Abstract
Background: Plasma is separated from cellular elements by centrifuge of whole blood, using a heavy spin and frozen the plasma to below –30°C within six hours of collection. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has recently gained more importance in clinics. FFP is indicated to control active bleeding in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. FFP contains antibodies capable of causing complications like hemolytic reactions, allergic reactions, alloimmunization, and circulatory overload. For this reason, several guidelines have been published to avoid unnecessary use and to establish a standard, even though improper use of FFP is every day.
Methodology: The objectives of this study were to evaluate “congruous and incongruous” usage of FFP, the effect of FFP transfusion on INR, and define the strategies to reduce misuse. This prospective study was conducted among 1,424 patients who received 3,703 FFP transfusions between January 2021 to December 2021 in MB Hospital, RNT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Results: 63.9% were females and 36.1% males who received 2,325 (62.8%) and 1,378 (37.2%) FFPs, respectively. A total of 62.8% of patients were transfused 65.9% FFPs appropriately, while 37.2% patients were transfused 34.1% inappropriately. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2020.
Conclusions: There is a generalized and widespread irrational use of FFP among specialists. This study may help anticipate the dose of FFP required to improve the coagulation variables and set up policies to improve the utility and reduce the wastage of this vital blood product.
Keywords
Blood, FFP, INR, PT, aPTT, TTP