22B02: Compare and contrast fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrate

Compare and contrast fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrate.

52% of candidates passed this question.

The safe and appropriate use of these products in ICU is a key area of critical care practice so a fair bit of detail was required for a pass.

Most candidates had a decent understanding of the main constituents of the two products, although few mentioned that FFP may still contain some cells, or that prothrombin concentrates contain heparin.

To gain full marks for this section the components and concentration/amounts would need to be accurately described.

Production of the two products was generally well understood and articulated.

A more comprehensive and specific list of indications than rather than “bleeding” or “coagulopathy” was expected.

While using elements of the standard “compare/contrast” pharmacology structure was helpful, rigidly adhering to it, for instance, noting FFP’s “poor oral bioavailability” – did not garner marks. It is important to note that heparin is not reversed by FFP and FFP may in fact increase heparin’s effect.

FFP does not cause dilutional coagulopathy, it is the treatment for dilutional coagulopathy. Most candidates recognised the need for ABO matching with FFP but not prothrombin concentrates, however few noted that Rhesus matching is not required.

The larger fluid load of FFP in comparison to prothrombin concentrates was well recognised a major drawback of FFP use.

19A03: Exam Report

Compare and contrast fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrate.

10% of candidates passed this question.

Very few answers included details on prothrombin complex concentrate which meant it was difficult to score well.

Useful headings included preparation and administration, dose, indications and adverse effects.

Not many candidates knew the dose of FFP, and few were able to describe the preparation/production of the product.

Few candidates knew the factors available from either product. Commonly missed was the need for ABO typing for FFP and that Prothrombin complex concentrate did not require this.

Q4i / 22B02 / 19A03: Compare and contrast FFP and Prothrombinex Complex Concentrate

Definition

FFP

The plasma portion of whole blood donation

Prothrombinex

3 factor PROTHROMBIN COMPLEX CONCENTRATE (PCC)

Preperation

FFP

From single whole blood donation

Frozen within 8hrs

Prothrombinex

Adsorption of coagulation factors from plasma

Freeze-dried powder stored in ampoules containing:

Factors:

500 IU II

500 IU IX

500 IU X

 Excipients:

192 IU heparin sodium

25 IU AT III

<500 mg human plasma proteins

 For Reconstitution

20ml sterile water for injection

Shelf Life

FFP

12 months (frozen)

Stored 1yr ≤ -25°C to minimise loss of F V & VIII

Prothrombinex

As per expiry date

Stored at 2-8C (refrigerated)

Cannot be returned to refrigeration

Protect from light

Factors

FFP

All Clotting factors

Plasma Proteins

Protein C/S

Prothrombinex

Contains II, IX, X → x 25 that of FFP

Replaces coag factors lowered by warfarin

Does not contain VII in sufficient [   ]

Administration

FFP

IV

Requires ABO compatibility but not Rhesus compatability

Must be thawed prior to transfusion (30 min delay in administration)

Once thawed, cannot be re-frozen and must be administered as quickly as possible

Prothrombinex

IV

Requires reconstitution prior to administration, much more time consuming cf FFP

Commonly requires authorisation by a Haematologist

Dose

FFP

10-15ml/kg

Approx 30min per unit

Volume: 240-300ml

Prothrombinex

15-50IU/kg (warfarin reversal)

 Approx 3ml/min

 Volume: 20ml

Use

FFP

Massive bleeding

Warfarin Reversal

Plasma exchange

Replacement of factor deficiency

TTP

DIC

Prothrombinex

Warfarin Reversal

Congenital coagulation factor deficiency

A/E

FFP

Disease transmission

Excessive intravascular volume

Anaphylactoid reactions

Alloimmunisation

TRALI

Prothrombinex

CI in heparin hypersensitivity

N&V

Fever

Rash

SOB

Thrombosis

Allergy/Hypersensitivity

Minimal risk of infection – heated to 80C for 72hrs