Comparing cold-stored platelets to room temperature platelets in cardiac surgery

CHIlled Platelet Study

Phase 3 Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT04834414

This study is testing if cold-stored platelets work as well or better than room temperature platelets to help patients of all ages who need transfusions during complex heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 84 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations27 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 26 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04834414 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase 3 interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cold-stored platelets compared to standard room temperature stored platelets in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery. The study will involve a randomized partial blind design to assess whether cold-stored platelets are non-inferior or superior in their ability to support hemostasis during surgery. Participants will include viable neonates and children to adults who are expected to require platelet transfusions due to anticipated bleeding. The primary goal is to improve patient outcomes related to blood loss management during surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 3 kg and above who are scheduled for complex cardiac surgery with an expected need for platelet transfusion.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to receive washed or volume reduced platelets, or those with known platelet transfusion refractoriness, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved transfusion practices and better outcomes for patients undergoing complex cardiac surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of cold-stored platelets, but this specific approach in the context of complex cardiac surgery is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Viable neonates ≥ 3 kg at time of enrollment (as defined in Section 4.1) OR age greater than 28 days and less than 85 years of age at time of consent; AND
* Planned complex cardiac surgery with planned use of cardiopulmonary bypass, with an expectation of bleeding requiring platelet transfusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Expected order for washed or volume reduced platelets
* Patient with known anti-platelet antibodies
* Platelet transfusion refractoriness due to anti-HLA antibodies
* Known or suspected pregnancy
* Previously randomized in this study
* Conscious objection or unwillingness to receive blood products
* Known IgA deficiency
* Known congenital platelet disorder
* Known congenital bleeding disorder
* Planned post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular assist device (VAD), and/or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)/ hemodialysis
* Patients intended to receive whole blood either intra-operative or post-operative for bleeding
* Platelet transfusion (of any type) within 24 hours prior to the date of surgery
* Pre-operative thrombocytopenia, defined as platelet count \<75x10(9)/L, based on the most recent labs completed within 72 hours prior to the date of surgery.

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 26 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Blood Lossplateletscold-stored plateletsbleedinghemostasiscomplex cardiac surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.