[Use of fresh frozen plasma in surgery with special reference to autologous fresh frozen plasma].

Abstract

The use of FFP has increased dramatically in the last few years. In the majority of cases FFP is transfused in order to provide coagulation factors. Many physicians expect to get "better" blood parameters from concomitant FFP and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. To avoid the risk of diseases transmitted by homologous blood predeposited autologous blood is useful for elective surgical patients. Intraoperative autotransfusion by blood salvage using a Cell Saver only provides autologous RBC without plasma, so predeposited autologous plasma seems to be a necessary supplement. However, according to the literature most patients receiving RBC units do not require concomitant FFP. Guidelines for the use of FFP based on controlled clinical trials are necessary.