Scientific article
OA Policy
English

Plasma in the PICU: why and when should we transfuse?

Published inAnnals of intensive care, vol. 3, no. 1, 16
Publication date2013
Abstract

Whereas red blood cell transfusions have been used since the 19th century, plasma has only been available since 1941. It was originally mainly used as volume replacement, mostly during World War II and the Korean War. Over the years, its indication has shifted to correct coagulation factors deficiencies or to prevent bleeding. Currently, it remains a frequent treatment in the intensive care unit, both for critically ill adults and children. However, observational studies have shown that plasma transfusion fail to correct mildly abnormal coagulation tests. Furthermore, recent epidemiological studies have shown that plasma transfusions are associated with an increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Therefore, plasma, as any other treatment, has to be used when the benefits outweigh the risks. Based on observational data, most experts suggest limiting its use either to massively bleeding patients or bleeding patients who have documented abnormal coagulation tests, and refraining for transfusing plasma to nonbleeding patients whatever their coagulation tests. In this paper, we will review current evidence on plasma transfusions and discuss its indications.

Citation (ISO format)
LABARINAS, Sonia, ARNI, Delphine, KARAM, Oliver Laurent. Plasma in the PICU: why and when should we transfuse? In: Annals of intensive care, 2013, vol. 3, n° 1, p. 16. doi: 10.1186/2110-5820-3-16
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
accessLevelPublic
Identifiers
Journal ISSN2110-5820
531views
326downloads

Technical informations

Creation03/05/2014 11:19:00 AM
First validation03/05/2014 11:19:00 AM
Update time03/14/2023 10:04:52 PM
Status update03/14/2023 10:04:52 PM
Last indexation10/30/2024 5:41:24 PM
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack