Which factors are increased by the administration of cryoprecipitate?

The administration of cryoprecipitate primarily increases the levels of factor VIII and factor XIII in the blood. Cryoprecipitate is a blood product derived from the plasma portion of blood, which contains high concentrations of fibrinogen, factor VIII, factor XIII, and von Willebrand factor.

Factor VIII is crucial for the coagulation process, particularly in the intrinsic pathway, and its deficiency leads to conditions such as hemophilia A. Meanwhile, factor XIII plays a vital role in stabilizing the fibrin clot, thereby ensuring effective hemostasis.

When cryoprecipitate is transfused, it significantly enhances these two factors, which is essential in managing various bleeding disorders, especially in patients who are deficient in these coagulation factors or in situations where rapid hemostatic correction is needed. The levels of factors I, II, V, VII, III, and XI do not rise significantly with cryoprecipitate transfusion, as these factors are either not as concentrated in the product or are more prevalent in other components like fresh frozen plasma.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for managing patients who require specific coagulation factor replenishment and effectively treating bleeding episodes.