Platelet Concentrate Utilization Trends in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Comprehensive Analysis

Background: Platelet Concentrate (PC) transfusions are important in managing patients with bleeding disorders and haematological malignancies. However, inappropriate transfusions lead to significant wastage, increased healthcare costs, and adverse outcomes. This study was conducted to assess platelet utilization trends in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan, with a focus on the appropriateness and clinical settings of platelet (PC) usage. The study aimed to evaluate the utilization trends of platelet concentrate in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Civil Hospital, Hyderabad from June 5 to October 5, 2024. Data was collected from 441 patients who received platelet transfusions. Consecutive non-probability sampling was employed. Patients were categorized based on whether transfusions were appropriate or inappropriate, following international guidelines. The data was stratified by clinical departments and analyzed using SPSS v22.0 with descriptive statistics (means, SDs, frequencies, percentages), categorized by gender, age, and clinical category, and t-test applied to compare appropriate vs. inappropriate transfusions. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 441 patients studied, 72.56% of transfusions were appropriate, while 10.43% were inappropriate. Hematology had the highest rate of appropriate transfusions (85%), while non-haematological departments like surgery showed lower adherence to guidelines. Inappropriate transfusions were most common in medical patients (8.61%). Conclusion: This study highlighted a high rate of appropriate transfusions but also revealed areas for improvement, particularly in non-haematological departments. Standardized guidelines, regular audits, and continuous education are recommended to further reduce inappropriate transfusions, improve patient outcomes, and optimize resource utilization.