Evaluation of effect of scheduled fresh frozen plasma on ECMO circuit life: A randomized pilot trial

Ali B.V. McMichael, Kanecia O. Zimmerman, Karan R. Kumar, Caroline P. Ozment

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Factor consumption is common during ECMO complicating the balance of pro and anticoagulation factors. This study sought to determine whether transfusion of coagulation factors using fresh frozen plasma (FFP) increased ECMO circuit life and decreased blood product transfusion. Secondly, it analyzed the association between FFP transfusion and hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Study Design and Methods: Thirty-one pediatric ECMO patients between October 2013 and January 2016 at a quaternary care institution were included. Patients were randomized to FFP every 48 hours or usual care. The primary outcome was ECMO circuit change. Secondary outcomes included blood product transfusion, survival to decannulation, hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications, and ECMO costs. Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) number of circuit changes was 0 (0, 1). No difference was seen in percent days without a circuit change between intervention and control group, P =.53. Intervention group patients received median platelets of 15.5 mL/kg/d IQR (3.7, 26.8) vs 24.8 mL/kg/d (12.2, 30.8) for the control group (P =.16), and median packed red blood cells (pRBC) of 7.7 mL/kg/d (3.3, 16.3) vs 5.9 mL/kg/d (3.4, 18.7) for the control group, P =.60. FFP transfusions were similar with 10.2 mL/kg/d (5.0, 13.9) in the intervention group vs 8.8 (2.5, 17.7) for the control group, P =.98. Conclusion: In this pilot randomized study, scheduled FFP did not increase circuit life. There was no difference in blood product transfusion of platelets, pRBCs, and FFP between groups. Further studies are needed to examine the association of scheduled FFP with blood product transfusion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)42-51
Number of pages10
JournalTransfusion
Volume61
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Hematology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evaluation of effect of scheduled fresh frozen plasma on ECMO circuit life: A randomized pilot trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this