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Semin Thromb Hemost 2020; 46(01): 032-037
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1695736
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Using Plasma and Prothrombin Complex Concentrates

Jerrold H. Levy
1   Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
,
Kamrouz Ghadimi
1   Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
,
Nathan H. Waldron
1   Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
,
Jean M. Connors
2   Department of Hematology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 September 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Surgical patients, following procedural interventions or traumatic injury, often bleed due to ongoing blood loss or coagulopathy. Volume resuscitation and transfusion management are critical for the massively bleeding patient. While transfusions may correct coagulopathy, they carry multiple risks including circulatory overload and transfusion-related acute lung injury. Factor concentrates, specifically prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), are often used as part of multimodal therapy for bleeding along with laboratory testing to rapidly assess underlying coagulopathy. Although they are commonly used as part of management algorithms, studies evaluating their efficacy against fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or other potential therapies are needed. Further, PCCs are indicated to treat the coagulopathy associated with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in the perioperative setting. The focus of this commentary will be the perioperative use of PCCs, plasma, and FFP.

Keywords

factor concentrates - fibrinogen - fresh frozen plasma - hemorrhage - plasma - prothrombin complex concentrates
 

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