Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data

dc.contributor.advisorGumedze, Freedom
dc.contributor.authorMarcus, Mahdi
dc.date.accessioned2025-12-04T12:40:20Z
dc.date.available2025-12-04T12:40:20Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.date.updated2025-12-04T12:33:51Z
dc.description.abstractPlatelet transfusions are critical in managing bleeding risks in patients with low platelet counts or dysfunctional platelets. This research explores the dynamics of platelet count levels. The primary aim is to understand when and why platelet products are failing, by investigating differences in platelet count trajectories among donor groups, exploring seasonality, identifying donor clusters with similar behaviours, and establishing connections between platelet count dynamics and product failures. Using longitudinal data from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), I employed linear mixed-effect models to analyse platelet count trajectories and latent class mixed models to uncover donor clusters with distinct patterns. The findings reveal evidence of seasonal fluctuations in platelet counts, with highs in winter months, though deviations were observed in specific branch zones. Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) further confirmed these seasonal patterns and revealed inter-year variability. Critical to this study is the identification of two primary donor clusters, one with stable or elevated platelet counts and another showing a declining trend post-2018. Notably, these clusters did not significantly correlate with demographic factors like gender or location, suggesting other factors influencing platelet dynamics. The research also uncovered parallels between donor clusters and branch zones, highlighting variability in platelet profiles and product pass rates, particularly during periods of observed declines. This research provides insights into the temporal dynamics of platelet counts and their role in the quality and reliability of platelet products. By understanding these dynamics, we can better identify the factors contributing to product failures, ultimately improving the safety and efficacy of platelet transfusion practices.
dc.identifier.apacitationMarcus, M. (2025). <i>Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data</i>. (). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42403en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationMarcus, Mahdi. <i>"Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data."</i> ., University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences, 2025. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42403en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationMarcus, M. 2025. Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data. . University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42403en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Marcus, Mahdi AB - Platelet transfusions are critical in managing bleeding risks in patients with low platelet counts or dysfunctional platelets. This research explores the dynamics of platelet count levels. The primary aim is to understand when and why platelet products are failing, by investigating differences in platelet count trajectories among donor groups, exploring seasonality, identifying donor clusters with similar behaviours, and establishing connections between platelet count dynamics and product failures. Using longitudinal data from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), I employed linear mixed-effect models to analyse platelet count trajectories and latent class mixed models to uncover donor clusters with distinct patterns. The findings reveal evidence of seasonal fluctuations in platelet counts, with highs in winter months, though deviations were observed in specific branch zones. Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) further confirmed these seasonal patterns and revealed inter-year variability. Critical to this study is the identification of two primary donor clusters, one with stable or elevated platelet counts and another showing a declining trend post-2018. Notably, these clusters did not significantly correlate with demographic factors like gender or location, suggesting other factors influencing platelet dynamics. The research also uncovered parallels between donor clusters and branch zones, highlighting variability in platelet profiles and product pass rates, particularly during periods of observed declines. This research provides insights into the temporal dynamics of platelet counts and their role in the quality and reliability of platelet products. By understanding these dynamics, we can better identify the factors contributing to product failures, ultimately improving the safety and efficacy of platelet transfusion practices. DA - 2025 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - platelet count data LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - University of Cape Town PY - 2025 T1 - Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data TI - Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42403 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/42403
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationMarcus M. Longitudinal analysis of platelet count data. []. University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Science ,Department of Statistical Sciences, 2025 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/42403en_ZA
dc.language.isoen
dc.language.rfc3066eng
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Statistical Sciences
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Science
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Cape Town
dc.subjectplatelet count data
dc.titleLongitudinal analysis of platelet count data
dc.typeThesis / Dissertation
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMSc
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