Abstract

Cryoprecipitates, in addition to containing factor VIII, contain about one third of the fibrinogen in the plasma from which they were derived. This fibrinogen is functional, as established by successfully preparing two congenital hypofibrinogenemics for major surgery by infusing cryoprecipitates. Cryoprecipitates and platelet concentrates are also used for patients with low levels caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). We feel that these patients benefit not only from the factor VIII in the cryoprecipitates, but from the fibrinogen, which adds its support to the fibrinogen in platelet infusions, plasma, and whole blood. Such support makes it possible to heparinize such patients more heavily than would be safe without such preparation. The authors report three patients with severe and life-endangering DIC who were heavily heparinized, and supported with cryoprecipitates, as well as other blood fractions. Response to this therapy was excellent.