Effect of plasma component transfusion on conventional coagulation screening tests

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Conventional coagulation tests like Prothrombin Time and activated partial thromboplastin time are used to predict bleeding.
• Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) is often administered in clinical settings.
• The effect of FFP on these coagulation parameters requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To observe the effect of Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions on conventional coagulation screening tests.
• To assess the level of correction in coagulation parameters post-transfusion.
• To evaluate the prophylactic use of FFP in patients with mildly deranged coagulation tests.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient demographics and pre- and post-transfusion coagulation parameters.
• Calculation of the magnitude of INR improvement using the Holland and Brooks formula.
• Statistical analysis of data using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.

Main Results:

• Over 2082 episodes, 4991 units of FFP were transfused (average 5 units/patient).
• The mean change in INR post-transfusion was a statistically significant 8.9% of the pre-transfusion INR.
• FFP transfusion led to a greater INR reduction in patients with pre-transfusion INR > 3.0.

Conclusions:

• Prophylactic FFP transfusions in patients with mildly abnormal coagulation tests and no bleeding require further evaluation.
• FFP transfusion effectively reduces INR, with a more pronounced effect in patients with higher baseline INR values.
• The study highlights the need for evidence-based indications for prophylactic FFP use.