Fresh frozen plasma therapy for substitution of coagulation factors in 4 horses with haemoperitoneum

Substitution von Gerinnungsfaktoren mit Hilfe der "Fresh Frozen Plasma-Therapie" bei 4 Pferden mit intraabdominalen Blutungen

Feige K, Gutknecht M, Drouard F, Auer J A

DOI: 10.21836/PEM20020616
Year: 2002
Volume: 18
Issue: 6
Pages: 607-611

In cases of haemoperitoneum replacement of plasma volume with isotonic cristalloid solutions is adequate. With severe haemorrhage blood transfusion becomes necessary. Additionally, laparotomy should be considered. The purpose of the present case series was to characterise general condition, haematological parameters and coagulation state before and after substitution of coagulation factors by administration of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) in horses with haemoperitoneum. Four horses with haemoperitoneum were treated with FFP. One animal was treated 3 times and 3 horses underwent a single treatment. FFP was administered in a dosage of 3500 ml combined with 5000 ml of isotonic saline with each course of treatment. Before and after therapy general condition, haematocrit, plasma protein concentration, number of erythrocytes, leucocytes and platelets as well as standard coagulation tests, coagulation factors I (Fibrinogen), II, V, VIII, IX, X, XIII, Antithrombin III, and D-dimer were determined. General condition did not improve during and immediately after treatment. Two horses survived and 2 horses were euthanized due to continuing deterioration. The haematocrit decreased, and plasma protein concentration slightly increased. With administration of FFP the activated partial thromboplastin time was reduced, whereas prothrombin time and thrombin time were not altered. The activity of coagulation factors and antithrombin III increased after treatment in nearly every case.