A new type of platelet transfusion for newborns raised platelet counts safely and more effectively than standard platelet transfusions, according to a recent study published in the journal Transfusion Medicine.
A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, is common in newborn babies. It may happen because of problems with a mother’s blood pressure, such as preeclampsia, or because of infections in the baby’s bone marrow while in the uterus.
It may also be caused by a rare condition called fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). In FNAIT, the baby’s platelets are destroyed by the mother’s immune system before birth. Platelets are important because they help stop bleeding, so very low levels can be dangerous.
When platelet counts stay low, doctors may give platelet transfusions. Different platelet products can be used. One common type is random donor platelets (RDP), made from whole blood donations.
The researchers involved in the study looked at a newer option called split, volume-reduced single donor apheresis platelets (NeoVRs-SDAP). These platelets come from one donor, are concentrated into a smaller amount of fluid and then divided into small doses suitable for babies.
A total of 13 newborns received the new type of platelet transfusion. Researchers found that even a small amount (10 mL) of the transfusion contained far more platelets than the same volume of standard products.
After transfusion, infants who received the new type of platelet transfusion had a much larger rise in platelet counts compared with those who received the traditional type of platelet transfusion (RDP).
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No transfusion-related side effects were seen. And because one blood donation could be split into several doses, babies were exposed to fewer donors, which may reduce certain risks.
Although this was a small study, the results are promising. “Larger randomised controlled trials are warranted to validate efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness,” the researchers said.
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