Platelet transfusions: Impact on hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation and clinical outcomes

• Published in: Thrombosis research Vol. 127; no. 4; pp. 287 - 291
• Main Authors: Refaai, Majed A, Phipps, Richard P, Spinelli, Sherry L, Blumberg, Neil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acute Lung Injury - etiology; Acute Lung Injury - immunology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Blood coagulation. Blood cells; Blood Platelets - immunology; Cardiology. Vascular system; CD40 Ligand - immunology; Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Hemostasis; Humans; Inflammation - etiology; Inflammation - immunology; Medical sciences; Molecular and cellular biology; Platelet; Platelet Transfusion - adverse effects; Thrombosis - etiology; Thrombosis - immunology; Vascular disease; Platelet; Prognosis; Transfusion; Hemostasis; Cardiovascular disease; Inflammation; Thrombosis
• ISSN: 0049-3848; 1879-2472
• DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2010.10.012

Abstract Platelet transfusion is one of the most crucial therapeutic approaches in Medicine. However, severe and fatal adverse reactions may develop. In addition to their important function in hemostasis, platelets’ role in inflammation has become more evident. Recently, platelets are also recognized as the main source of circulating soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L, (CD154)), which plays significant roles in hemostasis, platelet activation, clot stability, interactions with other cells, and upregulation of different mediators. In this review, we will briefly highlight the importance of platelet transfusion, its role in inflammatory and thrombotic transfusion reactions, and visit the most recent findings on sCD40L.