Which blood product is used to replace clotting factors during hemorrhage after thrombolysis?

• A. Fresh frozen plasma
• B. Cryoprecipitate
• C. Platelets
• D. Packed red blood cells

Answer: (B)

Hemorrhage after thrombolysis creates a coagulopathy where fibrinogen is rapidly depleted and the clot cannot form properly. The best way to rapidly restore the clotting potential is to replace fibrinogen and related factors, which cryoprecipitate provides in concentrated form. Cryoprecipitate contains fibrinogen (the key factor needed to form the fibrin clot) along with factors VIII and XIII and von Willebrand factor, making it especially effective for quickly lifting fibrinogen levels and stabilizing clots after thrombolytic therapy.

Fresh frozen plasma does supply clotting factors but in a more diluted form and is used when a broad range of factors needs replacement; it’s not as rapid at correcting low fibrinogen. Platelets help with platelet-driven hemostasis, but don’t replenish fibrinogen. Packed red blood cells address oxygen delivery and volume, not coagulation.