Frequent plateletpheresis donations & its effect on haematological parameters: An observational study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The well-being of donors undergoing frequent plateletpheresis has been a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of frequent plateletpheresis on the haematological parameters (HP) of repeat donors. METHODS: The study was conducted during February 2016 to March 2017 on all the repeat plateletpheresis donors undergoing the 2(nd) plateletpheresis within a month of the first in a tertiary care centre. Donors repeating plateletpheresis 3(rd) and 4(th) times were also studied. The values of the HP observed on follow up after plateletpheresis done on three different separators were compared. RESULTS: HPs of the 98 donors were similar at follow up except mean platelet volume (P<0.05). Of the 98 donors, 35 were followed up within a week and 63 were followed up within 8-30 days. No significant alteration was found in the HPs except a significant difference in the variation of platelet counts of the two groups (P=0.025). In 34 donors who presented 3(rd) time for plateletpheresis (mean gap between 1(st) and 3(rd) plateletpheresis=31 days), no significant differences in the HPs were found except the platelet distribution width (P<0.05). Minimal difference in the HP was found in the baseline and the follow up of 3(rd) plateletpheresis i.e., at 4(th) plateletpheresis donation. Plateletpheresis through all the three cell separators used had similar effects on the follow up HPs. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Repeated plateletpheresis can be done without any detrimental effects on the cell counts of the plateletpheresis donors. The three cell separators yielded similar post-donation follow up haematological parameters.