Effect of plateletpheresis on postdonation serum thrombopoietin levels and its correlation with platelet counts in healthy voluntary donors

Abstract

Background: Thrombopoietin (TPO) is regulated by a feedback mechanism between megakaryocytes and platelets. This is important in plateletpheresis donors to compensate for donation-associated platelet loss. Aims and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study were to investigate changes in serum TPO levels in healthy plateletpheresis donors and its correlation with platelet recovery pattern. Materials and Methods: Out of 50 plateletpheresis donors recruited in the study over 1 year, only 29 completed follow-up and were further analyzed. Plateletpheresis procedures were performed on two types of cell separators (TRIMA ACCEL^®, Terumo BCT Lakewood Colorado and AMICUS^®, Fresenius Kabi, Germany). Platelet parameters were estimated pre- and post-platelet donation, at 3^rd- and 5^th-day postdonation. Serum TPO levels were determined using quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (Raybiotech, USA) as per the protocol of the manufacturer. Results: The majority of donors (72%) in our study were first-time donors. The baseline platelet count was 226 ± 44 × 10³/μl with a significant decline (30%; P < 0.001) in postdonation phase and remained below baseline on the 3^rd and 5^th day. The serum TPO levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) from a baseline of 227.81 (interquartile range [IQR]: 176.06) pg/ml to 269.94 (IQR: 110.68) pg/ml postdonation and remained elevated from baseline levels on the 3^rd and 5^th day. An inverse relation was observed between change in serum TPO levels and platelet count during postdonation phase which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Serum TPO levels increase significantly post plateletpheresis donation corresponding to decrease in platelet counts showing that TPO plays a vital role in compensatory mechanism after platelet loss.