Fresh, Disintegrated Platelets in Radiation Thrombocytopenia: Correction of Prothrombin Consumption without Correction of Bleeding.

Abstract

In irradiation thrombocytopenia the bleeding is controlled by fresh platelet transfusions but not by lyophilized or frozen platelet transfusions. In these studies fresh platelets were compared to fresh disintegrated platelets. The former controlled bleeding and corrected the defect in prothrombin consumption. The latter corrected the defect in prothrombin consumption but not the bleeding defect. It is concluded that a normal clotting system, in- cluding platelet factors is not enough for normal hemostasis, the "mechanical effect" of intact circulating platelets is also needed.