Coagulation function in fresh-frozen plasma prepared with two photochemical treatment methods: methylene blue and amotosalen.
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.
Osselaer
Jean-Claude
JC
Blood Transfusion Center and Laboratory of Hematology, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium. claude.osselaer@sang.ucl.ac.be
Debry
Cécile
C
Goffaux
Maite
M
Pineau
Jacqueline
J
Calomme
Genevieve
G
Dubuc
Eric
E
Chatelain
Bernard
B
Vandendaele
Marie-Claire
MC
Hsu
Jocelyn
J
Rheinschmidt
Margaret
M
Lin
Lily
L
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
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D011564:Furocoumarins; C118577:amotosalen; D008751:Methylene Blue