A Comparison of Growth Factors and Cytokines in Fresh Frozen Plasma and Never Frozen Plasma

Background: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) contains proinflammatory mediators released from cellular debris during frozen storage. In addition, recent studies have shown that transfusion of never-frozen plasma (NFP), instead of FFP, may be superior in trauma patients. We hypothesized that FFP would have higher levels of inflammatory mediators when compared to NFP. Materials and Methods: FFP (n = 8) and NFP (n = 8) samples were obtained from an urban, level 1 trauma center blood bank. The cytokines in these samples were compared using a Milliplex (Milliplex Sigma) human cytokine magnetic bead panel multiplex assay for 41 different biomarkers. Results: Growth factors that were higher in NFP included platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA; 8.09 versus 108.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and PDGF-AB (0.00 versus 215.20, P=0.004). Soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L), a platelet activator and pro-coagulant, was higher in NFP (31.81 versus 80.45 pg/mL, P < 0.001). RANTES, a leukocyte chemotactic cytokine was higher in NFP (26.19 versus 1418.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Interleukin- 4 (5.70 versus 0.00 pg/mL, P=0.03) and IL-8 (2.20 versus 0.52 pg/ml, P=0.03) levels were higher in were higher in FFP. Conclusions: Frozen storage of plasma may result in decrease of several growth factors and/or pro-coagulants found in NFP. In addition, the freezing and thawing process may induce release of pro-inflammatory chemokines. Further studies are needed to determine if these cytokines result in improved outcomes with NFP over FFP in transfusion of trauma patients. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that fresh frozen plasma (FFP) had lower levels of growth factors and pro-coagulants compared to never-frozen plasma (NFP), while levels of pro-inflammatory chemokines were higher. Further research is needed to determine if these cytokines impact outcomes in trauma patients receiving transfusions.