Frozen Plasma Transfusions Require Improvement

A considerable proportion of transfusions of frozen plasma are inappropriate, based on published guidelines. That's according to a commentary by Dr. Peter Pinkerton, in the department of clinical pathology, and Dr. Jeannie Callum at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Published in the March 15 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the authors say prescribing practices must be improved, and large retrospective audits could help identify those hospitals requiring improvements.

The authors also write that several steps could be taken immediately to improve the use of frozen plasma. Where possible, vitamin K or prothrombin complex concentrate should be used instead of frozen plasma to reverse warfarin anticoagulation or treat severe vitamin K deficiency in the presence of bleeding or before emergency surgery. In addition, introducing computer-based order entry systems requiring information on the indication for frozen plasma transfusion before the order is met, would be beneficial.

Only CMAJ members may download the full article (login required).