The use of recombinant factor VIIa in a patient with Noonan syndrome and life-threatening bleeding

OBJECTIVE

To present a case report of a patient with Noonan syndrome who developed life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding shortly after cardiac surgery that was successfully treated with recombinant factor VIIa.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Pediatric intensive care unit of a children's hospital.

PATIENT

Ten-month-old with Noonan syndrome and massive gastrointestinal bleeding resulting in severe hypovolemic shock.

INTERVENTIONS

Recombinant factor VIIa was used in this patient's severe bleeding associated with Noonan syndrome after no other supportive measures were successful.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Recombinant Factor VIIa significantly decreased the patient's bleeding and allowed his hypovolemic shock to improve. Ultimately, the patient made a complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Noonan syndrome has a constellation of both cardiac and noncardiac malformations including an increased risk of bleeding, and recombinant factor VIIa is an important agent in the treatment of significant bleeding.

Use of activated recombinant coagulation factor VII in patients undergoing reconstruction surgery for traumatic fracture of pelvis or pelvis and acetabulum: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial † †This article is accompanied by the Editorial. ‡ ‡Declaration of interest. R. M. Grounds has worked in the past as a consultant for Novo Nordisk and has lectured at symposiums organized by Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk has given an unrestricted educational grant to St George’s Hospital Special Trustee’s. The trial was funded by Novo Nordisk, UK

BACKGROUND

Activated recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) effectively prevents and controls bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. Data show that rFVIIa may reduce blood loss and eliminate the need for transfusion in patients with normal haemostasis undergoing major surgery. We assessed the efficacy of rFVIIa in patients with normal haemostasis undergoing repair surgery of major traumatic fracture of the pelvis or the pelvis and acetabulum, who were expected to have a large volume of blood loss.

METHODS

We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 patients undergoing major pelvic-acetabular surgery. Patients were randomized to receive an i.v. bolus injection of rFVIIa 90 microg kg(-1) or placebo as add-on therapy at the time of the first skin incision. All patients also received intraoperative salvaged red blood cells (RBC).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the total volume of perioperative blood loss, the primary outcome variable, between the rFVIIa and placebo groups. In addition, there were no differences between the two groups in the total volume of blood components, including salvaged RBC transfused, number of patients requiring allogeneic blood components, total volume of fluids infused, total operating time, time taken after entry to the intensive care unit to reach normal body temperature and acid-base status, and time spent in hospital. No adverse events, in particular thromboembolic events, were reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with normal haemostasis undergoing repair surgery of traumatic pelvic-acetabular fracture, the prophylactic use of rFVIIa does not decrease the volume of perioperative blood loss.

Prophylactic recombinant factor VIIa in haemophilia patients with inhibitors

Prevention of bleeding, especially into joints, with prophylactic factor infusions is the most effective treatment for severe haemophilia patients. Approximately 15-30% of patients with factor VIII deficiency and 3-5% of patients with factor IX deficiency develop neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) to factor precluding their use. Such patients often have significant bleeding complications including life- and limb-threatening bleeds and severe joint disease. Prophylaxis for such patients is not generally considered because of the fact that the standard (bypassing) agents for such patients are not as effective as natural factor replacement, because of concerns for thrombotic complications and also because of the very high cost of bypassing agents. We treated two patients with high titre inhibitors with prophylactic recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). The first patient was treated as a result of development of a target joint and to reduce the use of agents that can lead to anamnesis of his inhibitor. The second patient had multiple severe bleeds and was hospitalized 20% of the time over a 2-year period. He had a very poor quality of life. Both patients had shown good responses previously to rFVIIa for treatment of bleeds. Both patients had an outstanding response to prophylaxis albeit at a very high cost. Prophylaxis with rFVIIa can be an effective approach in select inhibitor patients with severe complications related to bleeding.

Successful steroid pulse treatment in childhood acquired haemophilia with nephrotic syndrome

We encountered a 2-year-old boy with acquired haemophilia, which rarely occurs in children, who was complicated with nephrotic syndrome. In mid-August 2001, he was diagnosed to have nephrotic syndrome based on the presence of massive proteinuria and hypoalbuminaemia. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was normal at 42.4 s at that time. After starting prednisone administration of 2 mg kg(-1) day(-1), the proteinuria disappeared immediately. However, in early October the same year, subcutaneous ecchymosis and intramuscular bleeding occurred for no apparent reason, and from the examination results his APTT was 106.4 s, factor VIII (FVIII) activity was <1%, and the anti-FVIII inhibitor titre was 6.9 BU ml(-1). As a result, he was diagnosed to have acquired haemophilia. The anti-nuclear antibody and anti-phospholipid antibody were negative. With recombinant activated FVII, haemostasis was obtained, and after administering three courses of steroid pulse therapy (methyl prednisolone: 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) x 3 days), the anti-FVIII inhibitory activity disappeared. An analysis of the immunological and coagulation properties of his FVIII autoantibodies showed the anti-FVIII inhibitory activity to be mediated by IgG(1) antibody. In other words, his FVIII inhibitor was a Th1 dominant and it provided a good response to treatment. These findings correlate with those of previous reports. The patient thereafter frequently demonstrated a recurrence of nephrotic syndrome. As a result, he is presently being managed with cyclosporine. However, no recurrence of the anti-FVIII titre has been observed.

Recombinant factor VIIa for life-threatening post-partum haemorrhage † †This article is accompanied by the Editorial

The treatment of life-threatening post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) still remains challenging, and hysterectomy may be required to control the bleeding. We present 12 cases of severe PPH treated with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). We briefly describe the causes of the haemorrhage and the medical and surgical interventions before rVIIa administration. In 11 women there was a partial or good response to rFVIIa administration, while in one there was no response. In the four women undergoing a subsequent selective arterial embolization, the bleeding was significantly reduced although not completely stopped. From our experience with these 12 cases, and from previously reported cases, the use of rFVIIa may be of benefit in life-threatening PPH. However, treatment with rFVIIa, in addition to standard surgical and medical interventions, may not be definitive in every patient and a selective arterial embolization may be needed.

Advances in the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke: a possible new treatment

Recombinant factor VIIa may be the first proven treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); to be effective, it must be given soon after the onset of symptoms. Surgical removal of the hematoma by craniotomy at about 24 hours does not appear to offer much benefit compared with conservative therapy and delayed surgery, except possibly for superficial ICHs. Standardized management of medical complications remains important. New randomized treatment trials of recombinant factor VII and surgery are in progress or just beginning.

Guidelines for the use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in uncontrolled bleeding: a report by the Israeli Multidisciplinary rFVIIa Task Force

BACKGROUND

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for almost a decade for hemophilic patients with inhibitors. Its off-label use as a hemostatic agent in massive bleeding caused by a wide array of clinical scenarios is rapidly expanding. While evidence-based guidelines exist for rFVIIa treatment in hemophilia, none are available for its off-label use.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to develop expert recommendations for the use of rFVIIa in patients suffering from uncontrolled bleeding (with special emphasis on trauma) until randomized, controlled trials allow for the introduction of more established evidence-based guidelines.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary task force comprising representatives of the relevant National Medical Associations, experts from the Medical Corps of the Army, Ministry of Health and the Israel National Trauma Advisory Board was established in Israel. Recommendations were construed based on the analysis of the first 36 multi-trauma patients accumulated in the prospective national registry of the use of rFVIIa in trauma, and an extensive literature search consisting of published and prepublished controlled animal trials, case reports and series. The final consensus guidelines, together with the data of the first 36 trauma patients treated in Israel, are presented in this article.

RESULTS

Results of the first 36 trauma patients: The prolonged clotting assays [prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)] shortened significantly within minutes following administration of rFVIIa. Cessation of bleeding was achieved in 26 of 36 (72%) patients. Acidosis diminished the hemostatic effect of the drug, while hypothermia did not affect it. The survival rate of 61% (22/36) seems to be favorable compared with published series of similar, or less severe, trauma patients (range 30%-57%).

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the lack of controlled trials, our guidelines should be considered as suggestive rather than conclusive. However, they provide a valuable tool for physicians using rFVIIa for the expanding off-label clinical uses.

Treatment of an Acquired Coagulopathy with Recombinant Activated Factor VII in a Damage-Control Patient

Recombinant activated factor VII is commonly used for the treatment of hemophiliac patients with inhibitors and has been studied for use in trauma. We report the use of recombinant activated factor VII for a male patient who was injured in a motor vehicle accident. We also summarize the animal studies and clinical trials that have been reported.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant factor VIIa for treatment of severe bleeding: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recombinant activated factor VII (factor VIIa) is a prohemostatic agent that can be used for patients with complicated coagulation disorders. Recombinant factor VIIa is, however, increasingly used for several other indications, including patients with a preexistent normal coagulation system but who experience serious bleeding, for example, after major surgery or trauma.

DATA SOURCE

We performed a systematic review of all published and unpublished clinical studies using MEDLINE (1966-2004) and all other sources available to assess the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of recombinant factor VIIa in patients with or without coagulation disorders.

STUDY SELECTION

We found 483 articles related to the pharmacologic use of recombinant factor VIIa, including 28 clinical trials, 124 case series, and 176 case reports, which were all considered for this review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Recombinant factor VIIa is an effective and relatively potent prohemostatic agent in approximately 90% of patients with hemophilia and inhibiting antibodies and other types of complex coagulation disorders. The application of recombinant factor VIIa in other patients who experience severe bleeding is promising, and although sound evidence from controlled clinical trials is only scarcely available so far, forthcoming trials are likely to provide more substantiation for this use. Recombinant factor VIIa appears to be relatively safe with a 1-2% incidence of thrombotic complications based on published trials.

CONCLUSIONS

More randomized controlled clinical trials are required to assess the efficacy and safety of recombinant factor VIIa for patients without a preexistent coagulation disorder and with severe bleeding. In the meantime, off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa may be considered in patients with life-threatening bleeding.

The role of recombinant factor VIIa in the treatment of life-threatening haemorrhage in blunt trauma

BACKGROUND

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is a novel haemostatic agent originally developed to treat bleeding in haemophiliacs. Several case reports suggest effectiveness of rFVIIa in the treatment of patients without pre-existing bleeding disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate treatment with recombinant (rFVIIa) in blunt trauma patients with uncontrolled bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was designed as a retrospective case review. Consecutive patients with life-threatening uncontrolled bleeding due to blunt trauma who were treated with rFVIIa were selected. Data were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

A total of eight blunt trauma patients were treated with rFVIIa for uncontrolled bleeding. After treatment the need for transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) decreased significantly from 31.3 +/- 15.8 to 6.1 +/- 6.8 units (P = 0.003), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) from 13.3 +/- 6.6 to 5 +/- 6.3 units (P = 0.02), and platelets from 3.6 +/- 1.8 to 1.5 +/- 2.3 units (P = 0.01). Three patients died of non-bleeding complications. The other five fully recovered.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with rFVIIa reduced or stopped bleeding in all patients. No adverse events were registered. Prospective studies are mandatory to elucidate the role of rFVIIa in blunt trauma.

"Off-license" use of recombinant activated factor VII

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been widely used in the treatment of bleeding episodes in haemophiliac patients with inhibitors. In haemostatic circles it has also been assessed in reversing oral anticoagulant therapy. Over the last few years, it has been used "off-label" in patients with uncontrolled bleeding due to haemostatic abnormalities due to trauma and/or massive blood loss, thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction or liver dysfunction. This review examines the proposed mechanism of action of rFVIIa in the context of current concepts of haemostasis and its pharmacological properties. The "off-license" use of rFVIIa is reviewed. The latter are reported mainly as case reports, case series. There is an overwhelming need for randomized controlled trials to assess rFVIIa's efficacy, dosing and safety in current "off-license" use.

Cases of surgery in high-responder haemophilia patients

We present 11 cases of surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitors (high responders). They were: one haemorroidectomy, one vesical surgery in a high responder, one adenoidectomy, seven orthopaedic procedures (one bone fixation of a femoral neck fracture, four total knee arthroplasties, two total knee arthroplasties), and one retroperitoneal haematoma that required emergency surgery. We conclude that surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitor can be considered feasible but nevertheless remains difficult. When applied to high-responding patients the treatment must take into account both the haemorrhagic risk and the risk of anamnestic response. Use of activated fractions as first-line therapy makes it possible (if the titre of the antibody allows it) to resort to conventional replacement therapy with FVIII or FIX concentrates. NovoSeven or FEIBA can be equally used as first-line therapy including therapy for major surgeries. It can be useful to alternate one with the other in case of occurrence of haemorrhagic complications.

Consensus perspectives on surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitors: summary statement

Summary. Participants in an international workshop on surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitors developed a consensus summary of the findings and conclusions of the meeting. In the consensus, participants agreed upon revised definitions for minor and major surgery, including an intermediate degree of surgery. An evaluation system of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding was developed. Recommended doses of FEIBA((R)) and rFVIIa (both in bolus injections and in continuous infusion) for surgery were agreed. Participants also agreed on the main blood tests to be performed peri-operatively. They also suggested the need of a prospective evaluation in the future. Finally, the approximate number of surgical procedures and costs performed on haemophilia patients with inhibitors were analysed.

The use of recombinant factor VIIa for bleeding in paediatric practice

Summary. Recombinant factor VIIa is licensed for use in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors. More recently it has been used as an unlicensed product in adults for the treatment of life threatening bleeding. However, its use in paediatric practice has been limited. We describe a series of patients from one paediatric centre, where recombinant factor VIIa has been used when conventional treatment has failed to achieve haemostasis.

[Successful treatment of severe post-partum bleeding after caesarean section using recombinant activated factor VII]

OBJECTIVE

To present a case report of severe post-partum bleeding after caesarean section and successful using recombinant factor VIIa.

SETTING

Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital, Kladno, Czech Republic.

CASE REPORT

A 28-year old nullipara presented with major post-partum bleeding after caesarean section due to uterine atony. The patient developed hemorrhagic shock, associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Treatment with uterotonics drug, prostaglandins, hysterectomy and packing of the pelvis failed to control diffuse pelvic and vaginal bleeding. Recombinant factor VIIa (2.4 mg intravenous injection) was given as a final attempt to control the bleeding before relaparotomy and ligation hypogastric artery. The response to treatment was rapid, with control of the bleeding and resolution of the coagulopathy.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests a potential role of recombination factor VIIa in the treatment of severe post-partum bleeding associated with DIC.

The use of activated recombinant coagulation factor VII during haemarthroses and synovectomy in a patient with congenital severe factor V deficiency

Factor V deficiency is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder. Currently, FV concentrates are not available, and the treatment of spontaneous bleeding or bleeding associated with invasive procedures is transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). However, FFP transfusion can lead to the development of inhibitor to FV, and is associated with several potential transfusion reactions including allergic reactions. We report a patient with congenital severe FV deficiency with repeated haemarthroses of a shoulder joint, and progressively severe allergic reactions to FFP transfusions. In addition, the patient also developed acute pulmonary oedema. Activated recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) was used as an alternative haemostatic agent to FFP. We describe the use of rFVIIa in this patient during haemarthroses, synovectomy, and physiotherapy.

A Review of Recombinant Factor VII for Refractory Bleeding in Nonhemophilic Trauma Patients

BACKGROUND

Recombinant factor VII (rFVII) is an attractive agent to control refractory, coagulopathic bleeding in patients following major surgery. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the published experiences of rFVII in adult, nonhemophilic, surgical and trauma patients.

METHODS

A computerized literature search was conducted to identify articles pertaining to rFVII use for refractory bleeding in adult, nonhemophilic, surgical patients. The selected articles were reviewed and the applicable data was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients were found in 8 case series and 24 case reports. Overall, rFVII was effective in restoring hemostasis in 99/117 (85%) patients with 76/99 (77%) surviving to hospital discharge. In trauma patients, hemostasis was achieved in 20/26 (77%) patients and 17/20 (85%) survived. There were 5 (4%) thromboembolic events observed in the 117 cases and much disparity was noted with the initial dose. Severe acidosis affected the activity of rFVII.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant factor VII is an effective therapeutic agent for achieving hemostasis in nonhemophilic surgical patients. Published clinical experiences, however, are limited to small case series and case reports.

Use of recombinant factor VII to control bleeding in a patient supported by right ventricular assist device after heart transplantation

A 48-year-old man undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation for ischemic cardiomyopathy developed severe right heart failure. Severe intractable bleeding complicated implantation of a right ventricular assist device. Treatment with 9.6 mg of recombinant activated factor VII stopped the bleeding, and the patient could be transferred to the intensive care unit. This is the first reported case of the successful use of recombinant activated factor VII to control bleeding with subsequent right ventricular assist device function.