ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2013 | pp. 9–16
DOI: 10.46882/2013/IJH/000038
Original Article
Title: Assessment of hemostatic parameters and microparticle generation in stored whole blood units
Names of Authors: Q. S. Abubakar¹, U. T. Maina²
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria; ²Department of Pathology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
Abstract: Blood storage lesions involve functional degradation and the accumulation of procoagulant cellular microparticles over time. This study analyzed sequential alterations in coagulation factors, platelet function, and microparticle generation in 50 whole blood units collected in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine anticoagulant and stored at 4 °C for 35 days. Serial samples collected at days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 measured factor VIII, factor V, prothrombin time, and erythrocyte-derived microparticles using flow cytometry. Factor VIII activity fell by 55.4% by day 14 and reached a low of 18.2% on day 35 (P < 0.01). Factor V activity exhibited a similar decline, decreasing by 42.1% by day 21. Concurrently, concentrations of procoagulant erythrocyte microparticles increased six-fold by day 28, correlating with a shortening of the baseline plasma clotting time in vitro (r = -0.52, P < 0.05). These results indicate that while labile coagulation factors decline rapidly, whole blood units accumulate highly procoagulant microparticles during storage. This supports the use of fresh whole blood (< 7 days stored) for correcting active coagulopathies, while older units may contribute to a prothrombotic risk in vulnerable recipients.
Keywords: Whole blood storage, factor VIII, blood storage lesion, microparticles, coagulation
Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 12, 2012; Revised: December 20, 2012; Accepted: January 10, 2013; Published: February 15, 2013