Effect of plateletpheresis on postdonation serum thrombopoietin levels and its correlation with platelet counts in healthy voluntary donors

BACKGROUND: Thrombopoietin (TPO) is regulated by a feedback mechanism between megakaryocytes and platelets. This is important in plateletpheresis donors to compensate for donation-associated platelet loss. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim and objective of this study were to investigate changes in serum TPO levels in healthy plateletpheresis donors and its correlation with platelet recovery pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 50 plateletpheresis donors recruited in the study over 1 year, only 29 completed follow-up and were further analyzed. Plateletpheresis procedures were performed on two types of cell separators (TRIMA ACCEL(®), Terumo BCT Lakewood Colorado and AMICUS(®), Fresenius Kabi, Germany). Platelet parameters were estimated pre- and post-platelet donation, at 3(rd)- and 5(th)-day postdonation. Serum TPO levels were determined using quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (Raybiotech, USA) as per the protocol of the manufacturer. RESULTS: The majority of donors (72%) in our study were first-time donors. The baseline platelet count was 226 ± 44 × 10(3)/μl with a significant decline (30%; P < 0.001) in postdonation phase and remained below baseline on the 3(rd) and 5(th) day. The serum TPO levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) from a baseline of 227.81 (interquartile range [IQR]: 176.06) pg/ml to 269.94 (IQR: 110.68) pg/ml postdonation and remained elevated from baseline levels on the 3(rd) and 5(th) day. An inverse relation was observed between change in serum TPO levels and platelet count during postdonation phase which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum TPO levels increase significantly post plateletpheresis donation corresponding to decrease in platelet counts showing that TPO plays a vital role in compensatory mechanism after platelet loss.