Moritz

Stolla

M.D.

education, training, board certifications

• M.D., Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Germany
• Ph.D., Technical University, Munich, Germany
• Residency in Pathology, University of Rochester
• Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine, Harvard University
• Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine, American Board of Pathology
• Clinical Pathology, American Board of Pathology

clinical expertise

• Transfusion medicine
• Platelet defects
• Thrombotic microangiopathies
• Coagulopathies

affiliations

Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute

University of Washington

publications

clinical and/or research interests

Dr. Moritz Stolla's research background is in platelet transfusion, vascular biology, and thrombosis/hemostasis and his current interests include alternative platelet transfusion products, antiplatelet therapy, and the regulation of vascular integrity.

A major focus of Dr. Stolla’s research is to improve platelet transfusions and to evaluate alternative platelet products. It is very difficult to supply platelet products to far-forward combat casualty care facilities and remote civilian hospital locations. Presently, most blood banks in the U.S. store their platelets at room temperature under gentle agitation with a maximum storage time of 5 days since bacterial growth and septic reactions increase over time. This limited shelf-life leads to periodic shortages on the one hand and frequent outdates on the other. Contrary to red cells, platelet demand has slightly increased according to recently published data. Previous studies revealed that storing platelets in the cold (4ºC) leads to a significant reduction in platelet survivals compared with room temperature-stored platelets. In vitro studies suggest that 4ºC-stored platelets have superior function compared with room temperature-stored platelets. Furthermore, storage of platelets in the cold (4ºC) has the advantage of potentially prolonging storage times while reducing post-transfusion infections. Having a second inventory with extended storage in the cold (e.g., up to 15 days) for specifically targeted patient populations could lead to both greater platelet availability and fewer outdates. Dr. Stolla’s lab is determining how long and in which storage solution platelets can be stored at 4°C to maintain adequate post-storage viability and function. In addition, he is working on improving frozen, lyophilized and pathogen-reduced platelets for transfusion.