Model Calculations to Quantify Clinical and Economic Effects of Pathogen Inactivation in Platelet Concentrates

Background: Future shortages in platelet supply are expected in
Germanydue to demographic changes. A rising cancer incidence will
lead to anincreasing demand for platelet concentrates (PCs) while
the number ofpotential donors will decrease. Pathogen inactivation
(PI) aims toinactivate various infectious agents including emerging
pathogens toextend the shelf-life of PCs and reduce the frequency
of acutetransfusion reactions (ATRs). In this context, the clinical
and economicimpact of PI on platelet transfusion was evaluated.
Material andMethods: Model calculations were conducted for 2
scenarios consideringdifferent production settings. Frequencies of
ATRs were based onliterature analyses, platelet and ATR costs on
cost analyses. Results:The estimated average costs for ATRs of
grade 1 and 2, irrespective oforigin, and grade 3 (allergic) were
(sic) 104, (sic) 238, and (sic)1,200, respectively. Approximately
400 PC-related ATRs per 10(5)transfusions can be avoided, with
estimated savings amounting to (sic)77,000. The total cost increase
was calculated to approximately (sic)30-50 per PI-treated PC.
Conclusion: PI potentially saves plasma,prolongs shelf-life,
decreases donor deferral, and reduces ATRs. Modelcalculations
considering clinical and safety benefits of PI show arational cost
increase. The impact of PI should be further evaluatedfrom a
societal perspective regarding future blood supply and
infectiousdisease globalization.