Plasma protein fraction, often referred to as plasma protein, is a component of blood that consists of various proteins dissolved in the liquid portion of blood called plasma. These proteins play important roles in maintaining overall health and homeostasis within the body.

Plasma Protein Fraction is a relatively less purified form of plasma proteins derived from human plasma that contains albumin and plasma globulins. It is usually given to patients with hypotension and shock as a result of plasma leakage.

Plasma protein fraction Uses:

• Shock:
  • It is indicated for the treatment of shock resulting from loss of plasma fluids and proteins (as in shock following severe burns, crush injuries, and abdominal emergencies).
  • It may be administered to patients with shock secondary to hemorrhage.

Read: Immune globulins Injection

Plasma Protein Fraction Dose in Adults

Plasma Protein Fraction during Shock:

• The typical starting amount of IV fluid is around 250 to 500 milliliters (about half a pint), and this fluid contains about 12.5 to 25 grams of a special type of protein.
• The doctor may increase or decrease this amount depending on how the patient responds to it.
• This protein-rich fluid helps raise blood pressure and improve the person's condition when they are in shock.

Use in Children:

It is usually administered in a dose of 1 - 2 ml/kg body weight.   

Pregnancy Risk Factor C

• Researchers haven't done any studies on how animals reproduce in this situation.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

• The instructions from the company that makes the medication don't give any advice on changing the dose for people with kidney problems.

Dose in Liver disease:

• The information from the manufacturer's instructions doesn't tell us how to change the dose for people with kidney problems.

Side effects of Plasma Protein Fraction:

• Central nervous system:
  • Headache
• Cardiovascular:
  • Edema
  • Flushing
  • Hypotension (related to rate of infusion)
• Dermatologic:
  • Urticaria
• Neuromuscular & skeletal:
  • Back pain
• Gastrointestinal:
  • Nausea
• Respiratory:
  • Pulmonary edema

Contraindications to Plasma protein Fraction:

• People who are very sensitive or allergic to the plasma protein fraction or any part of the medication should avoid it.
• This medicine is not suitable for patients who are undergoing heart and lung bypass procedures, have severe anemia (very low red blood cell count), or heart failure.
• It's also not recommended for those with too much blood volume.

Warnings and precautions

Hypotension

• Low blood pressure (hypotension) can happen if the medicine is given too quickly.
• If someone's blood pressure suddenly drops while receiving the infusion, the healthcare provider should slow it down or even stop it to prevent further lowering of blood pressure.

Monitoring parameters:

Blood Pressure:

• Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries.
• Measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) can strain your heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of health problems.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to dizziness and fainting.

Pulse:

• Pulse is the rhythmic throbbing of your arteries as blood is pumped through them.
• Measured by counting the beats per minute.
• It reflects your heart rate and can indicate your overall health.
• A normal resting pulse rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Pulmonary Exam:

• A pulmonary exam assesses the health of your respiratory system, including the lungs and airways.
• It involves listening to your breath sounds with a stethoscope and checking for any abnormalities.
• Useful for diagnosing lung conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
• Abnormal breath sounds may indicate problems that require further evaluation or treatment.

How to administer Plasma protein fraction?

IV (Intravenous) Administration:

• Medication is given through a vein, typically using a needle or catheter.
• It should be started within 4 hours after opening the vial to maintain its effectiveness.
• Rapid infusion (giving it too quickly) can overload the blood vessels, which is not safe.
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) may happen if it's given too fast, especially at rates exceeding 10 milliliters per minute.
• If hypotension occurs, the rate of infusion should be reduced to prevent further drops in blood pressure and its associated risks.

Mechanism of action of Plasma protein Fraction:

• A human plasma product used to increase blood volume is often referred to as a blood plasma expander.
• These products are used in medical settings to help restore or maintain a person's blood volume.
• They can be particularly important in situations where a patient has lost blood due to surgery, trauma, or other medical conditions.
• Blood plasma expanders are typically administered through intravenous (IV) infusion.

Duration:

• When it is mentioned that a treatment or action can be done "up to 48 hours," it means that the particular treatment or condition should not exceed a period of 48 hours.
• In medical contexts, this might refer to a specific timeframe within which a treatment, medication, or monitoring is recommended or allowed.

International Brand Names of Plasma protein fraction:

• Plasmanate
• Bioplasma FDP
• Biseko
• Plasma Protein losung 5%
• Plasmanate
• Plasmatein
• PPS

Plasma protein fraction Brand Names in Pakistan: