Guidelines for the use of fresh frozen plasma. British Committee for Standards in Haematology, Working Party of the Blood Transfusion Task Force

Transfus Med. 1992 Mar;2(1):57-63. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3148.1992.tb00135.x.

Abstract

Fresh frozen plasma should only be used to treat bleeding episodes or prepare patients for surgery in certain defined situations. Definite indications for the use of FFP: 1. Replacement of single coagulation factor deficiencies, where a specific or combined factor concentrate is unavailable. 2. Immediate reversal or warfarin effect. 3. Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). 4. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Conditional uses: FFP only indicated in the presence of bleeding and disturbed coagulation: 1. Massive transfusion. 2. Liver disease. 3. cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. 4. Special paediatric indications. No justification for the use of FFP: 1. Hypovolaemia. 2. Plasma exchange procedures. 3. 'Formula' replacement. 4. Nutritional support. 5. Treatment of immunodeficiency states.

Publication types

  • Guideline
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / epidemiology
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / therapy
  • Blood Component Transfusion / adverse effects
  • Blood Component Transfusion / standards*
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Child
  • Contraindications
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / therapy
  • Hemolysis
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infections / transmission
  • Plasma*
  • Preoperative Care / standards*
  • Sepsis / therapy