1.
Prophylactic versus reactive transfusion of thawed plasma in patients undergoing surgical repair of craniosynostosis: a randomized clinical trial
Pieters BJ, Conley L, Weiford J, Hamilton M, Wicklund B, Booser A, Striker A, Whitney S, Singhal V
Paediatric Anaesthesia. 2015;25((3):):279-87.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical repair of craniosynostosis in young children is associated with copious bleeding and often coagulopathy. Typically, a reactive transfusion strategy is used to treat coagulopathy whereby fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is given only after clinical manifestation of clotting abnormality. This prospective, randomized clinical trial was designed to test the hypothesis that prophylactic FFP during craniofacial surgery reduces blood loss and blood transfusion requirements compared to a reactive FFP transfusion strategy. METHODS Eighty-one patients less than 2 years of age requiring primary repair of craniosynostosis were randomized to receive FFP using either a prophylactic or reactive strategy. Laboratory values were measured at four standardized time points. The volume of blood products transfused, length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), hospital length of stay, and number of donor exposures were recorded for each patient. RESULTS The prophylactic FFP group received a significantly greater average volume of FFP compared to the reactive group (29.7 mlkg(-1) vs 16.1 mlkg(-1) ; P < 0.001), which was associated with improvement in coagulation values at multiple time points. However, there was no difference in blood transfusion requirements or blood loss between the two groups. The two transfusion strategies resulted in similar median donor exposures. There was no difference in PICU or hospital length of stay. CONCLUSION A reactive FFP transfusion strategy required less plasma transfusion and was associated with similar rates of blood loss and PRBC transfusion as prophylactic FFP despite improvement in coagulation values in the prophylactic FFP group.Copyright 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
2.
Evidence-based practice guidelines for plasma transfusion
Roback JD, Caldwell S, Carson J, Davenport R, Drew MJ, Eder A, Fung M, Hamilton M, Hess JR, Luban N, et al
Transfusion. 2010;50((6):):1227-1239.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little systematically derived evidence-based guidance to inform plasma transfusion decisions. To address this issue, the AABB commissioned the development of clinical practice guidelines to help direct appropriate transfusion of plasma. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of randomized and observational studies was performed to quantify known benefits and harms of plasma transfusion in common clinical scenarios (see accompanying article). A multidisciplinary guidelines panel then used the SR and the GRADE methodology to develop evidence-based plasma transfusion guidelines as well as identify areas for future investigation. RESULTS Based on evidence ranging primarily from moderate to very low in quality, the panel developed the following guidelines: 1) The panel suggested that plasma be transfused to patients requiring massive transfusion. However, 2) the panel could not recommend for or against transfusion of plasma at a plasma : red blood cell ratio of 1:3 or more during massive transfusion, 3) nor could the panel recommend for or against transfusion of plasma to patients undergoing surgery in the absence of massive transfusion. 4) The panel suggested that plasma be transfused in patients with warfarin therapy-related intracranial hemorrhage, 5) but could not recommend for or against transfusion of plasma to reverse warfarin anticoagulation in patients without intracranial hemorrhage. 6) The panel suggested against plasma transfusion for other selected groups of patients. CONCLUSION We have systematically developed evidence-based guidance to inform plasma transfusion decisions in common clinical scenarios. Data from additional randomized studies will be required to establish more comprehensive and definitive guidelines for plasma transfusion.