Risks of fresh frozen plasma and platelets

Both fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets are heavily used in massive transfusion. Although FFP can partially correct abnormal coagulation, a recent systematic review revealed no randomized trials showing clinical benefit. Although the overall risks of FFP and platelets are low, they are the least safe blood components, due to immunologic reactions such as allergy/anaphylaxis, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and hemolysis due to anti-A or anti-B if transfused across ABO groups. TRALI, an acute syndrome of dyspnoea, hypoxia and pulmonary 'white-out' is now a major cause of transfusion-related death. Since it is usually triggered by donor HLA antibodies, selecting non- immune donors for FFP production may be beneficial. For platelet components, risks may be reduced by platelet additive solution, allowing removal of 70% of plasma. Platelets have the additional hazard of bacterial contamination, with donor skin the predominant source. Improved arm cleansing, divert pouches for the first 30-50 mL blood and bacterial screening have been adopted internationally. Virus risks are now vanishingly low, although new agents e.g. West Nile virus can still appear. Pathogen reduction for FFP is now well established in Europe, with solvent detergent and methylene blue methods licensed, and the psoralen amotosalen in trial. Loss of clotting factors and natural anti-coagulants are recognized side effects. Amotosalen is also licensed for platelet concentrates, with the added benefit of bacterial killing. In the UK, concern regarding vCJD has led to importation of US FFP for children.