Comparison of cryoprecipitate with fibrinogen concentrate for acquired hypofibrinogenaemia

Background: The benefits of fibrinogen concentrate in hypofibrinogenaemia have been established in congenital and has been used in acquired disorders. Most European countries have already changed their practice, using fibrinogen concentrate. Methods: We compared the use of fibrinogen concentrate in acquired hypofibrinogenaemia to cryoprecipitate, which continues to be the standard of care in the UK. We undertook a retrospective analysis of fibrinogen increment in patients treated for acquired hypofibrinogenaemia. Results: Sixty four transfusion episodes receiving cryoprecipitate and 36 episodes receiving fibrinogen concentrate were compared. The median increment following 10 donor pools (two bags) of cryoprecipitate was 0.26 g/l, compared to 0.44 g/l following 2 g of fibrinogen concentrate. Conclusion: With its superior safety profile from infectious diseases, this provides further evidence to support the use of fibrinogen concentrate. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.