Platelet Function, Platelet Transfusion, and Antiplatelet Medication in TBI

Presenter: Jurgis Alvikas, MD (Advisor: Matthew D. Neal, MD, FACS)

Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. Antiplatelet medications are an independent risk factor for tICH development due to impaired platelet hemostatic function. Platelet function tests are increasingly utilized to detect poor platelet function and guide antiplatelet reversal by platelet transfusion. However, VerifyNow Aspirin (VNA), a commonly used point-of-care platelet function test, has not been validated for use in trauma. Additionally, platelet transfusion is frequently utilized in an effort to restore platelet function in these patients. However, little high-quality evidence exists to support this practice. Dr. Alvikas will present three projects on this topic. First, he will discuss the results of his group's recently published systematic review. Second, he will present data from the Testing for Platelet Inhibition in TBI (TPI-TBI) trial that finished enrollment in July. Lastly, he will present an upcoming project using decision science to investigate platelet transfusion practices in tICH patients on antiplatelets.