Platelet storage and transfusions: New concerns associated with an old therapy

Abstract

Platelet transfusion has long been practiced with rudimentary knowledge about optimal storage conditions and their implications for efficacy and, particularly, safety. Recent concerns have been raised about platelet transfusion complications such as inflammation, thrombosis and altered recipient immunity. This review will discuss recent important findings that have raised these issues about platelet transfusion associated morbidity, mortality and the possible role of platelet storage in these associations.