Effect of Plasma Transfusions on the Prothrombin Time and Clotting Factors in Liver Disease

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Abstract
PATIENTS with liver disease have multiple coagulation defects. Although excessive fibrinolysis, thrombocytopenia, and deficiencies of factors IX (plasma thromboplastin component) and XI (plasma thromboplastin antecedent) may be present in these patients, the most consistent abnormality is a prolonged prothrombin time.1 2 3 This abnormal prothrombin time is usually due to combined deficiencies of factors II (prothrombin), V (proaccelerin), VII (proconvertin) and X (Stuart factor). Treatment for the correction of abnormal clotting mechanisms in patients with severe liver disease is limited. Epsilon aminocaproic acid, steroids and heparin are of value only in occasional patients who exhibit excessive fibrinolysis or disseminated intravascular coagulation.4 , 5 Improvement . . .