Increased platelet-leucocyte complexes do not result in coagulation activation in plateletpheresis donors.

Background: Although plateletpheresis donation is commonly accepted as a safe procedure, its influence on platelet function, coagulation system and fibrinolysis is not completely elucidated.

Objectives: In this study, we tried to assess the effects of plateletpheresis on donor's hemostasis system by measuring platelet activation, development of platelet-leukocyte aggregates, and coagulation activation.

Study design: Prospective observational study.

Methods: We used flow cytometry to determine the levels of platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC) and platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNC). sP-selectin and prothrombin fragment (PF) 1 + 2 values were determined by ELISA.

Results: The PMC levels increased significantly seven days after apheresis in comparison with just after apheresis and 24 h after apheresis (p < 0.05). The PNC levels increased significantly seven days after apheresis compared to immediately after apheresis (p < 0.05). sP-selectin values decreased significantly immediately after apheresis (p < 0.05). While sP-selectin values increased seven days after apheresis in comparison with immediately after apheresis and 24 h after apheresis, but there were not statistically significant differences for sP-selectin levels (p > 0.05). PF1 + 2 levels decreased significantly immediately after apheresis compared to pre-apheresis (p < 0.05) and increased 24 h after apheresis and seven days after apheresis, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: We concluded that plateletpheresis affects platelet activation but does not cause any change in coagulation activation.