INEFFICACY OF FRESH-FROZEN PLASMA IN THE TREATMENT OF L-ASPARAGINASE-INDUCED COAGULATION-FACTOR DEFICIENCIES DURING ALL INDUCTION THERAPY

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to determine whether si ngle-donor fresh frozen plasma (FFP) substitution was able to influenc e L-asparaginase-associated hypoproteinemia. Within a 36-month period, 20 of 42 children with ALL received a total of 42 prophylactic FFP do ses at a median of 10 (5-20) mL/kg when fibrinogen levels decreased to < 60 mg/dL, and thrombin time was lengthened. Laboratory monitoring b efore, during and after FFP substitution showed no shortterm improveme nts and demonstrated only a minimal increase in fibrinogen and alpha(2 )-antiplasmin. Plasma levels of antithrombin and plasminogen remained unchanged. Furthermore, administration of FFP had no influence on thro mbin generation, the plasmin/alpha(2)-antiplasmin complex or enhanced D-dimer formation.