Population-based audit of fresh-frozen plasma transfusion practices

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Red blood cell consumption is decreasing in Finland, while fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) use has increased since the 1990s.
• This trend suggests potential for suboptimal FFP transfusion practices.
• Understanding current FFP utilization is crucial for improving transfusion strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze current fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) usage patterns in Finnish hospitals.
• To provide data for regional, national, and international comparisons of FFP transfusion practices.

Main Methods:

• A benchmarking project collected data on FFP-transfused patients from nine Finnish hospital districts.
• Data from 2002-2003 included 11,590 patients and 60,240 FFP units, representing 71.2% of national FFP use.
• Computerized medical records were utilized for data extraction.

Main Results:

• Surgery patients, particularly those with blood circulatory issues, received the majority of FFP (62.8%).
• Coagulation variables were measured in only 65.9% of FFP-transfused patients.
• FFP was typically administered in paired doses, and overall FFP use was comparable to international levels.

Conclusions:

• While FFP use in Finland aligns with international averages, it does not guarantee optimal transfusion practices.
• Perioperative staff, the primary FFP users, should adopt dosing based on coagulation parameters and body weight.
• Targeted improvement efforts are needed for patient groups receiving substantial amounts of FFP.