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Effects of potassium adsorption filters on the clotting activity of fresh frozen plasma


Hematology & Transfusion International Journal
Hiroshi Fujita, Shigeko Nishimura
Department of Transfusion Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Japan

Abstract

Background: Recent studies report high levels of ammonia in plasma frozen at −20°C and stored from 5 to 8months which leads to neurotoxicity to the brain. It has been proved that the Potassium Adsorption Filter (PAF) can remove Potassium and Ammonia from red blood solutions. This study was aimed at measuring the the effects of PAF on the clotting activity of FFP.
Materials and methods: FFP in the experiments was obtained from Japan Red Cross Society. Ammonia and potassium concentration, clotting factor activity (factor II, factor V, factor VII, factor VIII, factor IX, factor XI, von Willebrand factor) and clotting tests including activated partial thromboplastin time, % prothrombin time and fibrinogen in the thawed plasma were measured by Biomedical Laboratories and compared with those in the plasma post-filtration (KPF-1, Kawasumi Laboratories Incorporated). After priming the PAF with 200mL of saline, saline was removed before the PAF use.
Results: There were no differences of clotting tests, clotting factor activity in the thawed FFP between pre-filter and post-filter, while PAF reduced the potassium and ammonia concentration in the thawed plasma.
Discussion: Plasma transfusion for traumatic brain injury, severe hepatic failure, or neonate with severe liver disease may be required for PAF, in order to avoid un-necessary ammonia containing the plasma.

Keywords

FFP, PAF, KPF-1, aPTT, plasma, prothrombin, urea cycle, ammonia

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