Comparison of fresh frozen plasma vs. coagulation factor concentrates for reconstitution of blood: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND Many trauma centres have adopted the administration of fixed ratios of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), platelet concentrates and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for bleeding patients. However, the haemostatic efficacy of this concept is not well proven. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to characterise the haemostatic profile of different ratios (2 : 1 : 1, 1 : 1 : 1 and 1 : 1 : 2) of PRBCs, platelet concentrates and FFP in comparison with coagulation factor concentrates (fibrinogen and/or prothrombin complex concentrate). DESIGN An in vitro study. SETTING Research laboratories of the department of transfusion medicine, Linz, Austria. MATERIALS Whole blood donations from a total of 20 male volunteers. INTERVENTION Reconstitution of blood at different ratios of PRBCs, platelet concentrates and FFP or coagulation factor concentrates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cell count, conventional and thromboelastometric coagulation parameters, single coagulation factor activities as well as endogenous thrombin potential. RESULTS Fibrinogen levels and haematocrit were lower in the FFP group at any ratio compared with the concentrate-based groups (P 
Source: European Journal of Anaesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Coagulation Source Type: research