The use of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) in 2007 in France

Abstract

After a more than four-fold decrease in Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) consumption in the nineties in France, probably due to the consequences of HIV epidemics, the use of FFP is again increasing in recent years but at a slower rate. In the surgical and trauma area, recent data suggest that guidelines for the use of FFP may need to be modified. Indeed, contrary to traditional beliefs and guidelines, several studies evaluating conditions with severe hemorrhage (very often associated with coagulation abnormalities) have shown that early use of FFP may be associated with better patient outcome. This has indeed been shown in emergency major vascular surgery and in trauma patients. Although there is a trend to favor a larger use of FFP in specific circumstances (i.e., major hemorrhage), reasons to better control administration of FFP remain. Several audits have indeed shown that the rate of inappropriate FFP transfusion remains high, from 20 to almost 100% of cases. Moreover, FFP continues to be used in patients who may be better treated with other strategies. The best example is the frequently inappropriate use of FFP in bleeding patients with excess anticoagulation from vitamin K antagonists. Even recent studies have shown that prothrombin complex administration is efficient, safe and provides very rapid reversal. Many physicians continue however to administer FFP as a first line treatment with notably increasing the risk of fluid overload, delayed efficacy and increased risk of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).