Photochemically treated fresh frozen plasma for transfusion of patients with acquired coagulopathy of liver disease

Abstract

An ex vivo photochemical treatment (PCT) process was developed to inactivate pathogens in fresh frozen plasma (PCT-FFP). A prospective, controlled, double-blinded, randomized study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PCT-FFP compared with conventional FFP (C-FFP). Patients (n = 121) with acquired coagulopathy, largely due to liver disease, including hepatic transplantation, were transfused with either PCT-FFP or C-FFP for up to 7 days. Primary end points were changes in the prothrombin time (PT) and the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) in response to the first FFP transfusion. Secondary analyses compared changes in the PT and the PTT, factor VII levels, clinical hemostasis, blood component usage, and safety following FFP transfusions for up to 7 days. Following the first transfusion, correction in the PT and PTT adjusted for FFP dose and patient weight was not different. Changes in the PT were equivalent between treatment groups (P = .002 by noninferiority). Equivalence was not demonstrated for changes in the PTT. Following multiple transfusions, correction of the PT and the PTT was similar between groups. No differences were observed in use of blood components, clinical hemostasis, or safety. These results suggest PCT-FFP supported hemostasis in the treatment of acquired coagulopathy similarly to conventional FFP. © 2006 by The American Society of Hematology.