Fresh frozen plasma transfusion in the acute period of isolated traumatic brain injury

Coagulopathy associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognized as one of the risk factors for poor outcome in patients with TBI, however, the safety of using fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is not fully understood. The objective of the study: to identify the indications for FFP transfusion in the acute period of TBI. Subjects and methods : a retrospective-prospective observational study included 160 patients aged 18-59 years with isolated TBI in the first 48 hours after injury. Patients were assessed by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); patients were divided into two study groups: Group 1 – GCS ≤ 8 points, Group 2 – GCS ≥ 9 points. All patients underwent hemostatic assessment with standard clotting tests (activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin ratio, fibrinogen blood level). In 42 patients, additional thromboelastometry was performed. Specific parameters of FFP transfusion and trauma outcomes were assessed. Results : according to clotting tests, hypocoagulation was detected in 50.6% of patients; according to thromboelastometry – in 22.7%. FFP was used more often in severe TBI (83%) with a decrease in prothrombin ratio (PR). However, FFP transfusion is associated with an unfavorable outcome: in the case of transfusion, a greater number of deaths and vegetative states were recorded in patients with severe TBI. Conclusion : in patients in the acute period of isolated TBI, it is preferable to minimize the use of FFP; an isolated decrease in PR should not be a trigger for FFP transfusion.