Efficacy of leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates for prevention of HLA-alloimmunization in patients with frequent platelet transfusions: a prospective multi-institutional study using a polyester platelet filter

A prospective multi-institutional study was conducted to assess the efficacy of leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates, prepared by a method using a newly developed polyester filter, in the prevention of HLA-alloimmunization in patients with hematological disorders. Patients who were expected frequent platelet transfusions, were assigned into two groups, receiving either standard platelet concentrates (control group) or leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates prepared through a polyester platelet filter, Sepacell-PL (filtered group). All patients received leukocyte-depleted red cell products. Of III patients enrolled, 72 were evaluable, 23 in the control and 49 in the filtered group. Both groups were comparable according to age, sex ratio, underlying disorders, previous exposure to alloantigens by transfusion and/or pregnancy. There was no statistically significant difference in the number and duration of transfusion in the two groups. There were significant differences in HLA-alloimmunization rate (9 cases out of 23, 39% in the control group versus 4 cases out of 49, 8% in the filtered group; p less than 0.01) and refractoriness to platelet transfusion from random donors (6 cases out of 23, 26% in the control group versus 2 cases out of 49, 4% in the filtered group; p less than 0.05). These results indicated that leukocyte-depleted platelet concentrates prepared through the polyester platelet filter are beneficial to reduce HLA-alloimmunization in patients with frequent platelet transfusions.