In managing a life-threatening INR situation, what role does fresh frozen plasma play?

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) plays a critical role in the reversal of elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR) levels that indicate a bleeding risk due to anticoagulation therapy. When someone has a life-threatening INR, it suggests that their blood is not clotting effectively, putting them at significant risk for severe bleeding.

The primary function of FFP is to provide a source of essential clotting factors that are required for normal coagulation. These clotting factors include factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, which are necessary for the hemostatic process. By administering FFP, you are effectively replenishing these factors in the patient’s circulation, helping to restore their ability to clot blood efficiently and combat the bleeding associated with a high INR.

This is particularly important in urgent situations, such as when a patient is experiencing a hemorrhagic event or requires emergency surgery due to an excessively high INR resulting from anticoagulant therapy. While FFP does not directly lower INR levels, its role in supplying the necessary factors to enhance coagulation makes it invaluable in managing life-threatening bleeding scenarios associated with elevated INR.