Abstract
In Japan, fresh frozen plasma-leukocytes reduced (FFP-LR) must be used within 3 hours after thawing. However, the longer shelf life of thawed FFP-LR makes it applicable for neonatal or critical care settings. Since the level of each coagulation factor does not necessarily reflect physiological coagulation potential, we have conducted a thrombin generation assay in addition to evaluation of coagulant factors for the thawed FFP-LR up to 120 hours. The FVIII level decreased by the largest degree among coagulation factors, however, the level was higher than 0.7 IU/ml (i.e. European standard). FV and FVII levels after 120 hours of storage at 4°C were 0.81±0.18 IU/ml and 0.73±0.12 IU/ml, respectively. The level of fibrinogen was almost unchanged after 120 hours of storage. Thrombin generation was maintained even 120 hours after thawing. These results suggest that thawed FFP-LR can be safely used to treat coagulopathies other than FVIII deficiency for up to 120 hours after thawing.
