The use of light transmission aggregometry for monitoring platelet transfusion response in a small case cohort of Glanzmann thrombasthenia patients: a hypothesis-generating study
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Authors
Rutten, Karlijn H. G.
Tsiamita, Olga
Platton, Sean
Fiore, Mathieu
Urbanus, Rolf T.
Sivapalaratnam, Suthesh
Schutgens, Roger E. G.
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Issue Date
2026
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Article
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Abstract
Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is commonly used to diagnose platelet disorders and has a specific pattern in Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT). As there is currently no adequate test to assess the efficacy of platelet transfusion, we explored whether LTA can be used to monitor the platelet response following platelet transfusion. We retrospectively evaluated LTA results after platelet transfusion in four patients with GT. After transfusion of two units of platelets, aggregation assessed by LTA remained reduced for all platelet agonists except ristocetin, despite a satisfactory clinical effect on hemostasis. One patient received seven units, after which a change in LTA results was observed. In this heterogeneous case cohort, the LTA response did not correlate with the clinical response after platelet transfusion in GT. To draw definitive conclusions, a study in a larger population that controls for influencing factors - such as the timing and dose of platelet transfusion and the use of a standardized LTA procedure - should be conducted.; What is the context? In patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) the platelets do not work properly. As a result, patients with GT tend to bleed more often and more severely. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is a test used to diagnose platelet disorders, such as GT. It evaluates platelet function by measuring the amount of light that passes through a blood sample (light transmission) as platelets attach to each other (aggregate) in response to activating chemicals (agonists). Currently, there is no adequate test to assess the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with GT.What is new? In this study, LTA was used to assess the in vitro effect of platelet transfusion in GT. Our data do not support the routine use of LTA for monitoring response after platelet transfusion in patients with GT. However, this was studied in a small heterogeneous case cohort.What is the impact? A controlled study in a larger population should be conducted to draw definitive conclusions.
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Platelets
Volume
37
Issue
1