PLASMA TRANSFUSION

SDr Oliver Karam, MD, MSc05-09-2013

What is the effect of plasma on coagulation tests?

What are the biological effects of plasma transfusions?

What are the clinical effects of plasma transfusions?

What should be the appropriate trigger?

What are the current guidelines?

Take-home messages

Plasma transfusions In massively-bleeding patients, plasma

seems to improve the outcome. In non-massively-bleeding patients,

plasma are associated with a worse clinical outcome.

Plasma transfusions fail to correct mildly abnormal coagulation tests.

Experts recommend to transfuse only patients with proven coagulopathy AND significant bleeding.