Transfusion support in acquired coagulation disorders.

Transfusion support for acquired coagulation defects can be life-saving when used correctly. There should be laboratory evidence of such defects combined with clinical evidence of excessive bleeding. The laboratory values alone should not be treated except in preparation for an invasive procedure. Then plasma defects are best treated with fresh frozen plasma immediately before surgery since many of the factors have short half-lives. Platelet infusions are better withheld until the platelet-destroying features of some surgical procedures are completed, as in splenectomy or extracorporeal circulation.