Researchers from the North Shore LIJ Health System have demonstrated that a combination of 5% albumin and fresh frozen plasma may be an effective alternative replacement fluid for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange. Plasma exchange for TTP patients typically uses 100% fresh frozen plasma as replacement fluid, and is performed to increase plasma ADAMTS-13 activity and remove the ADAMTS-13 inhibitor. However, extensive use of fresh frozen plasma increases donor exposures and also has the potential for transfusion reactions among recipients. Presenting their data at the 54th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, the research team conducted a retrospective analysis comparing the use of 100% fresh frozen plasma to a 5% albumin/fresh frozen plasma combination in TTP patients. Between the two groups, they found comparable rates of recovery and relapse and similar lengths of treatment. The team concluded that this albumin/fresh frozen plasma combination should be considered for the plasma exchange of TTP patients.
Reference
1. Louie J, Boctor F, Chiang J, Anwar Z, Wittenberg A, Gogas E. Efficacy of 5% Albumin and Fresh Frozen Plasma (AFFP) Versus Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) only as Replacement Fluid in Plasma Exchange for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). Abstract 272 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting 2012. Atlanta, GA. http://www.hematology.org/Meetings/Annual-Meeting/Abstracts/5810.aspx, 2012
