Relationship between platelet storage and clinical outcomes

An article by Welsby and colleagues in the November issue of Transfusion examines the possible possible relationship between platelet storage duration of two to five days and the outcomes of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The patients received one leukoreduced apheresis platelet product. The authors found no association between platelet storage age and clinical outcomes in this minimally transfused patient group. In addition to considering the possible clinical effects of platelet storage time, the editorial by Anne F. Eder, MD, PhD, and Gary Moroff, PhD, reviews the available evidence on the association between platelet transfusions and adverse outcomes. The authors of the editorial conclude that the question regarding the possible effect of platelet storage duration on clinical outcomes has been satisfied by Welsby and colleagues.