Use of cryoprecipitate

Indications

Cryoprecipitate is indicated for the treatment of acquired fibrinogen deficiency or dysfibrinogenaemia due to critical bleeding, an invasive procedure, trauma or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Refer to the National Blood Authority’s Patient Blood Management Guidelines and other evidence-based clinical guidelines for specific guidance to support clinical decisions about appropriate transfusion practices and the use of blood components.  

When is cryoprecipitate not indicated?

Do not use cryoprecipitate for the treatment of congenital afibrinogenemia or dysfibrinogenemia, haemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease or factor deficiencies where specific factor concentrates are available.

Modifications

None.

Dosage

The recommended adult dose of cryoprecipitate is 10 units of whole blood derived cryoprecipitate or 4 apheresis units of cryoprecipitate. This should equate to 3 – 4 g of fibrinogen, consistent with the current National patient blood management guideline for adults with critical bleeding.

Typically, 1 pack of Cryoprecipitate Whole Blood per 5 – 10 kg body weight, or 1 pack of Cryoprecipitate Apheresis per 10 – 20 kg body weight would be expected to increase the patient’s fibrinogen concentration by 0.5 - 1.0 g/L.

Due to differences in manufacturing process between Blood Services internationally, fibrinogen content per ‘unit’ (pack) and per mL can vary considerably.  When reviewing international studies of fibrinogen replacement, ensure that the current fibrinogen content in Australian cryoprecipitate is considered when estimating equivalence.