To Be or Not To Be (Compatible)?: Platelet Transfusions

An international group of investigators from multiple countries assessed the impact of ABO compatibility matching on change in platelet counts among critically ill children receiving platelet transfusions. This study is a secondary analysis of data collected in a prospective study of the epidemiology of platelet transfusions in pediatric patients (Point Prevalence Study of Platelet Transfusions in Critically Ill Children, or P³T). In the original study, data were collected during a 6-week period at 82 sites in 16 countries. Study children were patients, 3 days through 16 years old, who received a platelet transfusion prescribed by the intensive care medical team. Data collected included demographic information; diagnosis; whether the transfusion was because of bleeding or for prophylaxis; and the details regarding …