1.
A randomized controlled trial of fresh frozen plasma for coagulopathy in Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) envenoming
Isbister GK, Jayamanne S, Mohamed F, Dawson AH, Maduwage K, Gawarammana I, Lalloo DG, de Silva HJ, Scorgie FE, Lincz LF, et al
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : Jth. 2017;15((4):):645-654
Abstract
BACKGROUND Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) envenoming is a major health issue in South Asia and causes venom induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC). OBJECTIVES We investigated the effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and two antivenom doses in correcting VICC. METHODS We undertook an open-label randomized controlled trial in patients with VICC at two Sri Lankan hospitals. Patients with suspected Russell's viper bites and coagulopathy were randomly allocated (1:1) high-dose antivenom (20 vials) or low-dose antivenom (10 vials) plus 4U FFP. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with an international normalized ratio (INR)<2, 6h post-antivenom. Secondary outcomes included anaphylaxis, major haemorrhage, death and clotting factor recovery. RESULTS From 214 eligible patients, 141 were randomized; 71 to high-dose antivenom, 70 to low-dose antivenom/FFP; five had no post-antivenom bloods. The groups were similar except for a delay of 1h in antivenom administration for FFP patients. 6h post-antivenom 23/69 (33%) patients allocated high-dose antivenom had an INR<2 compared with 28/67 (42%) allocated low-dose antivenom/FFP [absolute difference 8%;95%Confidence Interval:-8% to 25%]. 15 patients allocated FFP did not receive it. Severe anaphylaxis occurred equally frequently in each group. One patient given FFP developed transfusion related acute lung injury. Three deaths occurred in low-dose/FFP patients including one intracranial haemorrhage. There was no difference in recovery rates of INR or fibrinogen, but more rapid initial recovery of factor V and X in FFP patients. CONCLUSION FFP post-antivenom in Russell's viper bites didn't hasten recovery of coagulopathy. Low-dose antivenom/FFP did not worsen VICC, suggesting low-dose antivenom is sufficient. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
2.
Does cryosupernatant plasma improve outcome in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura? No answer yet
Rock G, Anderson D, Clark W, Leblond P, Palmer D, Sternbach M, Sutton D, Wells G, Canadian Apheresis Group, Canadian Association of Apheresis Nurses
British Journal of Haematology. 2005;129((1):):79-86.
Abstract
A randomized prospective trial compared cryosupernatant plasma (CSP) to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A total of 236 patients were required: 28 patients were treated with CSP and 24 with FFP within 30 months. There were no differences in survival at 1 month. By day 9, 17 of 26 patients with CSP and 18 of 24 with FFP had a platelet count >100 x 10(9)/l. At entry, von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers were normal in all patients (range 1. 1-3. 95 IU/ml). ADAMTS-13 levels showed large variations ranging from 10% to 100% activity. At entry, no individual had <5% VWF cleaving protease. By day 9 (end of cycle), 89% (FFP) and 67% (CSP) had levels >50% of the controls. At 6 months some patients showed inhibitors to the enzyme in spite of adequate or normal platelet counts. The data from this study do not show an apparent advantage to the use of CSP in TTP. A large number of patients will be required to determine appropriate replacement therapy. We were not able to find a statistically significant relationship between the low level of protease activity at presentation of TTP and response.