Recommendations for the usage and treatment with fresh frozen plasma

Abstract

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a blood component obtained from processed whole blood or collected by plasmapheresis and afterwards stored in frozen state. Indications for the clinical use of FFP are single coagulation factor deficiencies (such as F V and F XI), multiple coagulation factors deficiency (most frequent as a consequence of massive hemorrhage), coagulopathy caused by advanced liver disease, warfarin mediated coagulopathy and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Standard FFP treatment dose in mentioned indications is generally 10–20 ml/kg of patient body weight. During the treatment attention should be paid to possible FFP treatment related adverse effects. Most frequent are allergic reactions. We should not consider FFP as a treatment approach in clinical situations where equally effective and safer treatment modalities are available.