The transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is indicated for which of the following reasons?

C. Specific coagulation factor deficiency with an abnormal prothrombin time (PT) and/or an abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

D. For the correction of abnormal PT secondary to warfarin therapy, vitamin K deficiency, or liver disease.

DISCUSSION: The use of FFP as a volume expander is not indicated. There are currently several preparations (both crystalloid and colloid) that are equally effective and do not carry the infectious and other risks associated with the use of FFP. The use of FFP as a “nutritional” supplement is to be condemned. Patients with specific deficiencies of coagulation factors generally benefit greatly from the infusion of FFP. In cases of specific factor deficiency, other preparations may be more appropriate, but FFP is generally immediately available and is effective in most patients. Patients receiving warfarin  therapy, those who have vitamin K deficiency, and those with liver dysfunction have abnormalities of the vitamin K– dependent factors II, VII, IX, and X, as well as protein C and protein S.