for 7 days in SSP+ or PAS-III/plasma. These findings support improved procedures for the pathogen reduction and storage of PCs, to ensure transfusion safety and retention of platelet functional properties.
Keywords: INTERCEPT; amotosalen; platelets; storage lesion; transfusion medicine.
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