The rise of reticulated platelets after intensive chemotherapy for AML reduces the need for platelet transfusions.

We assumed that a recovery of thrombopoiesis after intensive chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) could reduce the need for prophylactic platelet transfusions. We therefore assessed the start of platelet production by means of daily determination of reticulated platelets (RP). The increase in RP occurred on day 20 (median) after the start of chemotherapy and was followed by a rise of peripheral platelet counts 2-3 days thereafter. Consequently, a rise of RP during the period of recovery can be regarded as representing the reconstitution of the peripheral platelet count and may reduce or eliminate the need for prophylactic platelet transfusions.