What are the indications for use of Octaplasma® in Canada?
A: Octaplasma® is indicated for complex deficiencies of coagulation factors such as consumption coagulopathy e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or coagulopathy due to severe hepatic failure, massive transfusion, or repeated large volume plasma exchange (especially in patients with impaired liver function). It may be used for emergency substitution therapy in coagulation factor deficiencies, when situations, e.g., hemorrhage, do not allow a precise laboratory diagnosis, or when a specific coagulation factor concentrate is not available. It is also indicated for rapid reversal of effects of oral anticoagulants when vitamin K is insufficient in emergency situations, or in patients with impaired liver function.3 These indications are like those for frozen plasma.19
Octaplasma® is pharmaceutically treated plasma that contains standardized clotting factor levels16 and can be used in all clinical settings where plasma usage is deemed appropriate as per the discretion of the treating physician.
