What is the likelihood that the transfusion of 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) would normalize a patient’s INR of 1.5?

The likelihood that the transfusion of 2 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) would normalize a patient’s INR of 1.5 is indeed considered to be less than 5%. This conclusion is grounded in understanding how FFP and INR function during transfusions.

FFP contains clotting factors that can help correct coagulopathy, but the normalization of INR depends on the underlying etiology of the INR elevation and the patient’s baseline physiology. An INR of 1.5 indicates a mild coagulopathy; however, two units of FFP may not be sufficient to fully correct it. Transfusing FFP helps increase clotting factor levels, but the response can be variable based on individual factors including the patient's liver function, the existence of ongoing bleeding, or consumption of clotting factors due to other medical conditions.

Additionally, while FFP does provide necessary factors needed for coagulation, achieving a perfect normalization of INR is a complex interaction that often requires more than just FFP, particularly when INR levels are marginally elevated. Hence, the expectation that FFP alone would normalize a mild INR effectively is significantly low, reinforcing the assessment of less than 5%.

Other percentages presented, such as 25%, 50%, and