[The pattern of fresh frozen plasma transfusion in Veterans General Hospital-Taichung]

Conducted a survey at Veterans General Hospital in Taichung, to compile a statistical analysis on the usage of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions. The investigation was conducted from July 1st to September 30, 1991. According to the distribution of usage of FFP, we investigated 726 transfusions (4,216 units) based on our grouping criteria. We found the following: 532 units were used for clotting support which accounts for 12.6% of total, 815 units (19.3%) for blood pressure support, 148 units (3.5%) for combination of clotting and blood pressure support, 681 units (16.2%) for albumin replacement, 436 units (10.3%) for therapeutic pheresis, 396 units (9.4%) for packed red cell concurrently, 819 units (19.4%) for burn cases, and the remaining (9.2%) for other or unidentified reasons. If it was classified by the departments applying FFP; 76% (3,200 units) were used by surgery, 22.4% (947 units) by internal medicine, and 1.6% (69 units) by other departments. Having classified all the reasons for FFP transfusion, we found that FFP was commonly used as a volume expander, for nutrition support, and reconstituted whole blood. These reasons are out of the range of indications for FFP transfusion. This misuse of FFP transfusion increases the chance of transmission infections therefore, we will thoroughly investigate these treatment modalities in order to ensure our blood source is being used in an appropriate manner. This will allow patients the best possible treatment available.