Premium
Platelet transfusion and tranexamic acid to prevent bleeding in outpatients with a hematological disease: A Dutch nationwide survey
Author(s) -
Cornelissen Loes L.,
CaramDeelder Camila,
Meier Romy T.,
Zwaginga Jaap Jan,
Evers Dorothea
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/ejh.13555
Subject(s) - medicine , tranexamic acid , myelodysplastic syndromes , aplastic anemia , platelet transfusion , hematology , disease , acute leukemia , anemia , intensive care medicine , population , platelet , limiting , pediatrics , surgery , leukemia , blood loss , bone marrow , mechanical engineering , environmental health , engineering
Objectives There is scarce evidence about the effectiveness of anti‐bleeding measures in hematological outpatients experiencing persistent severe thrombocytopenia. We aim to describe clinical practice and clinicians' considerations on the administration of prophylactic platelet transfusions and tranexamic acid (TXA) to outpatients with acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or aplastic anemia (AA) in the Netherlands. Methods We conducted an online survey among members of the Dutch Society for Hematology. Results The survey was filled out by 73 respondents. Prophylactic platelet transfusions are widely used in acute leukemia and MDS outpatients receiving disease‐modifying treatments (87%‐98% of respondents). TXA is predominantly prescribed in case of bleeding (tendency) (71%‐88% of respondents). Conditions potentially increasing bleeding risks highly variably influence clinicians' decision making on anti‐bleeding regimens, which includes a wide range in adhered platelet thresholds. Conclusion Considering that both the contribution of prophylactic platelet transfusions as well as TXA to limiting bleeding is insufficiently evidence‐based, there is an urgent need for trials on optimal anti‐bleeding strategies in this outpatient population, which should encompass efficacy, logistic, financial, and quality‐of‐life aspects.