A Simple Method of Plasma Transfusion

To the Editor:— The intravenous administration of blood plasma is recognized as a rational procedure in the therapy of secondary shock resulting from loss of blood plasma and consequent increase in concentration of the blood, as in crushing injuries and burns. Although whole blood transfusions are of therapeutic value in these conditions, the red cells serve no useful purpose and tend to prevent the rapid correction of increased blood viscosity. It can be said, with possibly some reservation, that plasma transfusion also appears to be logical in hypoproteinemia resulting from the combination of starvation and parenteral administration of crystalloid solutions in the treatment of acute abdominal disease. "Lyophile" serum (Flosdorf and Mudd,J. Immunol.29:389 [Nov.] 1935) has been developed for use in these conditions and has received clinical trial. Unfortunately the preservation of human blood serum in dry form is complex and costly and its development has not