Algorithm-Based Platelet Function Tests: A Need or a Greed?

The Need for PFT: Necessity versus Cost?

Platelet dysfunction may contribute to hemostatic alterations in cardiac surgery and can be influenced by preoperative antiplatelet therapy, comorbidities, or the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass itself.⁵ Therefore, perioperative platelet function analysis has immense value in prediction of excessive bleeding and transfusion requirements and guiding hemostatic interventions.

When an agonist like arachidonic acid (ARA)/adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/thrombin-activating peptide (TRAP) (adenosine derivative = ADP) is added to the blood sample, a signature curve is observed which measures platelet aggregation on the electrodes. A signature graph is then observed on the screen and the area under the curve (AUC), is a measure of this platelet aggregation. This AUC (Fig. 2a b) is measured in Ohms and is a diagnostic number, signifying platelet receptor function. The multiplate electrode aggregometry (MEA) expressed in Ohms is presented as an aggregation unit (AU). The measured area under the graph (AUC, 1 U= 10 AU × min) has a diagnostic value and is now a clinical parameter defining the receptor function.⁶ Various studies have in recent time discussed PFA perioperative as a good prognostic marker.

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Fig. 2

(a,b) Showing platelet aggregometry graphs (on ROTEM platelet analyzer) for normal platelet function, aspirin clopidogrel, GP II b IIIa thrombocyte, effects, and platelet hyperactivity curves.

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Ranucci et al concluded that aggregometry testing can help in predicting postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

In this special “AIIMS issue of JCCC” we are honored and privileged to have our Director AIIMS, a renowned pulmonologist and intensive care physician, write an editorial on “climate change and global warming: inhaling a lung attack.” This is a visionary step for future predicaments of this epidemic social menace, especially in the Indian scenario.

Also seen in this issue in a brief communication by Gandhi et al is role of platelets in CABG patients. This is a class IIB evidence today in European hematology guidelines. Ameya et al, from our center, have emphasized on algorithm-based transfusion practice to prevent, perioperative bleeding in cyanotic babies.⁵ It makes for pensive reading about things to be seen in future when more patients on novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) will be seen in the operating room and catheterization laboratory for invasive and noninvasive procedures. A platelet function analysis becomes mandatory then, as platelet count international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is not enough. It is in such situations that point of care tests with rapid turnaround time, in an algorithm-based manner, become need of the hour and a necessity.⁷ Objective platelet function assessment after cardiac surgery can predict postoperative blood loss, guide transfusion requirements, and discriminate the need for surgical re-exploration. Despite the cost, the life it saves makes it an important tool in the ICU and operating room. As endotheliosists we all have an important role to prevent bleeding when the endothelium is disrupted when patient is put on CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass_/PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention)/ECMP or VAD (ventricular assist device) insertions.

Platelet aggregometry a point of care (POC) test indeed is a need which saves lives, only awareness of its availability and expertise in interpretations are required. It is not a luxury, despite its cost, as the rapidity with which it helps us in transfusing, the right blood component and save a life, is more important than the prolonged ICU ventilator stay. Its clinical utility and application remains to be discerned more.

An article by Sahu et al on Vitamin D toxicity is a must read.