Treatment of Coagulation Disorders

Question 1

Infusion of Platelets

Answer 1

Platelets are essential for the coagulation of blood and are used to treat bleeding caused by thrombocytopenia or dysfunctional platelets.

Question 2

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

Answer 2

Used mainly to provide replacement coagulation factors when concentrate is not available or appropriate.
Contains all coagulation factors in normal amounts and is free of red cells, leukocytes, and platelets.
Used for pts with TTP and other coagulation disorders (multiple factor deficiency).

Question 3

Cryoprecipitate (Anti-Hemophilic Factor or Factor VIII)

Answer 3

Is a concentrate of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, factor VIII and XIII.
Used for the replacement of fibrinogen and factor XIII.

Question 4

Factor concentrates (individual clotting factors)

Answer 4

These concentrates come from 2 sources:
Human plasma
Genetically engineered cell line
Individual concentrates are not available for all factors

Question 5

Prothrombin Complex Concentration (PCC)

Answer 5

This concentrate is made from human plasma and contains a mixture of clotting factors including factors II, VII, IX, and X.
Suitable for individual deficiencies of Factors II, IX, and X.

Question 6

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

Answer 6

Used to promote the release of von Willebrand factor (with subsequent increase in factor VIII).
Pts with von Willebrand disease, mild hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency), and thrombocytopenia.

Question 7

Symptoms of Coagulation Disorders

Answer 7

Excess bleeding and bruising.