title: Coagulation function in fresh-frozen plasma prepared with two photochemical treatment methods: methylene blue and amotosalen.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pathogen inactivation of plasma intended for transfusion is now the standard of care in Belgium. Two methods for treatment of single plasma units are available: amotosalen plus ultraviolet A light and methylene blue plus visible light. This study compared the quality and stability of plasma treated with these two methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Plasma units made from a pool of two ABO-matched fresh apheresis units were photochemically treated with either amotosalen (PCT-FFP) or methylene blue (MB-FFP). A total of 12 paired samples were evaluated. Plasma coagulation function was assessed at three time points: immediately after treatment, after 30 days of frozen storage, and an additional 24 hours at 4 degrees C after thawing. Comparison between PCT-FFP and MB-FFP was assessed with the paired t test and a p value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on statistical analysis, mean levels of factor (F)II, FXII, FXIII, von Willebrand antigen, ADAMTS-13, D-dimers, and protein C were equivalent between PCT-FFP and MB-FFP for all three time points. PCT-FFP exhibited shorter mean prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (two time points), and thrombin time and higher mean levels of fibrinogen, FXI, and protein S than MB-FFP. Retention of FV, FVII, FVIII, FX, or von Willebrand factor:ristocetin cofactor in PCT-FFP was either equivalent to or higher than MB-FFP. MB-FFP contained higher mean levels of plasminogen, antithrombin, and plasmin inhibitor than PCT-FFP. Retention of F IX in MB-FFP was higher than PCT-FFP only after the 4 degrees C storage after thawing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is adequate preservation of therapeutic coagulation factor activities in both PCT-FFP and MB-FFP. The overall coagulation factor levels and stability of PCT-FFP were better preserved than MB-FFP.
authors: Blood Transfusion Center and Laboratory of Hematology, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium. claude.osselaer@sang.ucl.ac.be
authors: Jean-Claude
authors: JC
authors: Osselaer
authors: Cécile
authors: C
authors: Debry
authors: Maite
authors: M
authors: Goffaux
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Pineau
authors: Genevieve
authors: G
authors: Calomme
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Dubuc
authors: Bernard
authors: B
authors: Chatelain
authors: Marie-Claire
authors: MC
authors: Vandendaele
authors: Jocelyn
authors: J
authors: Hsu
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Rheinschmidt
authors: Lily
authors: L
authors: Lin
mesh_terms: D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D011564:Furocoumarins; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008751:Methylene Blue; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000379:methods; D010949:Plasma / Q000502:physiology* / Q000821:virology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D038301:Virus Inactivation
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D011564:Furocoumarins; C118577:amotosalen; D008751:Methylene Blue