Labile coagulation factors in thawed fresh frozen plasma prepared by two methods

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is a critical blood product for managing coagulopathies.
• The timing of plasma freezing after collection can potentially impact the stability of coagulation factors.
• Understanding factor recovery in FFP is essential for optimizing transfusion practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the coagulation factor activity in two preparations of FFP based on different freezing times.
• To assess the impact of delayed freezing on key coagulation factors, particularly Factor VIII.

Main Methods:

• Two FFP preparations were studied: FFP frozen within 6 hours (FFP-I) and FFP frozen within 18-20 hours (FFP-II) of phlebotomy.
• Coagulation factor activities, including Factor VIII, Factor V, Factor VII, and Factor XI, were measured.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare the average factor activities between the two FFP groups.

Main Results:

• FFP-I exhibited significantly higher average Factor VIII activity (102%) compared to FFP-II (55%, p < 0.01).
• Average activities for Factor V and Factor VII were approximately 100% in both FFP-I and FFP-II.
• Factor XI activity in FFP-II averaged 84%.

Conclusions:

• FFP-I and FFP-II demonstrate equivalent coagulation factor activity for Factors V, VII, and XI.
• Factor VIII activity is significantly preserved in FFP frozen within 6 hours compared to FFP frozen between 18-20 hours.
• Optimizing the cold chain and rapid freezing of FFP is crucial for maintaining Factor VIII levels.