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Adverse effects of plasma transfusion
Suchitra Pandey1, Girish N Vyas
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions carry risks like lung injury and circulatory overload. While serious complications are rare, understanding and managing these adverse effects is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Plasma utilization has risen significantly in the last 20 years.
- Concerns exist regarding the appropriateness of many plasma transfusions.
- Plasma transfusions carry specific risks distinct from other blood components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of risks associated with plasma transfusion.
- To detail common and less common adverse effects of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP).
- To discuss the impact of pathogen inactivation/reduction methods on transfusion risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and laboratory investigations.
- Analysis of patient reactions post-FFP infusion.
- Literature review on transfusion-associated adverse events.
Main Results:
- Common risks include transfusion-related acute lung injury, circulatory overload, and allergic reactions.
- Less common risks involve infection transmission, febrile reactions, and alloimmunization.
- Most adverse effects are treatable and not life-threatening.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate use of plasma is essential due to inherent risks.
- Understanding FFP adverse effect mechanisms aids diagnosis and management.
- Pathogen reduction technologies may mitigate some transfusion risks.
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