Effect of gamma irradiation with 30 gy on the coagulation system in leukoreduced fresh frozen plasma

Background

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is a blood component prepared from whole blood or from apheresis donation. Donor leukocytes including lymphocytes are present in FFP in significant numbers inspite of freezing, responsible for Transfusion Associated Graft versus Host Disease (TA-GvHD).

Study design and methods

75 units of FFP prepared at our centre were analysed. After thawing of FFP a small aliquot was made under sterile conditions and another after irradiating the product. In both the parts, variables of haemostasis were measured in parallel, using automated coagulation analyser. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), Thrombin time (TT), coagulation factors FI, FII, FV, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, vWF Ag, inhibitors of coagulation (protein C & S) and d-dimer were measured.

Results

Gamma irradiation of FFP with 30 Gy resulted in weak activation of coagulation system which was evident in the form of shortening of PT, APTT and TT. The activity of coagulation factors FIX, FX, FXI, and FXII were significantly raised after irradiation. No reduction in the activity of inhibitors of coagulation (protein C & S) or increase in d-dimers was observed following irradiation of FFP.

Conclusion

Gamma irradiation of FFP with 30 Gy resulted in a significant but very weak alteration of coagulation system in FFP.