Introduction

Platelets are the cells that help the blood to clot. Platelet transfusions are given to babies with low levels of platelets and signs of bleeding, but we do not know when best to give platelet transfusions to babies with low platelet levels and no signs of bleeding.

The aim of this study is to understand better when to give transfusions of platelets to babies with low platelet counts. For babies with low platelets and no evidence of bleeding, we would like to find out which platelet levels we should transfuse babies at. We have therefore designed a new clinical study to compare outcomes for babies transfused at two different platelet levels. Babies are randomised in to one of two groups:

One group of babies will receive a platelet transfusion whenever their platelet count drops below 50.

Another group will receive a platelet transfusion whenever their platelet count drops below 25.

Inclusion criteria

1. Written informed consent obtained.
2. Admission to a participating NICU (includes postnatal transfers).
3. <34 weeks gestational age at birth.
4. A platelet count of <50x10⁹/L.
5. Cranial ultrasound scan must have been undertaken less than 6 hours prior to randomisation in order to rule out recent major Intraventricular Haemorrhage (IVH).

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The Team

Dr Simon Stanworth, Chief Investigator, Consultant Haematologist, John Radcliffe Hospital. Dr Anna Curley, Joint Chief Investigator, Consultant Neonatologist, Addenbrooke's Hospital. Alison Deary, Clinical Operations Manager, NHSBT. Karen Willoughby, Clinical Trial Manager, University of Cambridge.