Using immature platelet fraction as a factor in deciding on the need for platelet transfusions

Our study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of immature platelet fraction (IPF) and its role in deciding whether to transfuse platelets. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. We monitored this hematologic parameter in 6 patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). For the study, we used whole blood collected in K EDTA tubes. IPF levels were measured by flow cytometry on the automated hematology analyzer SYSMEX XE-2100 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). The presence of platelet antibodies was detected using Capture-P Ready-Screen solid phase system for the detection of antibodies to platelets and the NEO Blood Bank Analyzer by Immucor, Inc. It was shown that the use of IPF enabled an early establishment of platelet engraftment and helped to make more a reasoned decision regarding the transfusion of platelets. It was established that if a rise in IPF > 6% was not accompanied by an increase in platelet count, serum platelet antibody testing was needed. IPF can help diagnose platelet engraftment failure following HSCT and thus eliminate the need for bone marrow aspiration. IPF is of great clinical importance; if adopted as a routine hematologic parameter, it can serve as an additional factor in deciding on the need for platelet transfusions and platelet antibody testing and subsequent personalized selection of platelets.