Plasma Power
Life-saving transfusions in emergency medicine
Plasma Power
Life-saving transfusions in emergency medicine
August 22, 2024
In the realm of emergency medicine, few interventions are as important and immediate in their impact as blood transfusions. These procedures, which involve the transfer of blood or blood components from a donor to a recipient, are pivotal in managing a variety of life-threatening conditions, including trauma, major surgeries, and severe anemia.
In particular, plasma transfusions play a crucial role in emergency medicine.
Here is a detailed overview of their role.
What are transfusions?
Transfusions are a life-saving therapy:
- In case of traumatic events, such as accidents and many surgical procedures;
- In case of chronic diseases, for example, in congenital anemias like thalassemia;
- For overcoming critical conditions due to blood diseases, like leukemia;
- For mitigating the effects of certain anti-cancer therapies (e.g., chemotherapy).
The use of blood components (red blood cells, platelets) and plasma in surgery can vary depending on the type of surgical intervention and its complexity, as in the case of organ transplants.
The transfusion procedure
A transfusion involves intravenously infusing red blood cells, plasma, or platelets into a person (called the recipient) taken from an individual who has voluntarily donated blood (the donor). During the transfusion, a small needle is inserted into a vein of the person receiving the transfusion to allow the component contained in the bag to enter the bloodstream.
The duration of a blood transfusion depends on the type of blood component being administered. Initially, the nurse will start the transfusion slowly, monitoring you closely for the first 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. If no complications arise, the infusion rate can be increased according to the doctor’s discretion and the patient’s condition.
The role of plasma
Plasma, the liquid component of blood that constitutes about 55% of total blood volume, is fundamental for maintaining fluid balance and transporting nutrients, hormones, and proteins necessary for blood coagulation.
Plasma is composed primarily of water (about 90%), but it also contains essential proteins (such as albumin, globulins, and clotting factors), electrolytes, nutrients, cellular waste, and other molecules. Its main functions are:
- Blood coagulation: plasma contains various factors that are crucial for the coagulation process, which help stop bleeding;
- Transport of substances: plasma serves as a transport medium in the blood for cells, nutrients, hormones, and proteins, maintaining the body’s physiological balance;
- Regulation of blood volume and pressure: the presence of proteins like albumin helps maintain osmotic pressure, which is essential for regulating blood volume and blood pressure.
The importance of plasma transfusion
Blood and blood components are considered drugs because they are used in the treatment of diseases. In some surgical procedures, significant blood loss can be anticipated, and there is always the potential for unexpected blood loss during any type of surgery.
Why would someone need a plasma transfusion? Plasma transfusion services are a vital and integral part of modern health care because fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used to replace missing or low levels of blood proteins in a range of medical and surgical situations.
Plasma transfusion primarily serves to correct deficiencies of coagulation factors for which there is no specific replacement therapy, or in cases of deficiency of multiple coagulation factors in patients with ongoing bleeding.
In particular, plasma transfusions are indicated in a variety of clinical conditions, including:
- Coagulopathies: in patients with coagulation disorders (such as hemophilia or liver diseases), plasma is used to provide the missing coagulation factors;
- Massive transfusions: during massive transfusions, often necessary in severe trauma or complex surgical procedures, plasma is transfused to replace coagulation factors and prevent bleeding;
- Treatment of severe burns: in patients with extensive burns, plasma helps maintain blood volume and prevent hemorrhagic shock.
In summary, if you have low levels of blood proteins due to a medical condition like liver disease, heart surgery, or severe blood loss, a plasma transfusion may help. Plasma donations are essential for a wide range of medical treatments that save lives and improve the quality of life for many people suffering from serious and chronic illnesses. Plasma donations are truly life-saving acts!
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