The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of fresh frozen plasma, as a source of serum cholinesterase, in reducing need and period of ventilator support and length of ICU stay.

A prospective, randomized, open label study conducted on 40 patients aged between 20 to 50 yrs with acute organophosphorus poisoning admitted to ICU. Patients having serum pseudocholinesterase <1000IU/L were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly into control group and study group(20 patients each). All patients received atropine and pralidoxime. Study Group received FFP 800ml on 1st day, 600ml on 2nd day, 400 ml on 3rd day in addition. Consumption of atropine and PAM, need of ventilator support, length of ICU stay and need for tracheostomy were monitored. PseudocCholinesterase level measured on first and 4th day in both groups.

We observed clinically and statistically significant increase in serum pseudocholinesterase levels in study group(p=0.015).Mean Dose of atropine consumption in study and control groups were 12.785±5.62 and 22.135±12.64mg/day respectively (p=0.005). Mean period of mechanical ventilation [Study group - 3.95±3.05 days, control group - 6.65±3.52 days,(p= 0.013)] and mean length of ICU stay [study group - 8.35±4.3 days, control group - 12.45±4.13 days (p= 0.004)] was reduced in study group. 20% patients required tracheostomy and mortality was 15% in control group.

Administration of FFP increases serum cholinesterase levels with reduction in dose of atropine required and reduces the need for, and period of ventilator support, hence reducing over all ICU stay.