A national study of plasma use in critical care: clinical indications, dose, and effect on prothrombin time.

As concluded by the authors, we need better evidence from well-conducted clinical trials to determine the true benefits of the administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in virtually all of today’s “clinical indications”, specially the prophylactic ones. Until we obtain these data, a high proportion of FFP transfusions will remain of unproven benefit and practice will vary considerably. Future studies will also have to determine if other products, such as fibrinogen concentrates, are of comparable efficacy and safety.

– Jean-François Hardy