plasma protein fraction

Plasma protein fraction is a blood product used for the treatment of shock and low blood volume (hypovolemia) from plasma fluid loss due to burns, crushing injuries, abdominal emergencies, or any other cause where there is a significant loss of plasma fluids and not red blood cells.

It is also used as an emergency treatment of shock due to hemorrhage, which may be followed by blood transfusion if required. Plasma protein fraction is prepared from pooled plasma separated from blood collected from healthy donors after screening for diseases and infections.

Plasma is the liquid component of blood, a straw-colored fluid that remains after the red blood cells, white cells, and platelets are removed. Plasma works as the medium that helps blood flow and transports the various blood components to all organs. Plasma contains electrolytes, minerals, amino acids, vitamins, proteins, enzymes, hormones, organic acids, coagulation factors, and other substances required for sustaining life. 

Plasma protein fraction is prepared from plasma and is a sterile solution of proteins mostly composed of human albumin and globulin, buffered with sodium carbonate. Plasma protein fraction also contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. The product is sterilized and treated with heat to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Plasma protein fraction is a replacement therapy that expands blood volume in people who are hypovolemic.

• Do not administer plasma protein fraction in the following conditions:
  • Hypersensitivity to any component of plasma protein fraction
  • Severe anemia
  • Congestive heart failure
• Increased blood volume
• Do not administer plasma protein fraction to patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, it can cause severe hypotension.
• Do not use plasma protein fraction solutions that are turbid or have been frozen. Do not begin administration more than 4 hours after the container has been entered. Discard partially used vials.
• Rapid infusion of plasma protein fraction has caused hypotension in patients undergoing surgery, or in the preoperative or postoperative period. Monitor blood pressure and slow down or stop infusion if sudden hypotension occurs.
• Plasma protein fraction does not contain coagulation factors and cannot correct coagulation disorders.
• Although plasma protein fraction is derived from plasma that is screened for viral and other diseases that can be transmitted and undergo a process for further reducing the risk of viral infections, all blood products still carry a potential for transmitting infectious agents such as viruses, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, or other unknown infectious agents.

Common side effects of plasma protein fraction include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Excessive salivation
• Headache
• Back pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Redness of skin (erythema)
• Hives (urticaria)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Flushing
• Fluid in lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Injectable solution

• 5%

Adult:

Treatment of Shock

• 250-500 mL (12.5-25 g of protein) intravenously (IV) as needed based on the response
• Monitor for signs of hypervolemia

Hypovolemia

• 250-500 mL (12.5-25 g of protein) IV as needed based on response

Pediatric:

Treatment of Shock

• Safety and efficacy not established; useful in infants and small children for initial treatment of shock resulting from dehydration and infection
• 6.6-33 mL/kg (0.33-1.65 g/kg of protein) IV infusion at 5-10 mL/min as needed  
• Monitor for signs of hypervolemia

Overdose

• Plasma protein fraction overdose can result in excessive blood volume (hypervolemia), fluid collection in the lungs (pulmonary edema), and heart failure.
• Overdose may be treated with discontinuation of plasma protein fraction and supportive and symptomatic care as necessary.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Plasma protein fraction has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Neither animal reproductive studies nor human trials have been conducted on the use of plasma protein fraction during pregnancy. Use plasma protein fraction with caution in pregnant women if potential benefits justify potential risks to the fetus.
• It is not known if plasma protein fraction is present in breastmilk. Avoid use in nursing mothers.