Seasonal variation of platelets in a cohort of Italian blood donors: A preliminary report

Abstract

Background: Since available data are not univocal, the aim of this study was to explore the existence of a seasonal variation in platelet count. Methods. The study was based on the database of the Italian Association of Blood Volunteers (AVIS), section of Ferrara, Italy, 2001-2010. Hematological data (170,238 exams referring to 16,422 donors) were categorized into seasonal and monthly intervals, and conventional and chronobiological analyses were applied. Results: Platelets and plateletcrit were significantly higher in winter-autumn, with a main peak in December-February (average +3.4% and +4.6%, respectively, P <0.001 for both). Conclusions: Although seasonal variations have been reported for several acute cardiovascular diseases, it is extremely unlikely that such a slight increase in platelet count in winter alone may be considered as a risk factor. © 2013 Gallerani et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.