[New cross-sectional guidelines of the German Medical Association for hemotherapy with fresh frozen plasma....

Some new blood products and plasma derivatives have extended the possibilities in hemotherapy to such an extent that the therapeutic and evidence-based therapy options can only really be managed with the aid of guidelines. Four approved plasma preparations are available in Germany: fresh frozen plasma, lyophilized plasma, solvent-detergent (SD) pool plasma and methylene blue-light-treated plasma. Evidence of the clinical efficacy of plasma is mainly based on uncontrolled observational studies, case reports or expert opinion. Plasma is indicated for complex coagulopathy associated with manifest or imminent bleeding, particularly with massive transfusion, disseminated intravascular coagulation and liver disease. With the exception of emergency situations when clotting assay results are not available in time, a clinically relevant coagulopathy must be verified before plasma is administered. The rapid infusion of at least 10 ml of plasma per kg body weight is required to significantly increase the respective clotting factor or inhibitor levels. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PPSB) should be preferred to plasma for the rapid reversal of oral anticoagulation. Side effects of plasma are rare but have to be considered.