[Controlled substitution with blood products in hemostatic disorders]

It is essential for an efficient substitution to define the nature of the defect as good as possible. Simple screening tests allow a rapid classification. Prophylactic substitution is recommended in potentially reversible defects (bone marrow aplasia in connection with leukaemia treatment) and/or imminent bleeding (eventually complicated by additional risk factors). If bleeding cannot be stopped surgically therapeutic substitution is indicated. In case of bone marrow failure, a substitution may be particularly promising. In presence of an increased peripheral platelet destruction (disseminated intravascular coagulation, antithrombocytic antibodies) treatment of the basic disease is mandatory. Combined hemostatic defects can be influenced by fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Fresh whole blood (not older than 48 hours) may be considered in cases of thrombocytopenia and concomitant anemia. For isolated defects (e.g. hemophilias with or without antibodies, congenital afibrinogenemia, lack of factor XIII) special preparations are at hand. The clinical effect of substitution depends on the specific activity of the preparation, on the volume of expansion in the recipient and on other pharmacokinetic factors. Hepatitis and antibody-production may be considered as particularly grave side-effects.