Should plasma be transfused prophylactically before invasive procedures?

Highest 3-month international normalized ratio (INR): a predictor of bleeding following ultrasound-guided liver biopsy

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether international normalized ratio (INR), bilirubin, and creatinine predict bleeding risk following percutaneous liver biopsy.

METHODS

A total of 870 consecutive patients (age 53 ± 14 years; 53% (459/870) male) undergoing non-targeted, ultrasound-guided, percutaneous liver biopsy at a single tertiary center from 01/2016 to 12/2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between individual and combined laboratory values, and post-biopsy bleeding risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under ROC (AUC) curves were constructed to evaluate predictive ability.

RESULTS

Post-biopsy bleeding occurred in 2.0% (17/870) of patients, with 0.8% (7/870) requiring intervention. The highest INR within 3 months preceding biopsy demonstrated the best predictive ability for post-biopsy bleeding and was superior to the most recent INR (AUC = 0.79 vs 0.61, p = 0.003). Total bilirubin is an independent predictor of bleeding (AUC = 0.73) and better than the most recent INR (0.61). Multivariate regression analysis of the highest INR and total bilirubin together yielded no improvement in predictive performance compared to INR alone (0.80 vs 0.79). The MELD score calculated using the highest INR (AUC = 0.79) and most recent INR (AUC = 0.74) were similar in their predictive performance. Creatinine is a poor predictor of bleeding (AUC = 0.61). Threshold analyses demonstrate an INR of > 1.8 to have the highest predictive accuracy for bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The highest INR in 3 months preceding ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy is associated with, and a better predictor for, post-procedural bleeding than the most recent INR and should be considered in patient risk stratification.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Despite correction of coagulopathic indices, the highest international normalized ratio within the 3 months preceding percutaneous liver biopsy is associated with, and a better predictor for, bleeding and should considered in clinical decision-making and determining biopsy approach.

KEY POINTS

• Bleeding occurred in 2% of patients following ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, and was non-trivial in 41% of those patients who needed additional intervention and had an associated 23% 30-day mortality rate. • The highest INR within 3 months preceding biopsy (AUC = 0.79) is a better predictor of bleeding than the most recent INR (AUC = 0.61). • The MELD score is associated with post-procedural bleeding, but with variable predictive performance largely driven by its individual laboratory components.

Pleural Effusions in the Critically Ill and "At-Bleeding-Risk" Population

Thoracentesis is a common bedside procedure, which has a low risk of complications when performed with thoracic ultrasound and by experienced operators. In critically ill or mechanically ventilated patients, or in patients with bleeding risks due to medications or other coagulopathies, the complication rate remains low. Drainage of pleural effusion in the intensive care unit has diagnostic and therapeutic utility, and perceived bleeding risks should be one part of an individualized and comprehensive risk-benefit analysis.

Guidelines on the use of liver biopsy in clinical practice from the British Society of Gastroenterology, the Royal College of Radiologists and the Royal College of Pathology

Liver biopsy is required when clinically important information about the diagnosis, prognosis or management of a patient cannot be obtained by safer means, or for research purposes. There are several approaches to liver biopsy but predominantly percutaneous or transvenous approaches are used. A wide choice of needles is available and the approach and type of needle used will depend on the clinical state of the patient and local expertise but, for non-lesional biopsies, a 16-gauge needle is recommended. Many patients with liver disease will have abnormal laboratory coagulation tests or receive anticoagulation or antiplatelet medication. A greater understanding of the changes in haemostasis in liver disease allows for a more rational, evidence-based approach to peri-biopsy management. Overall, liver biopsy is safe but there is a small morbidity and a very small mortality so patients must be fully counselled. The specimen must be of sufficient size for histopathological interpretation. Communication with the histopathologist, with access to relevant clinical information and the results of other investigations, is essential for the generation of a clinically useful report.

Prophylactic plasma transfusion for patients without inherited bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use undergoing non-cardiac surgery or invasive procedures

BACKGROUND

In the absence of bleeding, plasma is commonly transfused to people prophylactically to prevent bleeding. In this context, it is transfused before operative or invasive procedures (such as liver biopsy or chest drainage tube insertion) in those considered at increased risk of bleeding, typically defined by abnormalities of laboratory tests of coagulation. As plasma contains procoagulant factors, plasma transfusion may reduce perioperative bleeding risk. This outcome has clinical importance given that perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Plasma is expensive, and some countries have experienced issues with blood product shortages, donor pool reliability, and incomplete screening for transmissible infections. Thus, although the benefit of prophylactic plasma transfusion has not been well established, plasma transfusion does carry potentially life-threatening risks.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of prophylactic plasma transfusion for people with coagulation test abnormalities (in the absence of inherited bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medication) requiring non-cardiac surgery or invasive procedures.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), without language or publication status restrictions in: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017 Issue 7); Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946); Ovid Embase (from 1974); Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EBSCOHost) (from 1937); PubMed (e-publications and in-process citations ahead of print only); Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1950); Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (from 1982); Web of Science: Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) (Thomson Reuters, from 1990); ClinicalTrials.gov; and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Search Platform (ICTRP) to 28 January 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs comparing: prophylactic plasma transfusion to placebo, intravenous fluid, or no intervention; prophylactic plasma transfusion to alternative pro-haemostatic agents; or different haemostatic thresholds for prophylactic plasma transfusion. We included participants of any age, and we excluded trials incorporating individuals with previous active bleeding, with inherited bleeding disorders, or taking anticoagulant medication before enrolment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five trials in this review, all were conducted in high-income countries. Three additional trials are ongoing. One trial compared fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion with no transfusion given. One trial compared FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion given. One trial compared FFP transfusion with administration of alternative pro-haemostatic agents (factors II, IX, and X followed by VII). One trial compared the use of different transfusion triggers using the international normalised ratio measurement. One trial compared the use of a thromboelastographic-guided transfusion trigger using standard laboratory measurements of coagulation. Four trials enrolled only adults, whereas the fifth trial did not specify participant age. Four trials included only minor procedures that could be performed by the bedside. Only one trial included some participants undergoing major surgical operations. Two trials included only participants in intensive care. Two trials included only participants with liver disease. Three trials did not recruit sufficient participants to meet their pre-calculated sample size. Overall, the quality of evidence was low to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology, due to risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision. One trial was stopped after recruiting two participants, therefore this review's findings are based on the remaining four trials (234 participants). When plasma transfusion was compared with no transfusion given, we are very uncertain whether there was a difference in 30-day mortality (1 trial comparing FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion, 72 participants; risk ratio (RR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 1.10; very low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether there was a difference in major bleeding within 24 hours (1 trial comparing FFP transfusion vs no transfusion, 76 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.93; very low-quality evidence; 1 trial comparing FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion, 72 participants; RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.28 to 8.93; very low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether there was a difference in the number of blood product transfusions per person (1 trial, 76 participants; study authors reported no difference; very low-quality evidence) or in the number of people requiring transfusion (1 trial comparing FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion, 72 participants; study authors reported no blood transfusion given; very low-quality evidence) or in the risk of transfusion-related adverse events (acute lung injury) (1 trial, 76 participants; study authors reported no difference; very low-quality evidence). When plasma transfusion was compared with other pro-haemostatic agents, we are very uncertain whether there was a difference in major bleeding (1 trial; 21 participants; no events; very low-quality evidence) or in transfusion-related adverse events (febrile or allergic reactions) (1 trial, 21 participants; RR 9.82, 95% CI 0.59 to 162.24; very low-quality evidence). When different triggers for FFP transfusion were compared, the number of people requiring transfusion may have been reduced (for overall blood products) when a thromboelastographic-guided transfusion trigger was compared with standard laboratory tests (1 trial, 60 participants; RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.39; low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether there was a difference in major bleeding (1 trial, 60 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low-quality evidence) or in transfusion-related adverse events (allergic reactions) (1 trial; 60 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low-quality evidence). Only one trial reported 30-day mortality. No trials reported procedure-related harmful events (excluding bleeding) or quality of life.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Review findings show uncertainty for the utility and safety of prophylactic FFP use. This is due to predominantly very low-quality evidence that is available for its use over a range of clinically important outcomes, together with lack of confidence in the wider applicability of study findings, given the paucity or absence of study data in settings such as major body cavity surgery, extensive soft tissue surgery, orthopaedic surgery, or neurosurgery. Therefore, from the limited RCT evidence, we can neither support nor oppose the use of prophylactic FFP in clinical practice.

Review of current transfusion therapy and blood banking practices

Transfusion Medicine is a dynamically evolving field. Recent high-quality research has reshaped the paradigms guiding blood transfusion. As increasing evidence supports the benefit of limiting transfusion, guidelines have been developed and disseminated into clinical practice governing optimal transfusion of red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Concepts ranging from transfusion thresholds to prophylactic use to maximal storage time are addressed in guidelines. Patient blood management programs have developed to implement principles of patient safety through limiting transfusion in clinical practice. Data from National Hemovigilance Surveys showing dramatic declines in blood utilization over the past decade demonstrate the practical uptake of current principles guiding patient safety. In parallel with decreasing use of traditional blood products, the development of new technologies for blood transfusion such as freeze drying and cold storage has accelerated. Approaches to policy decision making to augment blood safety have also changed. Drivers of these changes include a deeper understanding of emerging threats and adverse events based on hemovigilance, and an increasing healthcare system expectation to align blood safety decision making with approaches used in other healthcare disciplines.

Use of Rotational Thromboelastometry in Liver Transplantation Is Associated With Reduced Transfusion Requirements

OBJECTIVES

Increased transfusion requirements in liver transplantation have been reported to be associated with worsened outcomes, more frequent reinterventions, and higher expenses. Anesthesiologists might counteract this through improved coagulation management. We evaluated the effects of rotational thromboelastometry on transfusion and coagulation product requirements and on outcome measurements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who were 14 years or older and who were undergoing liver transplant at Hannover Medical School between January 2005 and December 2009 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, use of rotational thromboelastometry, intraoperative need for blood or coagulation products and antifibrinolytic substances, and clinical course were recorded. Correlations were examined using appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

Our study included 413 patients. Use of rotational thromboelastometry was associated with less frequent intraoperative administration of red blood cell concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrates, prothrombin complex concentrates, and antithrombin concentrates (all P < .05). In addition, univariate and multivariate tests showed that rotational thromboelastometry was correlated with decreased need for red blood cell concentrates and fresh frozen plasma (all P < .05). Intraoperative administration rates of antifibrinolytic substances and fibrinogen concentrate were significantly increased in patients who received rotational thromboelastometry monitoring (both P < .05). However, use of rotational thromboelastometry was not associated with massive transfusion rates (> 10 units vs less), clinical outcome, or length of stay in the intensive care unit (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of rotational thromboelastometry during liver transplant may reduce the need for intraoperative transfusion and coagulation products. Relevant effects of rotational thromboelastometry on patient outcomes or lengths of stay in the intensive care unit could not be ascertained. However, readjustment of therapeutic thresholds may improve the clinical impact.

Percutaneous liver biopsy and revised coagulation guidelines: a 9-year experience

PURPOSE

To retrospectively review revised pre-procedural coagulation guidelines for percutaneous liver biopsy to determine whether their implementation is associated with increased hemorrhagic complications on a departmental scale. Secondary endpoints were to determine the effect of this change on pre-procedural blood product (FFP and platelet) utilization, to evaluate the impact of administered blood products on hemorrhagic complications, and to determine whether bleeding complications were related to INR and platelet levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study reviewed 1846 percutaneous liver biopsies in 1740 patients, comparing biopsies performed, while SIR consensus pre-procedural coagulation guidelines were in place (INR ≤ 1.5, platelets ≥50,000 µL) to those performed after departmental implementation of revised, less stringent guidelines (INR ≤ 2.0, platelets ≥25,000 µL).

RESULTS

On a departmental scale, there were significantly fewer hemorrhagic complications in the population of patients treated after adoption of less stringent guidelines as compared to those treated under the SIR guidelines (1.6% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.0192) despite a significant decrease in pre-procedural FFP (0.8% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001) and platelet transfusions (0.3% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.021). Individual patient hemorrhagic complication rates significantly increased as INR increased (p = 0.006) and platelet counts decreased (p = 0.004), but pre-procedural FFP (p = 0.64) and/or platelet transfusion (p = 0.5) did not have a significant impact on hemorrhagic complication rates.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of less stringent pre-procedural coagulation parameter guidelines for percutaneous liver biopsy (INR ≤ 2.0, platelets ≥25,000 µL) did not result in an increase in departmental hemorrhagic complication rates but did significantly decrease pre-procedural FFP/platelet administration. An individual patient's bleeding risk does increase as INR increases and platelets decrease, but pre-procedural FFP and/or platelet transfusion did not mitigate that increased risk.

Transfusion of Fresh Frozen Plasma in Critically Ill Patients: Effective or Useless?

BACKGROUND

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is widely used in critically ill patients to correct the deficiency of coagulation factors or increased INR.

AIM

In the present study we aimed to evaluate the outcome of the freshly frozen plasma use as prophylaxis in ICU patients before an invasive procedure.

METHODS

The study was conducted at Central Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Service UHCT "Mother Theresa", Tirana. 136 patients were enrolled with coagulopathy with no bleeding before the invasive procedure, from June 2016 to December 2016. A group of 75 patients underwent a median volume of 12.5 ml/kg FFP given, and 61 had no transfusion. Data were collected on demographics, the severity of illness measured by APACHE III scores, INR, medication use, hemodynamic data.

RESULTS

From 136 patients with coagulopathy with no bleeding who underwent planned invasive interventions, 75 [55%] received FFP, vs 61 [45%] p = 0.04 who did not receive. Overall, the median FFP dose was 12.5 ml kg-1. Median INR level in FFP and non-FFP groups was respectively 3.1 (1.9-4.8) and 3.5 (1.8-5.2). INR was corrected in 24 of 75 (32%) of those who received a transfusion. The frequency of minor bleeding episodes was 9.3% in transfused patients vs 4.9% in the non-transfused group. Patients who developed an onset of acute lung injury were more frequent in the FFP group. No allergic transfusion complications were observed. Also, the median length of hospital stay [LOS] was 3.05 days vs 2.91 days and mortality rate 8.2% vs 6.5% with no significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Freshly frozen plasma transfusions are often unnecessarily administered during an inadequate correction of the deficiencies of coagulation factors. When comparing a liberal FFP transfusion strategy vs restrictive other clinical trials are required to asses which one is the best to adopt in intensive care settings.

Rotational Thromboelastometry Helps to Reduce Blood Product Consumption in Critically Ill Patients during Small Surgical Procedures at the Intensive Care Unit - a Retrospective Clinical Analysis and Literature Search

Background

Patients at intensive care units (ICUs) are often transfused to correct increased coagulation parameters (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastine time) and/or low platelet count. Thromboelastometry using whole blood is considered to be superior to these tests. In clinical praxis, prolonged standard tests are seen but thromboelastometry values are normal. The objective was to compare the blood product consumptions before and after the introduction of thromboelastometry assays into the treatment protocol during small surgical procedures at our mixed ICU.

Methods

We analyzed 1,879 patients treated at our ICU who underwent small interventions. We compared the fresh frozen plasma and platelet consumption before and after the introduction of rotational thromboelastometry into the routine use. The obtained data were compared to relevant research results from the PubMed database, the MeSH index in the Medline database, and Google Scholar using key words 'tromboelastometry', 'fresh frozen plasma' and 'platelets'.

Results

Annual fresh frozen plasma and platelet consumptions were significantly decreased following thromboelastometry introduction. The number of patients and procedures did not differ significantly during the periods analyzed.

Conclusion

Routine thromboelastometry assays can enable significant reduction of blood product consumption in critically ill patients undergoing small surgery without any bleeding complications.

Vascular access: the impact of ultrasonography

Vascular punctures are often necessary in critically ill patients. They are secure, but not free of complications. Ultrasonography enhances safety of the procedure by decreasing puncture attempts, complications and costs. This study reviews important publications and the puncture technique using ultrasound, bringing part of the experience of the intensive care unit of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, and discussing issues that should be considered in future studies.

A multicenter study of blood component transfusion in patients with liver cirrhosis in China: Patient characteristics, transfusion practice, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis is a complex acquired disorder of hemostasis and patients frequently receive blood transfusions. But there is very limited data on patterns of blood use at a patient level.

AIMS

To characterize blood use in cirrhotic patients in China and compare with recommendations to help identify areas where quality improvement strategies can be targeted. We also compared findings to a similar study undertaken in UK.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 hospitals over a 2-month period. Data were collected prospectively on each hospitalized cirrhotic patient to day 28.

RESULTS

1595 cirrhotic patients were included and 20.6% were transfused. 48.2% of transfused patients received transfusion for bleeding, most commonly gastrointestinal bleeding (65.8%). The remaining 51.8% were transfused for non-bleeding indications. 32.5% of patients transfused for gastrointestinal bleeding with red blood cells had a pre-transfusion haemoglobin >7g/dL. 89.1% of patients transfused frozen plasma for non-bleeding indications received them in the absence of a planned procedure. The patterns of blood transfusion in cirrhosis were different between China and UK. Of note, empirical prophylactic use of frozen plasma was more common in the Chinese study (89%) than in the UK (24%).

CONCLUSION

Education and research should be implemented to improve patient blood management, especially in prophylactic frozen plasma use area.

The Utility of Viscoelastic Testing in Patients Undergoing IR Procedures

Whole-blood viscoelastic testing can identify patient-specific coagulation disturbances, allowing for targeted repletion of necessary coagulation factors and differentiation between coagulopathy and surgical bleeding that requires intervention. Viscoelastic testing complements standard coagulation tests and has been shown to decrease transfusion requirements and improve survival in bleeding patients. Viscoelastic testing also can be used to predict bleeding and improve the care of patients undergoing interventional radiology (IR) procedures.

Plasma transfusions prior to insertion of central lines for people with abnormal coagulation

BACKGROUND

The insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) may be associated with peri- and post-procedural bleeding. People who require a central line often have disorders of coagulation as a result of their underlying illness, co-morbidities or the effects of treatment. Clinical practice in some institutions is to mitigate the risk of bleeding in these patients by prophylactically transfusing fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in order to correct clotting factor deficiencies prior to central line insertion. However, FFP transfusion is not without risk, and it remains unclear whether this intervention is associated with reduced rates of bleeding or other clinically-meaningful outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of different prophylactic plasma transfusion regimens prior to central line insertion in people with abnormal coagulation.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 3), PubMed (e-publications only), Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946), Ovid Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1950) and ongoing trial databases to 1 March 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs involving transfusions of plasma to prevent bleeding in people of any age with abnormal coagulation requiring insertion of a central venous catheter, published in English.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified four trials eligible for inclusion, of which three are ongoing. We did not exclude any studies because they were not published in English.The included study randomised 81 adults in intensive care whose INR (International Normalised Ratio) was greater than or equal to 1.5 to no FFP or to a single dose of 12 mL/kg FFP prior to undergoing central venous catheterisation (58 participants) or other invasive procedure (23 participants). It is the subgroup of 58 adults undergoing CVC insertion that were included in this review, the study authors provided unpublished data for this review's outcomes.The quality of the evidence was low or very low across different outcomes according to the GRADE methodology. The included study was at high risk of bias due to lack of blinding of participants and personnel and imbalance in the number of participants who had liver disease between study arms.There was insufficient evidence to determine a difference in major procedure-related bleeding within 24 hours (one RCT; 58 participants; no events in either study arm, very low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether FFP reduces minor procedure-related bleeding within 24 hours of the study (one RCT; 58 participants, RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.12 to 3.70, very low-quality evidence).No studies were found that looked at: all-cause mortality; the proportion of participants receiving plasma or red cell transfusions; serious adverse reactions (transfusion or line-related complications); number of days in hospital; change in INR; or quality of life.The three ongoing studies are still recruiting participants (expected recruitment: up to 355 participants in total). and are due to be completed by February 2018.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is only very limited evidence from one RCT to inform the decision whether or not to administer prophylactic plasma prior to central venous catheterisation for people with abnormal coagulation. It is not possible from the current RCT evidence to recommend whether or not prophylactic plasma transfusion is beneficial or harmful in this situation. The three ongoing RCTs will not be able to answer this review's questions, because they are small studies and do not address all of the comparisons included in this review (355 participants in total). To detect an increase in the proportion of participants who had major bleeding from 1 in 100 to 2 in 100 would require a study containing at least 4634 participants (80% power, 5% significance).

Risk factors for bleeding after liver biopsy

OBJECTIVE

Determine factors that increase the risk of bleeding after liver biopsy.

METHODS

Retrospective review of radiology and clinical databases from Jan 2008 to Jun 2014 revealed 847 patients with liver biopsy. Of these, 154 (group I) had targeted biopsy of focal lesion and 142 (group 2) had random core biopsy for diffuse liver disease. The rest of the patients were excluded due to insufficient post-biopsy data. Data including pre-biopsy laboratory results, history of transfusion, and biopsy complications were recorded in the study cohort. After review of initial results, a "Risk Score" for bleeding was created using platelet count, INR, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and suspicion of malignancy. Zero point was given for normal laboratory results or absence of malignancy. One point was given for mildly abnormal laboratory values or presence of malignancy. Severe biochemical abnormalities, e.g., INR > 2.0, eGFR < 30 mL/min, or platelet count ≤ 50 × 10(9)/L were given two points each. The "Risk Score" was made of adding individual points.

RESULTS

Of 847 patients queried by retrospective database search, 296 had adequate records for the period of 2 weeks prior to biopsy to 4 weeks after biopsy. The remaining patients had liver biopsy as outpatients and probably did not have bleeding complications but no electronic records were found to confirm this. 25 (8.4%) of 296 patients had post-biopsy bleeding, with incidences of 11.7% and 4.9% in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.04). On logistic regression analysis, the only significant predictor of bleeding was the "Risk Score" (p = 0.01, odds ratio 4.6). There was substantial overlap in INR, and platelet count in bleeders vs. non-bleeders. Pre-biopsy fresh frozen plasma or platelet concentrate infusions did not reduce the risk of bleeding.

CONCLUSION

INR and platelet count are not an independent risk factors for post-biopsy bleeding. A "Risk Score" made up of individual risk factors was a better predictor of bleeding.

Plasma transfusions prior to insertion of central lines for patients with abnormal coagulation

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: To assess the effect of different prophylactic plasma transfusion regimens prior to central line insertion in patients with abnormal coagulation.

Moderate elevations in international normalized ratio should not lead to delays in neurosurgical intervention in patients with traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

The management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently involves invasive intracranial monitoring or cranial surgery. In our institution, intracranial procedures are often deferred until an international normalized ratio (INR) of less than 1.4 is achieved. There is no evidence that a moderately elevated INR is associated with increased risk of bleeding in patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention (NI). Thrombelastography (TEG) provides a functional assessment of clotting and has been shown to better predict clinically relevant coagulopathy compared with INR. We hypothesized that in patients with TBI, an elevated INR would result in increased time to NI and would not be associated with coagulation abnormalities based on TEG.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of prospectively collected data was performed in trauma patients with intracranial hemorrhage that underwent NI (defined as cranial surgery or intracranial pressure monitoring) within 24 hours of arrival. Time from admission to NI was recorded. TEG and routine coagulation assays were obtained at admission. Patients were considered hypocoagulable based on INR if their admission INR was greater than 1.4 (high INR). Manufacturer-specified values were used to determine hypocoagulability for each TEG variable.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients (median head Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score, 5) met entry criteria, of whom 16% had high INR. Demographic, physiologic, and injury scoring data were similar between groups. The median time to NI was longer in patients with high INR (358 minutes vs. 184 minutes, p = 0.027). High-INR patients were transfused more plasma than patients with an INR of 1.4 or less (2 U vs. 0 U, p = 0.01). There was no association between an elevated INR and hypocoagulability based on TEG.

CONCLUSION

TBI patients with an admission INR of greater than 1.4 had a longer time to NI. The use of plasma transfusion to decrease the INR may have contributed to this delay. A moderately elevated INR was not associated with coagulation abnormalities based on TEG. Routine plasma transfusion to correct a moderately elevated INR before NI should be reexamined.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic study, level III.

Plasma is ineffective in correcting mildly elevated PT-INR in critically ill children: a retrospective observational study

Background

Fresh frozen plasma transfusion is widely utilized in pediatric clinical practice to correct mild coagulopathy. Several studies on adult population have shown that transfusion of plasma cannot effectively correct mild coagulopathy when international normalized ratio (INR) is ≤1.5. Much controversy exists about the generalization of this finding for pediatric populations, especially since pediatric dosages often exceed those in adults. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of plasma transfusion with mild coagulopathy (INR ≤ 1.5) and its effectiveness in a pediatric setting.

Methods

In our tertiary referral hospital, we retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients who received plasma (April to October 2011) for mildly elevated prothrombin time (PT)-INR levels (≤1.5) and had post-transfusion PT-INR measurements; patients who received intraoperative, ECMO, or plasma exchange-related plasma transfusions were excluded from this study. We abstracted demographic data and pre- and post coagulation test results for the patients included in our study.

Results

Among 468 plasma transfusions administered to 285 patients from April to June 2011, 60 plasma transfusions (12.8%) were given to patients with PT-INR ≤ 1.5 (range 1.3–1.5). Forty-one patients [median age 2.5 years (IQR, 0.14 to 13.75 years), median weight of 16.0 kg (IQR, 8.0 to 69.3 kg)] who received 41 single plasma transfusions [median dose 11 mL/Kg (IQR, 6–15)] had post-transfusion PT-INR measurements and were included in our study. There was no significant difference in their PT-INR values (p = 0.34) pre- and post-transfusion. Of our study, only 15.4% patients showed post-transfusion normalization [median change in PT-INR 0.15 (IQR, 0.1–0.2)] and were not different from the remaining 85% in age, plasma dose, and bleeding status.

Conclusions

The prevalence of plasma transfusion for correction of mildly elevated PT-INR levels in critically ill children is high (12.8%). Plasma transfusion showed no significant effect in correcting minor prolongation of PT-INR in pediatric patients regardless of age, volume of plasma transfused per kilogram (dosage), or bleeding status.

Traumatic coagulopathy--part 1: Pathophysiology and diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature in reference to the pathophysiology and diagnostic modalities available for acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) in relationship to traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

ETIOLOGY

Posttraumatic hemorrhage is responsible for one of the leading causes of preventable human deaths worldwide. Acute traumatic coagulopathy is an endogenous hypocoagulable condition that has been observed during the immediate (< 1 hour) posttraumatic period. Phenotypically, ATC manifests as a state of systemic hypocoagulability and hyperfibrinolysis. Although different functional mechanisms have been proposed for causing ATC, it is universally thought to be a manifestation of severe tissue injury, shock-induced hypoperfusion, systemic inflammation, and endothelial damage. Excessive activation of the thrombin-thrombomodulin activated Protein C pathway, catecholamine-induced endothelial damage as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with a fibrinolytic phenotype are all hypotheses that have been proposed in attempts to explain the functional mechanism of ATC.

DIAGNOSIS

An accurate and reliable test remains to be validated for ATC. Traditional coagulation assays (activated partial thromboplastin times and prothrombin times) along with platelet count and fibrinogen concentrations have been used more commonly. Viscoelastic tests (thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry) are currently being investigated as a more predictive modality for identifying and guiding therapy for ATC.

THERAPY

Damage control resuscitation and hemostatic resuscitation are gaining favor as the optimal resuscitative strategies for hemorrhagic shock and ATC. Antifibrinolytics may also play a role when hyperfibrinolysis is present.

PROGNOSIS

Massive hemorrhage accounts for 30-56% of prehospital posttraumatic deaths in people, with coagulopathic hemorrhage remaining one of the major causes of preventable deaths within the first 24 hours posttrauma. Ten to twenty-five percent of human trauma patients experience ATC, which has been shown to prolong hemorrhage, deter resuscitative efforts, promote sepsis, and increase mortality by at least 4-fold. Prognosis in veterinary patients is not currently known.

Pulmonary complications of transfused blood components

Three transfusion complications are responsible for the majority of the morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. This article discusses the respiratory complications associated with these pathophysiologic processes, including definitions, diagnosis, mechanism, incidence, risk factors, clinical management, and strategies for prevention. It also explores how different patient populations and different blood components differentially affect the risk of these deadly transfusion complications. Lastly, the article discusses how health care providers can risk stratify individual patients or patient populations to determine whether a given transfusion is more likely to benefit or harm the patient based on the transfusion indication, risk, and expected result.

Blood component support in acquired coagulopathic conditions: is there a method to the madness?

Acquired coagulopathies are often detected by laboratory investigation in clinical practice. There is a poor correlation between mild to moderate abnormalities of laboratory test and bleeding tendency. Patients who are bleeding due to coagulopathy are often managed with various blood components including plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. However, prophylactic transfusion of these products in a nonbleeding patient to correct mild to moderate abnormality of a coagulation test especially preprocedure is not evidence-based. This article reviews the management of bleeding due to oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, disseminated intravascular coagulation, chronic liver disease, and trauma.

Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma in non-bleeding ICU patients--TOPIC trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is an effective therapy to correct for a deficiency of multiple coagulation factors during bleeding. In past years, use of FFP has increased, in particular in patients on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and has expanded to include prophylactic use in patients with a coagulopathy prior to undergoing an invasive procedure. Retrospective studies suggest that prophylactic use of FFP does not prevent bleeding, but carries the risk of transfusion-related morbidity. However, up to 50% of FFP is administered to non-bleeding ICU patients. With the aim to investigate whether prophylactic FFP transfusions to critically ill patients can be safely omitted, a multi-center randomized clinical trial is conducted in ICU patients with a coagulopathy undergoing an invasive procedure.

Methods

A non-inferiority, prospective, multicenter randomized open-label, blinded end point evaluation (PROBE) trial. In the intervention group, a prophylactic transfusion of FFP prior to an invasive procedure is omitted compared to transfusion of a fixed dose of 12 ml/kg in the control group. Primary outcome measure is relevant bleeding. Secondary outcome measures are minor bleeding, correction of International Normalized Ratio, onset of acute lung injury, length of ventilation days and length of Intensive Care Unit stay.

Discussion

The Transfusion of Fresh Frozen Plasma in non-bleeding ICU patients (TOPIC) trial is the first multi-center randomized controlled trial powered to investigate whether it is safe to withhold FFP transfusion to coagulopathic critically ill patients undergoing an invasive procedure.

Trial Registration

Trial registration: Dutch Trial Register NTR2262 and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01143909

A national study of plasma use in critical care: clinical indications, dose and effect on prothrombin time

INTRODUCTION

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is widely used, but few studies have described patterns of plasma use in critical care. We carried out a multicentre study of coagulopathy in intensive care units (ICUs) and here describe overall FFP utilisation in adult critical care, the indications for transfusions, factors indicating the doses used and the effects of FFP use on coagulation.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational study of all patients sequentially admitted to 29 adult UK general ICUs over 8 weeks. Daily data throughout ICU admission were collected concerning coagulation, relevant clinical outcomes (including bleeding), coagulopathy (defined as international normalised ratio (INR) >1.5, or equivalent prothrombin time (PT)), FFP and cryoprecipitate use and indications for transfusion.

RESULTS

Of 1,923 admissions, 12.7% received FFP in the ICU during 404 FFP treatment episodes (1,212 FFP units). Overall, 0.63 FFP units/ICU admission were transfused (0.11 units/ICU day). Reasons for FFP transfusion were bleeding (48%), preprocedural prophylaxis (15%) and prophylaxis without planned procedure (36%). Overall, the median FFP dose was 10.8 ml kg⁻¹, but doses varied widely (first to third quartile, 7.2 to 14.4 ml kg⁻¹). Thirty-one percent of FFP treatments were to patients without PT prolongation, and 41% were to patients without recorded bleeding and only mildly deranged INR (<2.5). Higher volumes of FFP were administered when the indication was bleeding (median doses: bleeding 11.1 ml kg⁻¹, preprocedural prophylaxis 9.8 ml kg⁻¹, prophylaxis without procedure 8.9 ml kg⁻¹; P = 0.009 across groups) and when the pretransfusion INR was higher (ranging from median dose 8.9 ml kg⁻¹ at INR ≤ 1.5 to 15.7 ml kg⁻¹ at INR >3; P < 0.001 across ranges). Regression analyses suggested bleeding was the strongest predictor of higher FFP dose. Pretransfusion INR was more frequently normal when the transfusion indication was bleeding. Overall, posttransfusion corrections of INR were consistently small unless the pretransfusion INR was >2.5, but administration during bleeding was associated with greater INR corrections.

CONCLUSIONS

There is wide variation in FFP use by ICU clinicians, and a high proportion of current FFP transfusions are of unproven clinical benefit. Better evidence from clinical trials could significantly alter patterns of use and modify current treatment costs.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral paravertebral continuous nerve blocks for a mildly coagulopathic patient undergoing exploratory laparotomy for bowel resection

Regional anesthesia techniques commonly utilized in post-operative pain management are often considered contraindicated in coagulopathic patients. We report on successful postoperative pain control utilizing peripheral nerve blockade after exploratory laparotomy with small bowel resection in a mildly coagulopathic patient. In our case, complicated by abnormal PT, PTT and INR, a thromboelastogram (TEG) was performed before the procedure and found to be normal. An ultrasound-guided bilateral paravertebral blockade with continuous paravertebral catheters was then performed in this pediatric patient without complications. The patient expressed satisfaction with his pain control. More studies are needed to evaluate the validity of TEG in the prediction of bleeding risk and the safety of this regional technique in a mildly coagulopathic patients.

Coagulation factor levels in neurosurgical patients with mild prolongation of prothrombin time: effect on plasma transfusion therapy

Object

Neurosurgical patients often have mildly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR). In the absence of liver disease this mild prolongation appears to be due to the use of very sensitive PT reagents. Therefore, the authors performed relevant coagulation factor assays to assess coagulopathy in such patients. They also compared plasma transfusion practices in their hospital before and after the study.

Methods

The authors tested 30 plasma specimens from 25 patients with an INR of 1.3–1.7 for coagulation factors II, VII, and VIII. They also evaluated plasma orders during the 5-month study period and compared them with similar poststudy periods following changes in plasma transfusion guidelines based on the study results.

Results

At the time of plasma orders the median INR was 1.35 (range 1.3–1.7, normal reference range 0.9–1.2) with a corresponding median PT of 13.6 seconds (range 12.8–17.6 seconds). All partial thromboplastin times were normal (median 29.0 seconds, range 19.3–33.7 seconds). The median factor VII level was 57% (range 25%–124%), whereas the hemostatic levels recommended for major surgery are 15%–25%. Factors II and VIII levels were also within the hemostatic range (median 72% and 118%, respectively). Based on these scientific data, plasma transfusion guidelines were modified and resulted in a 75%–85% reduction in plasma orders for mildly prolonged INR over the next 2 years.

Conclusions

Neurosurgical patients with a mild prolongation of INR (up to 1.7) have hemostatically normal levels of important coagulation factors, and the authors recommend that plasma not be transfused to simply correct this abnormal laboratory value.

Prevalence, management, and outcomes of critically ill patients with prothrombin time prolongation in United Kingdom intensive care units

OBJECTIVE

Coagulopathy occurs frequently in critically ill patients, but its epidemiology, current treatment, and relation to patient outcome are poorly understood. We described the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of prolongation of the prothrombin time in critically ill patients using the international normalized ratio to standardize data and explored its association with intensive care unit survival.

DESIGN

Prospective multiple center observational cohort study.

SETTING

Twenty-nine adult intensive care units in the United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

All sequentially admitted patients over an 8-wk period.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Prospective daily data were collected concerning prevalence, predefined risk factors, and treatment of coagulopathy throughout intensive care unit admission. Of 1923 intensive care unit admissions, 30% developed abnormal international normalized ratio values (defined as an international normalized ratio > 1.5). Most international normalized ratio abnormalities were minor and short-lived (73% of worst international normalized ratio values 1.6-2.5). Male sex, chronic liver disease, sepsis, warfarin therapy, increments in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, severity of renal and hepatic dysfunction, and red cell transfusions were all independent risk factors for international normalized ratio abnormalities (all p < .001). In all regression models, there was a strong independent association between abnormal international normalized ratio values and greater intensive care unit mortality (p < .0001), particularly when international normalized ratio increased after intensive care unit admission. Among patients with abnormal international normalized ratios, 33% received fresh-frozen plasma transfusions during their intensive care unit stay, but the pretransfusion international normalized ratio value varied widely. Fifty-one percent of fresh-frozen plasma treatments were to nonbleeding patients and 40% to nonbleeding patients whose international normalized ratio was normal or only modestly deranged (≤ 2.5). The dose of fresh-frozen plasma administered was highly variable (median dose 10.8 mL/kg (first, third quartile 7.2, 14.4; range, 2.4-41.1 mL/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Prothrombin time prolongation is prevalent in critically ill patients and is independently associated with greater intensive care unit mortality. Wide variation in fresh-frozen plasma treatment exists suggesting clinical uncertainty regarding best practice, particularly as a prophylactic treatment.

The use of fresh-frozen plasma in England: high levels of inappropriate use in adults and children

BACKGROUND

Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) is given to patients across a range of clinical settings, frequently in association with abnormalities of standard coagulation tests.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A UK-wide study of FFP transfusion practice was undertaken to characterize the current patterns of administration and to evaluate the contribution of pretransfusion coagulation tests.

RESULTS

A total of 4969 FFP transfusions given to patients in 190 hospitals were analyzed, of which 93.3% were in adults and 6.7% in children or infants. FFP transfusions to adults were given most frequently in intensive-treatment or high-dependency units (32%), in operating rooms or recovery (23%), or on medical wards (22%). In adult patients 43% of all FFP transfusions were given in the absence of documented bleeding, as prophylaxis for abnormal coagulation tests or before procedures or surgery. There was wide variation in international normalized ratio (INR) or prothrombin times before FFP administration; in 30.9% of patients where the main reason for transfusion was prophylactic in the absence of bleeding the INR was 1.5 or less. Changes in standard coagulation results after FFP administration were generally very small for adults and children.

CONCLUSIONS

This study raises important questions about the clinical benefit of much of current FFP usage. It highlights the pressing need for better studies to inform and evaluate quantitative data for the effect of plasma on standard coagulation tests.

Perioperative coagulation management--fresh frozen plasma

Clinical studies support the use of perioperative fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in patients who are actively bleeding with multiple coagulation factor deficiencies and for the prevention of dilutional coagulopathy in patients with major trauma and/or massive haemorrhage. In these settings, current FFP dosing recommendations may be inadequate. However, a substantial proportion of FFP is transfused in non-bleeding patients with mild elevations in coagulation screening tests. This practice is not supported by the literature, is unlikely to be of benefit and unnecessarily exposes patients to the risks of FFP. The role of FFP in reversing the effects of warfarin anticoagulation is dependent on the clinical context and availability of alternative agents. Although FFP is commonly transfused in patients with liver disease, this practice needs broad reconsideration. Adverse effects of FFP include febrile and allergic reactions, transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-related acute lung injury. The latter is the most serious complication, being less common with the preferential use of non-alloimmunised, male-donor predominant plasma. FP24 and thawed plasma are alternatives to FFP with similar indications for administration. Both provide an opportunity for increasing the safe plasma donor pool. Although prothrombin complex concentrates and factor VIIa may be used as alternatives to FFP in a variety of specific clinical contexts, additional study is needed.

[Prevalence of abnormal coagulation tests in patients who undergo transrectal biopsy of the prostate]

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of abnormal coagulation tests in patients who undergo transrectal prostate biopsy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed at Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV) between 1 June and 31 December 2008. Variables collected included age, PSA value, PT (prothrombin time), PTT (partial thromboplastin time) and INR (international normalized ratio) values and the presence of abnormalities in each of the haematological variables. There are no real normal or maximum acceptable values in clinical practice; however, the values described by some authors and different clinical practice protocols serve as a guide.

RESULTS

The average age was 70 years, the median PSA was 28, the partial thromboplastin time was altered in 2.3% of patients, and INR was abnormal in 3.4% of patients (cut-off point 1.5). There were no changes in PT or INR values (cut-off point 2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of abnormal coagulation tests is low even when there are no clear cut-off points in worldwide literature that would determine abnormality.

Prospective monitoring of plasma and platelet transfusions in a large teaching hospital results in significant cost reduction

BACKGROUND

Plasma and platelets (PLTs) are often transfused to correct mild to moderately abnormal laboratory values. Our objective was to reduce unnecessary plasma and PLT transfusions to nonbleeding patients by prospective triage and education of end users in evidence-based hemostasis and transfusion medicine practices.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the Parkland Memorial Hospital's transfusion service and admission database as the data source, this study comprises the comparison of transfusion data on plasma and PLT use between pre- (2000-2002) and posttriage (2003-2006) periods. Yearly transfusion and wastage data on red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, and PLTs and yearly hospital admissions, trauma visits, and surgical procedures were extracted retrospectively for the study.

RESULTS

The study revealed that implementation of triage resulted in a significant reduction of plasma (60%) and PLT (25%) transfusions, saving more than $3,000,000 over 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Prospective triage and evidence-based transfusion practice education reduced unnecessary plasma and PLT transfusions and health care costs.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI): a clinical review with emphasis on the critically ill

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality world-wide. Although first described in 1983, it took two decades to develop consensus definitions, which remain controversial. The pathogenesis of TRALI is related to the infusion of donor antibodies that recognize leucocyte antigens in the transfused host or the infusion of lipids and other biological response modifiers that accumulate during the storage or processing of blood components. TRALI appears to be the result of at least two sequential events and treatment is supportive. This review demonstrates that critically ill patients are more susceptible to TRALI and require special attention by critical care specialists, haematologists and transfusion medicine experts. Further research is required into TRALI and its pathogenesis so that transfusions are safer and administered appropriately. Avoidance including male-only transfusion practises, the use of leucoreduced components, fresher blood/blood components and solvent detergent plasma are also discussed.

Blood products, volume control, and renal support in the coagulopathy of liver disease

Plasma-based products are commonly used in patients who have chronic liver disease to treat perceived coagulopathy despite unproven efficacy and potentially severe risks, such as transfusion-related acute lung injury, which carries a high mortality rate. Moreover, volume expansion may acutely worsen portal hypertension and increase bleeding from the collateral portal vascular bed. Although factor replacement therapy may be warranted in selected situations, its use should be restricted because of the limitations of target tests, such as international normalized ratio, which poorly reflects presence of bleeding diatheses in patients who have cirrhosis. Renal replacement therapies are frequent adjuncts in patients who have cirrhosis and are acutely decompensated, and may correct uremia-related bleeding diathesis and assist in controlling vascular volume, although they are generally limited to use as a bridge to liver transplantation. Novel extracorporeal therapies are emerging and may also have significant interaction with the hemostatic system. Volume contraction and blood conservation therapies are relatively new and promising approaches to reduce use of blood products in liver transplantation.

Evidence for indications of fresh frozen plasma

There continues to be a general but unfounded enthusiasm for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) usage across a range of clinical specialties in hospital practice. Clinical use of plasma has grown steadily over the last two decades in many countries. In England and Wales, there has not been a significant reduction in the use of FFP over the last few years, unlike red cells. There is also evidence of variation in usage among countries--use in England and Wales may be proportionately less per patient than current levels of usage in other European countries and the United States. Plasma for transfusion is most often used where there is abnormal coagulation screening tests, either therapeutically in the face of bleeding, or prophylactically in non-bleeding subjects prior to invasive procedures or surgery. Little evidence exists to inform best therapeutic plasma transfusion practice. Most studies have described plasma use in a prophylactic setting, in which laboratory abnormalities of coagulation tests are considered a predictive risk factor for bleeding prior to invasive procedures. The strongest randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence indicates that prophylactic plasma for transfusion is not effective across a range of different clinical settings and this is supported by data from non-randomised studies in patients with mild to moderate abnormalities in coagulation tests. There are also uncertainties whether plasma consistently improves the laboratory results for patients with mild to moderate abnormalities in coagulation tests. There is a need to undertake new trials evaluating the efficacy and adverse effects of plasma, both in bleeding and non-bleeding patients, to understand whether the "presumed" benefits outweigh the "real risks". In addition, new haemostatic tests should be validated which better define risk of bleeding.

Update on Transfusion Medicine

Clinical pharmacists often participate on critical care teams that manage patients with bleeding emergencies. Although blood products are usually dispensed from the blood bank and not the pharmacy, pharmacists should be conversant in the language and trends of transfusion medicine, much like they are with other therapeutic agents. Toward that goal, this review provides a concise transfusion medicine tutorial, covering all commonly used blood products, including red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, and plasma derivatives such as cryoprecipitate, prothrombin complex concentrates, and albumin. Usage patterns, the rationale for administering the various blood products, and studies that have attempted to determine appropriate criteria for ordering transfusions (transfusion triggers) are discussed. The benefits, risks, and several ongoing controversies that relate to the appropriateness and safety of blood product use are also summarized.

Tuscan study on the appropriateness of fresh-frozen plasma transfusion (TuSAPlaT)

INTRODUCTION

The considerable increase in the consumption of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) recorded in 2002 in the Region of Tuscany made it necessary to check the appropriateness of the use of this blood component in all transfusion facilities in the Tuscan network.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2005, the Regional Blood Transfusion Coordinating Centre carried out an audit on the clinical use of FFP in the 40 structures included in the Tuscan transfusion network. The study had two complementary parts: a review of guidelines on the use of FFP and the involvement of Hospital Transfusion Committees in evaluating the outcome of the audit and in the consequent local policy decisions and in educating clinicians.

RESULTS

The data from all 40 of the regional transfusion structures were analysed. The audit, which was initially retrospective, gradually became prospective. The percentage clinical use of FFP decreased, compared to 2002, in each of the 3 years of the study: a) 2003: - 8.92%; b) 2004: - 2.11%; c) 2005: -1.97%. The inappropriate requests for plasma decreased from 27% to 22.7% of the total. It was possible to classify the inappropriate requests for plasma on the basis of homogeneous, regionally defined criteria. The most frequent inappropriate indication (60.7% of the total) was the use of plasma in the case of haemorrhage in patients with a normal PT and/or PTT or unavailable results. Each hospital revised its own guidelines between 2004 and 2005 and the Hospital Transfusion Committees set up appropriate educational and behavioural interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The capacity of transfusion facilities to make data on the use of blood components available systematically and continuously is an essential feature of clinical governance; systematic clinical auditing increases the level of appropriate behaviours in the transfusion sector, contemporaneously contributing to self-sufficiency in transfusion products, and may direct research towards those clinical settings at greatest risk of inappropriate use of transfusion therapy with FFP.

The evidence-based use of FFP and cryoprecipitate for abnormalities of coagulation tests and clinical coagulopathy

There continues to be a general but unfounded enthusiasm for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or frozen plasma (FP) usage across a range of clinical specialties in hospital practice. Plasma for transfusion is most often used where there are abnormal coagulation screening tests, either therapeutically in the face of bleeding, or prophylactically in nonbleeding patients prior to invasive procedures or surgery. Little evidence exists to inform best therapeutic transfusion practice, and most studies describe plasma use in a prophylactic setting. Laboratory abnormalities of coagulation are considered by many clinicians to be a predictive risk factor for bleeding prior to invasive procedures or in other clinical situations where bleeding risk exists, and plasma for transfusion is presumed to improve the laboratory results and reduce this risk. However, most guideline indications for the prophylactic use of plasma for transfusion are not supported by evidence from good-quality randomized trials. Arguably, the strongest randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence indicates that prophylactic plasma for transfusion is not effective across a range of different clinical settings, and this is supported by data from nonrandomized studies in patients with mild to moderate abnormalities in coagulation tests. There is a need to undertake new trials evaluating the efficacy and adverse effects of plasma, both in bleeding and non-bleeding patients, to understand whether the presumed benefits outweigh the real risks. In addition, new hemostatic tests that better define the risk of bleeding and monitor the effectiveness of the use of FFP should be validated. Last, there is an opportunity to develop effective educational strategies aimed at addressing understanding and compliance with recommendations in guidelines.