Uses of plasma in Spain

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in Spain is primarily processed for plasma derivatives, not direct transfusion.
• FFP production has steadily increased over two decades while transfusion volumes remained stable.
• Established guidelines for FFP transfusion efficacy exist, but many indications lack strong scientific evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the appropriateness of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion indications in Spanish hospitals.
• To analyze FFP transfusion patterns based on hospital size and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume.
• To identify potential overuse of FFP in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• An ongoing survey conducted by the Madrid Blood Transfusion Centre.
• Analysis of FFP transfusion ratios relative to total red blood cell (RBC) units transfused annually.
• Categorization of hospitals into large, medium, and small based on RBC transfusion volume.

Main Results:

• Large hospitals transfused a higher average percentage of FFP (23.87%) compared to medium (19.5%) and small hospitals (12.5%).
• Significant variations in FFP transfusion ratios were observed among hospitals within the same size category.
• Despite moderate national consumption compared to European benchmarks, evidence suggests potential FFP overuse.

Conclusions:

• Hospital size correlates with FFP transfusion volume, but considerable variability exists.
• The findings indicate a need for improved adherence to evidence-based indications for FFP transfusion.
• Further research and guideline refinement are necessary to optimize FFP utilization and prevent overuse.