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Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
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Published on: September 9, 2012

A reappraisal of plasma, prothrombin complex concentrates, and recombinant factor VIIa in patient blood management

Lawrence Tim Goodnough1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5626, USA. ltgoodno@stanford.edu

Critical Care Clinics
|June 21, 2012
PubMed

Plasma therapy and plasma products such as prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) are used in the setting of massive or refractory hemorrhage. Their roles have evolved because of newly emerging options, variable availability, and heterogeneity in guidelines. These factors can be attributable to lack of evidence-based support for a defined role for plasma therapy, variability in coagulation factor content among PCCs, and uncertainty regarding safety and efficacy of rFVIIa in these settings. This review summarizes these issues and provides insight regarding use of these options in management of refractory or massive bleeding.

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