Effect of the use of fresh frozen plasma in cardiac surgery on the postoperative serum creatinine values

Background: In this study, we evaluated the effect of fresh frozen plasma use on postoperative serum creatinine values. Methods: A total number of 160 patients (49 females, 111 males; mean age 61.5 +/- 10.7 years; range 41 to 82 years) that underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (88 off-pump and 72 on-pump cases) between October 2006 and March 2009 were evaluated. Fresh frozen plasma or whole blood was administered to these patients as necessary. The preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine values were then compared. Results: The postoperative serum creatinine values were significantly increased in the off-pump patient group that received only whole blood. The postoperative serum creatinine values did not change significantly in the off-pump group that received both whole blood and fresh frozen plasma. In the on-pump group receiving whole blood and fresh frozen plasma, the postoperative creatinine values dropped significantly. Conclusion: In cardiac surgery, fresh frozen plasma does not impair renal functions when compared with whole blood.