Use of and reactions to fresh frozen plasma in the UK

Abstract

Haemovigilance has contributed to recognition of risks and dangers associated with transfusion of blood and its components. The UK scheme, Serious Hazards of Transfusion, as been in place since 1996. Review of data from fresh frozen plasma transfusions and other components demonstrated that transfusion‐related acute lung injury was more frequent with plasma‐rich components, particularly from female donors. This resulted in a change to male donors only for Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and consequent reduction in cases of transfusion‐related acute lung injury in the UK. Acute allergic transfusion reactions may be severe and anaphylaxis should be treated with adrenaline. As the type of FFP is specified in reporting, data for pathogen‐inactivated FFP have been analysed to see whether the reaction rates differ from standard FFP. Solvent detergent FFP has a lower rate of reactions, and examination of the data on methylene‐blue FFP did not show an increase in reactions, useful information at a time when this product was withdrawn in France. There is no doubt that FFP is transfused unnecessarily and this needs further study, particularly to define when it is indicated in liver dis