Interest of cold stored platelets in transfusion therapy

Abstract

The platelet products currently available have an extremely short shelf life, which complicates their management, particularly in terms of supply and infectious safety. The use of cooled pads promises to provide solutions in certain situations. Studies conducted on chilled platelets confirmed several aspects of cold-induced platelet transformations leading to reduced metabolic activity, higher hemostatic activity in vitro and accelerated clearance; the cooled platelets are believed to be "primed" and ready to participate in the hemostatic process.In the clinic, cold platelets cannot circulate for prolonged periods limiting their use in prophylaxis, they may be more suitable for improving hemostasis in the event of trauma.Cold platelet preparations are attractive because of their potential to reduce bacterial growth and their prolonged storage.Several methods of preserving chilled platelets have been studied. Deferred cold on the 4^th day seems a promising alternative in the management of platelet products. The simplicity and low cost of cold storage of these products makes it a suitable method to meet platelet product needs on a daily basis, but especially during critical situations (pandemic, military operations, shortages).Larger studies evaluating the clinical efficacy, infectious security as well as the budgetary impact of this new preservation method are recommended.