Proteins; clotting factors and more
The proteins in plasma are used to produce medicines, such as clotting factors. The blood of people with a bleeding disorder such as haemophilia does not clot properly, because some of these proteins are missing in their blood.
This may result in spontaneous bleeding, sometimes with severe consequences. These medicines allow them to lead almost normal lives.
There are several proteins in plasma that are used as medicines that are extremely important for patients. The most important are:
Albumin; is used in some surgical procedures and in patients with severe burns
Protease inhibitors; are used in the treatment of certain genetic blood disorders
Antibodies
Antibodies in plasma are produced in healthy people after infection with a pathogen or a vaccination. These antibodies can be extracted from the plasma and used in the treatment of diseases such as hepatitis A and B (jaundice) and tetanus.