Comparative Analysis of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate and Fresh Frozen Plasma in Coronary Surgery

Hemostasis Using Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of present study was to comprehensívely explore the efficacy and safety of prothrombín complex concentrate (PCC) to treat massíve bleedíng in patíents undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

PubMed®, Embase, and Cochrane Líbrary databases were searched for studíes ínvestigating PCC administratíon duríng cardiac surgery published before September 10, 2022. Mean dífference (MD) wíth 95% confidence interval (CI) was applíed to analyze continuous data, and dichotomous data were analyzed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with other non-PCC treatment regimens, PCC was not assocíated with elevated mortality (RR=1.18, 95% CI=0.86-1.60, P=0.30, I2=0%), shorter hospital stay (MD=-2.17 days; 95% CI=-5.62-1.28, P=0.22, I2=91%), reduced total thoracic drainage (MD=-67.94 ml, 95% CI=-239.52-103.65, P=0.44, I2=91%), thromboembolíc events (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.74-1.65, P=0.63, I2=39%), increase ín atríal fibríllatíon events (RR=0.73, 95% CI=0.52-1.05, P=0.24, I2=29%), and myocardial infarction (RR=1.10, 95% CI=0.80-1.51, P=0.57, I2=81%). However, PCC use was associated with reduced intensive care unit length of stay (MD=-0.81 days, 95% CI=-1.48- -0.13, P=0.02, I2=0%), bleeding (MD=-248.67 ml, 95% CI=-465.36- -31.97, P=0.02, I2=84%), and intra-aortic balloon pump/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR=0.65, 95% CI=0.42-0.996, P=0.05, I2=0%) when compared with non-PCC treatment regimens.

CONCLUSION

The use of PCC in cardiac surgery did not correlate with mortality, length of hospítal stay, thoracic drainage, atríal fibríllatíon, myocardíal ínfarction, and thromboembolíc events. However, PCC sígnificantly improved postoperatíve intensíve care unít length of stay, bleedíng, and intra-aortic balloon pump/ extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes ín patients undergoing cardíac surgery.

Association of prothrombin complexe concentrate with venous thrombosis after cardiac surgery: a case-control study

Background

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) enhances coagulation and controls bleeding. We aimed to assess whether perioperative infusion of PCC is associated with venous thrombosis after cardiac surgery.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our hospital in 2021. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the correlation between perioperative PCC infusion and postoperative venous thrombosis in cardiac surgery. Stratified analysis was also performed by age, hospitalization days, and whether warfarin, warfarin combined with heparin, warfarin combined with antiplatelet drugs were used postoperatively.

Results

Data from 161 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included in the analysis. Of these, 37 (23.0%) patients in the case group developed venous thrombosis, and 124 (77.0%) patients in the control group did not develop venous thrombosis. In the analysis without adjustment for confounders (model 1), perioperative PCC infusion significantly increased the risk of postoperative venous thrombosis (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.26-7.59, P = 0.0135). In the model analysis adjusted for sex, age, and hospitalization days (model 2), perioperative PCC infusion was no longer significantly associated with the risk of postoperative venous thrombosis (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 0.56-7.59, P = 0.3317). In the fully adjusted model (model 3), there was a marginally significant association between perioperative infusion of PCC and the risk of postoperative venous thrombosis (OR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00-1.23, P = 0.0637).

Conclusions

Our findings show no significant association between perioperative PCC infusion in cardiac surgery and the development of postoperative venous thrombosis. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the causal relationship between perioperative PCC infusion and venous thrombosis in cardiac surgery.

Prothrombin complex concentrate in cardiac surgery for the treatment of coagulopathic bleeding

BACKGROUND

Coagulopathy following cardiac surgery is associated with considerable blood product transfusion and high morbidity and mortality. The treatment of coagulopathy following cardiac surgery is challenging, with the replacement of clotting factors being based on transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCCs) is an alternative method to replace clotting factors and warrants evaluation. PCCs are also an alternative method to treat refractory ongoing bleeding post-cardiac surgery compared to recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) and also warrants evaluation.   OBJECTIVES: Assess the benefits and harms of PCCs in people undergoing cardiac surgery who have coagulopathic non-surgical bleeding.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) on the Web of Science on 20 April 2021. We searched Clinicaltrials.gov (www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; apps.who.int/trialsearch/), for ongoing or unpublished trials. We checked the reference lists for additional references. We did not limit the searches by language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised trials (NRSs).  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.   MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included  (4993 participants). Two were RCTs (151 participants) and 16 were NRSs. Both RCTs had low risk of bias (RoB) in almost all domains. Of the 16 NRSs, 14 were retrospective cohort analyses with one prospective study and one case report. The nine studies used in quantitative analysis were judged to have critical RoB, three serious and three moderate.   1. PCC versus standard treatment Evidence from RCTs showed PCCs are likely to reduce the number of units transfused compared to standard care (MD -0.89, 95% CI -1.78 to 0.00; participants = 151; studies = 2; moderate-quality evidence). Evidence from NRSs agreed with this, showing that PCCs may reduce the mean number of units transfused compared to standard care but the evidence is uncertain (MD -1.87 units, 95% CI -2.53 to -1.20; participants = 551; studies = 2; very low-quality evidence). There was no evidence from RCTs showing a difference in the incidence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion compared to standard care (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.40; participants = 101; studies = 1; low-quality evidence). Evidence from NRSs disagreed with this, showing that PCCs may reduce the mean number of units transfused compared to standard care but the evidence is uncertain (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.98; participants = 1046; studies = 4; low-quality evidence). There was no evidence from RCTs showing a difference in the number of thrombotic events with PCC compared to standard care (OR 0.68 95% CI 0.20 to 2.31; participants = 152; studies = 2; moderate-quality evidence). This is supported by NRSs, showing that PCCs may have no effect on the number of thrombotic events compared to standard care but the evidence is very uncertain (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.99; participants = 1359; studies = 7; very low-quality evidence). There was no evidence from RCTs showing a difference in mortality with PCC compared to standard care  (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.35; participants = 149; studies = 2; moderate-quality evidence). This is supported by evidence from NRSs, showing that PCCs may have little to no effect on mortality compared to standard care but the evidence is very uncertain (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.51; participants = 1334; studies = 6; very low-quality evidence). Evidence from RCTs indicated that there was little to no difference in postoperative bleeding (MD -107.05 mLs, 95% CI -278.92 to 64.83; participants = 151, studies = 2; low-quality evidence).  PCCs may have little to no effect on intensive care length of stay (RCT evidence: MD -0.35 hours, 95% CI -19.26 to 18.57; participants = 151; studies = 2; moderate-quality evidence) (NRS evidence: MD -18.00, 95% CI -43.14 to 7.14; participants = 225; studies = 1; very low-quality evidence) or incidence of renal replacement therapy (RCT evidence: OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.14 to 3.59; participants = 50; studies = 1; low-quality evidence) (NRS evidence: OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.98; participants = 684; studies = 2; very low-quality evidence). No studies reported on additional adverse outcomes.   2. PCC versus rFVIIa For this comparison, all evidence was provided from NRSs.  PCC likely results in a large reduction of RBCs transfused intra-operatively in comparison to rFVIIa (MD-4.98 units, 95% CI -6.37 to -3.59; participants = 256; studies = 2; moderate-quality evidence).  PCC may have little to no effect on the incidence of RBC units transfused comparative to rFVIIa; evidence is very uncertain (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.56; participants = 150; studies = 1; very low-quality evidence). PCC may have little to no effect on the number of thrombotic events comparative to rFVIIa; evidence is very uncertain (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.16; participants = 407; studies = 4; very low-quality evidence). PCC may have little to no effect on the incidence of mortality (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.03; participants = 278; studies = 3; very low-quality evidence) or intensive care length of stay comparative to rFVIIa (MD -40 hours, 95% CI -110.41 to 30.41; participants = 106; studies = 1; very low-quality evidence); evidence is very uncertain . PCC may reduce bleeding (MD -674.34 mLs, 95% CI -906.04 to -442.64; participants = 150; studies = 1; very low-quality evidence) and incidence of renal replacement therapy (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.71; participants = 106; studies = 1; very low-quality evidence) comparative to rFVIIa; evidence is very uncertain. No studies reported on other adverse events.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: PCCs could potentially be used as an alternative to standard therapy for coagulopathic bleeding post-cardiac surgery compared to FFP as shown by moderate-quality evidence and it may be an alternative to rFVIIa in refractory non-surgical bleeding but this is based on moderate to very low quality of evidence.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate vs Plasma for Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass Coagulopathy and Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Post-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) coagulopathy and bleeding are among the most common reasons for blood product transfusion in surgical practices. Current retrospective data suggest lower transfusion rates and blood loss in patients receiving prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) compared with plasma after cardiac surgery.

Objective

To analyze perioperative bleeding and transfusion outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who develop microvascular bleeding and receive treatment with either PCC or plasma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A single-institution, prospective, randomized clinical trial performed at a high-volume cardiac surgical center. Patients were aged 18 years or older and undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Patients undergoing complex cardiac surgical procedures (eg, aortic replacement surgery, multiple procedures, or repeated sternotomy) were preferentially targeted for enrollment. During the study period, 756 patients were approached for enrollment, and 553 patients were randomized. Of the 553 randomized patients, 100 patients met criteria for study intervention.

Interventions

Patients with excessive microvascular bleeding, a prothombin time (PT) greater than 16.6 seconds, and an international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 1.6 were randomized to receive treatment with either PCC or plasma. The PCC dose was 15 IU/kg or closest standardized dose; the plasma dose was a suggested volume of 10 to 15 mL/kg rounded to the nearest unit.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was postoperative bleeding (chest tube output) from the initial postsurgical intensive care unit admission through midnight on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes were PT/INR, rates of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion after treatment, avoidance of allogeneic transfusion from the intraoperative period to the end of postoperative day 1, postoperative bleeding, and adverse events.

Results

One hundred patients (mean [SD] age, 66.8 [13.7] years; 61 [61.0%] male; and 1 [1.0%] Black, 1 [1.0%] Hispanic, and 98 [98.0%] White) received the study intervention (49 plasma and 51 PCC). There was no significant difference in chest tube output between the plasma and PCC groups (median [IQR], 1022 [799-1575] mL vs 937 [708-1443] mL). After treatment, patients in the PCC arm had a greater improvement in PT (effect estimate, -1.37 seconds [95% CI, -1.91 to -0.84]; P < .001) and INR (effect estimate, -0.12 [95% CI, -0.16 to -0.07]; P < .001). Fewer patients in the PCC group required intraoperative RBC transfusion after treatment (7 of 51 patients [13.7%] vs 15 of 49 patients [30.6%]; P = .04); total intraoperative transfusion rates were not significantly different between groups. Seven (13.7%) of 51 patients receiving PCCs avoided allogeneic transfusion from the intraoperative period to the end of postoperative day 1 vs none of those receiving plasma. There were no significant differences in postoperative bleeding, transfusions, or adverse events.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study suggest a similar overall safety and efficacy profile for PCCs compared with plasma in this clinical context, with fewer posttreatment intraoperative RBC transfusions, improved PT/INR correction, and higher likelihood of allogeneic transfusion avoidance in patients receiving PCCs.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02557672.

Prothrombin complex concentrates in cardiac surgery: where are we?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Major bleeding in cardiac surgery is commonly encountered, and, until recently, most frequently managed with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). However, a Cochrane review found this practice to be associated with a significant increase in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and costs. These findings have led to off-label uses of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the use of FFP and PCC, review the components, limitations and risks of different types of PCCs, and discuss the latest evidence for the use of PCC versus FFP in cardiac surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

A recent review and meta-analysis suggests that PCC administration in cardiac surgery is more effective than FFP in reducing RBC transfusions and costs.

SUMMARY

The current data supports the use of 4F-PCC instead of FFP as the primary hemostatic agent in cases of major bleeding in cardiac surgery. The use of PCCs is associated with reduced rates of RBC transfusions while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Clear advantages of PCC over FFP include its smaller volume, higher concentration of coagulation factors and shorter acquisition and administration times.

Transfusion strategies in bleeding critically ill adults: a clinical practice guideline from the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine

PURPOSE

To develop evidence-based clinical practice recommendations regarding transfusion practices and transfusion in bleeding critically ill adults.

METHODS

A taskforce involving 15 international experts and 2 methodologists used the GRADE approach to guideline development. The taskforce addressed three main topics: transfusion support in massively and non-massively bleeding critically ill patients (transfusion ratios, blood products, and point of care testing) and the use of tranexamic acid. The panel developed and answered structured guideline questions using population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) format.

RESULTS

The taskforce generated 26 clinical practice recommendations (2 strong recommendations, 13 conditional recommendations, 11 no recommendation), and identified 10 PICOs with insufficient evidence to make a recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of massively and non-massively bleeding critically ill adult patients and identifies areas where further research is needed.

Roles of Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in the Management of Critical Bleeding

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is the term used to describe a pathogen-reduced, lyophilized concentrate that contains therapeutic amounts of at least 4 coagulation factors: Factor II (FII), Factor VII (FVII), Factor IX (FIX), and Factor X (FX). 4F-PCC has proven to be an effective hemostatic agent compared to plasma transfusion in several prospective randomized trials in acute warfarin reversal. In recent years, 4F-PCC has been used in various acquired coagulopathies including post-cardiopulmonary bypass bleeding, trauma-induced coagulopathy, coagulopathy in liver failure, and major bleeding due to anti-FXa (anti-Xa) inhibitors (eg, rivaroxaban and apixaban). As transfusion of frozen plasma (FP) has not been found efficacious in the above critical bleeding scenarios, there is increasing interest in expanding the use of 4F-PCC. However, efficacy, safety, and clinical implications of expanded use of 4F-PCC have not been fully elucidated. Prothrombin time and international normalized ratio are commonly used to assess dose effects of 4F-PCC. Prothrombin time/international normalized ratio are standardly use for warfarin titration, but they are not suited for real-time monitoring of complex coagulopathies. Optimal dosing of 4F-PCC outside of the current approved use for vitamin K antagonist reversal is yet to be determined. In this review, we will discuss the use of 4F-PCC in four critical bleeding settings: cardiac surgery, major trauma, end-stage liver disease, and oral anti-Xa reversal. We will discuss recent studies in each area to explore the dosing, efficacy, and safety of 4F-PCC.

The association of prothrombin complex concentrates with postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery: an observational substudy of the FIBRES randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The mainstay of therapy for coagulation factor deficiency in cardiac surgical patients is frozen plasma (FP); however, prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) may offer logistical and safety advantages. As there is limited comparative evidence, we conducted this study to explore the association of comparable PCC or FP doses with transfusion and outcomes.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of a multicentre randomized trial comparing fibrinogen concentrate with cryoprecipitate (FIBRES trial) in bleeding cardiac surgical patients. This analysis included 415 patients who received only PCC (n = 72; 17%) or only FP (n = 343; 83%) for factor replacement. The main outcomes of interest were red blood cell (RBC) and platelet transfusion within 24 hr of cardiopulmonary bypass. Secondary outcomes included postoperative adverse events. Associations were examined by hierarchical generalized estimating equation models adjusted for demographic and surgical characteristics.

Results

The median [interquartile range (IQR)] PCC dose was 1,000 [1,000–2,000] units, while the median [IQR] FP dose was 4 [2–6] units. Each unit of FP was independently associated with increased adjusted odds of RBC (1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 1.87; P < 0.01) and platelet transfusion (1.40; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.69; P < 0.01) while each 500 units of PCC was independently associated with reduced adjusted odds of RBC (0.67; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.90; P < 0.01) and platelet transfusion (0.80; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.92; P < 0.01). Adverse event rates were comparable.

Conclusions

In cardiac surgical patients with post-cardiopulmonary bypass bleeding, PCC use was associated with lower RBC and platelet transfusion than FP use was. Prospective, randomized clinical trials comparing FP with PCC in this setting are warranted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12630-021-02100-4.

Perioperative Factor Concentrate Use is Associated With More Beneficial Outcomes and Reduced Complication Rates Compared With a Pure Blood Product-Based Strategy in Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to compare factor concentrate (FC)-based and blood product-based hemostasis management of coagulopathy in cardiac surgical patients in terms of postoperative bleeding, required blood products, and outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis.

SETTING

Single, tertiary, academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eighteen matched pairs of 433 consecutive patients scheduled for cardiac surgery in two isolated periods with distinct strategies of hemostasis management.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received either blood product-based (period I) or FC-based (period II) hemostasis management to treat perioperative coagulopathy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients treated with FC management experienced less postoperative blood loss (907 v 1,153 mL, p = 0.014) and required less red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusion (2.3 v 3.7 units p < 0.0001, and 2.0 v 3.4 units p < 0.0001, respectively) compared with subjects in the blood product-based management group. The frequency of Stage 3 acute kidney injury and 30-day mortality rate were significantly higher in the blood product-based group than in the FC management group (6.8% v 0.8%, p = 0.016, and 7.2% v 0.8%, p = 0.022, respectively). FC management-related thromboembolic events were not registered. The FC strategy was associated with a 2.19-fold decrease in the odds of massive postoperative bleeding (p < 0.0001), a 2.56-fold decrease in the odds of polytransfusion (p < 0.0001), and a 13.16-fold decrease in the odds of early postoperative death (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

FC-based versus blood product-based management is associated with reduced blood product needs and fewer complications, and was not linked to a higher frequency of thromboembolic events or a decrease in long-term survival in cardiac surgical patients developing perioperative coagulopathy and bleeding.

Prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in adult patients undergoing heart surgery - a pilot randomised controlled trial (PROPHESY trial)

There is equipoise regarding the use of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma in bleeding patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We performed a pilot randomised controlled trial to determine the recruitment rate for a large trial, comparing the impact of prothrombin complex concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma on haemostasis (1 h and 24 h post-intervention), and assessing safety. Adult patients who developed bleeding within 24 h of cardiac surgery that required coagulation factor replacement were randomly allocated to receive prothrombin complex concentrate (15 IU.kg^-1 based on factor IX) or fresh frozen plasma (15 ml.kg^-1 ). If bleeding continued after the first administration of prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration, standard care was administered. From February 2019 to October 2019, 180 patients were screened, of which 134 (74.4% (95%CI 67-81%)) consented, 59 bled excessively and 50 were randomly allocated; 25 in each arm, recruitment rate 35% (95%CI 27-44%). There were 23 trial protocol deviations, 137 adverse events (75 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 62 fresh frozen plasma) and 18 serious adverse events (5 prothrombin complex concentrate vs. 13 fresh frozen plasma). There was no increase in thromboembolic events with prothrombin complex concentrate. No patient withdrew from the study, four were lost to follow-up and two died. At 1 h after administration of the intervention there was a significant increase in fibrinogen, Factor V, Factor XII, Factor XIII, α₂ -antiplasmin and antithrombin levels in the fresh frozen plasma arm, while Factor II and Factor X were significantly higher in the prothrombin complex concentrate group. At 24 h, there were no significant differences in clotting factor levels. We conclude that recruitment to a larger study is feasible. Haemostatic tests have provided useful insight into the haemostatic changes following prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma administration. A definitive trial is needed to ascertain the benefits and safety for each.

Effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate for the treatment of bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is increasingly being used as a treatment for major bleeding in patients who are not taking anticoagulants. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of PCC administration for the treatment of bleeding in patients not taking anticoagulants. Studies investigating the effectivity of PCC to treat bleeding in adult patients and providing data on either mortality or blood loss were eligible. Data were pooled using Mantel-Haenszel random effects meta-analysis or inverse variance random effects meta-analysis. From 4668 identified studies, 17 observational studies were included. In all patient groups combined, PCC administration was not associated with mortality (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-1.06; P = .13; I2  = 0%). However, in trauma patients, PCC administration, in addition to fresh frozen plasma, was associated with reduced mortality (odds ratio = 0.64; CI, 0.46-0.88; P = .007; I2  = 0%). PCC administration was associated with a reduction in blood loss in cardiac surgery patients (mean difference: -384; CI, -640 to -128, P = .003, I2  = 81%) and a decreased need for red blood cell transfusions when compared with standard care across a wide range of bleeding patients not taking anticoagulants (mean difference: -1.80; CI, -3.22 to -0.38; P = .01; I2  = 92%). In conclusion, PCC administration was not associated with reduced mortality in the whole cohort but did reduce mortality in trauma patients. In bleeding patients, PCC reduced the need for red blood cell transfusions when compared with treatment strategies not involving PCC. In bleeding cardiac surgery patients, PCC administration reduced blood loss.

A European consensus statement on the use of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for cardiac and non-cardiac surgical patients

Modern four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate was designed originally for rapid targeted replacement of the coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X. Dosing strategies for the approved indication of vitamin K antagonist-related bleeding vary greatly. They include INR and bodyweight-related protocols as well as fixed dose regimens. Particularly in the massively bleeding trauma and cardiac surgery patient, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is used increasingly for haemostatic resuscitation. Members of the Transfusion and Haemostasis Subcommittee of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology performed a systematic literature review on four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate. The available evidence has been summarised for dosing, efficacy, drug safety and monitoring strategies in different scenarios. Whereas there is evidence for the efficacy of four-factor prothrombin concentrate for a variety of bleeding scenarios, convincing safety data are clearly missing. In the massively bleeding patient with coagulopathy, our group recommends the administration of an initial bolus of 25 IU.kg^-1 . This applies for: the acute reversal of vitamin K antagonist therapy; haemostatic resuscitation, particularly in trauma; and the reversal of direct oral anticoagulants when no specific antidote is available. In patients with a high risk for thromboembolic complications, e.g. cardiac surgery, the administration of an initial half-dose bolus (12.5 IU.kg^-1 ) should be considered. A second bolus may be indicated if coagulopathy and microvascular bleeding persists and other reasons for bleeding are largely ruled out. Tissue-factor-activated, factor VII-dependent and heparin insensitive point-of-care tests may be used for peri-operative monitoring and guiding of prothrombin complex concentrate therapy.

Predictive scores for major bleeding after coronary artery bypass surgery in low operative risk patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery is associated with perioperative bleeding and carries high risk of allogeneic blood transfusion. Recently new scores for prediction of severe bleeding have been developed. This study aims to compare the WILL-BLEED, CRUSADE, PAPWORTH, TRUST, TRACK and ACTION scores in predicting major bleeding after CABG in patients with low estimated operative risk.

METHODS

A multicenter observational study included 1391 patients who underwent isolated CABG from July 2015 to January 2018. We tested the hypothesis that the WILL-BLEED score, specifically designed for CABG, would perform at least as well as the CRUSADE, PAPWORTH, TRUST, TRACK and ACTION scores in predicting postoperative major bleeding in low operative risk patients. The primary endpoint was the performance of known bleeding risk scores after CABG. The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Mean age was 68.2±9.4 years and median Euroscore II value was 1.69% (IQR 1.15-2.81%). Mean blood losses in the first 12 postoperative hours was 339.75 mL. Seventy-three (5.2%) subjects underwent administration of blood products. The rate of severe-massive bleeding according to UDPB grades 3-4 was 1.5%. WILL-BLEED, TRUST, TRACK and ACTION scores were significantly associated with severe postoperative bleeding. WILL-BLEED presented the best c-index (AUC: 0.658; 95% CI: 0.600,0.716). Reclassification analysis showed a worsening in sensitivity and significant negative reclassification of CRUSADE, PAPWORTH, TRACK and ACTION scores when compared with WILL-BEED. The combination of WILL-BLEED and TRUST scores improved the prediction ability (AUC: 0.673; 95% CI: 0.615-0.732). Overall in-hospital mortality was 1.65%. Early mortality in patients with severe versus no-severe bleeding was found to be 11.8% vs. 1.0% Severe bleeding (OR: 13.26; P value<0.001) was found to be significantly associated with early mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe bleeding after CABG is a harmful event associated with adverse outcomes. WILL-BLEED Score has the better performance in predicting severe-massive bleeding after CABG. The TRUST Score, although suboptimal, represents a valuable alternative in this setting.