Successful use of recombinant FVIIa (Novoseven) in the management of intractable post-surgical intra-abdominal haemorrhage

A role for recombinant activated factor VII in trauma?

It is possible that recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) could revolutionize the medical and surgical management of haemorrhage following trauma due to its ease of administration and mechanism of action. This article reviews the evidence for the use of rFVIIa as a procoagulant, its mechanism of action and its potential role in blunt and penetrating trauma. The role of rFVIIa in the emergency room or operating theatre and in the pre-hospital environment is discussed. Administration of rFVIIa `at the roadside’ may have signifi cant potential implications, especially for the trauma surgeon and even for strategic planners. Finally, the areas where further research is needed to provide objective evidence of its effi cacy are elaborated.

Use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Novoseven) in Trauma and Surgery: Analysis of Outcomes Reported to an International Registry

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII in patients with massive bleeding. Forty-five patients with severe massive hemorrhage requiring= 14 transfusion units of packed red blood cells received recombinant activated factor VII. Postdrug blood loss and transfusion requirements were assessed, and mortality was compared with predicted outcomes. Blood loss was markedly reduced in 40 of 43 (93.0%) patients, and transfusion requirements decreased after recombinant activated factor VII administration. Mortality rate in trauma patients who had massive hemorrhage was significantly reduced compared with predictions using scoring systems. This may be associated with the use of recombinant activated factor VII. This study failed to demonstrate an improvement in surgical patients. The absence of concurrent controls prevents definitive conclusions regarding actual safety or efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII.

Anesthesia for hepatobiliary surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery outcomes have significantly improved since the early 1970s. Surgical and anesthetic advances related to patient selection, alternative surgical management options, and reduction of operative blood loss have been important. Postoperative analgesic regimens are being modified to include intrathecal opiates and to embrace enhanced recovery regimens.

Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Patients at High Risk of Bleeding

Currently, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) (NovoSeven) is indicated for the treatment of spontaneous and surgical bleeding in congenital haemophilia A and B patients with inhibitors to factors VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX) >5 Bethesda units (BU) worldwide, and in patients with acquired haemophilia, congenital FVII deficiency and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in Europe. Until April 2003, almost three-quarters of a milion doses of rFVIIa have been administered proving its efficacy and excellent safety record. According to results from initial clinical trials and a large number of case reports, the rFVIIa may be effective not only in treating haemophilia patients but also in treatment of bleeding in patients on oral anticoagulation or heparin, patients with liver diseases, von Willebrand disease (vWD), thrombocytopenia, various platelet defects, congenital or acquired deficiency of FVII, and in subjects without any pre-existing coagulopathy with diffuse life-threatening bleeding triggered by surgery or trauma. This review will briefly summarize rFVIIa mode of action in haemostasis, the current clinical experience with rFVIIa and focus on the alternative use of rFVIIa in patients at the high risk of bleeding in both spontaneous cases and clinical trials reports.

Recombinant-activated factor VII in patients with uncontrolled bleeding: A retrospective observational analysis

Background:

Factor VIIa (recombinant) has an off-label use to control life-threatening bleeding that is refractory to other measures and was shown to decrease transfusion requirements.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of factor VIIa (recombinant) on blood transfusion requirements and coagulation parameters when used in patients whose bleeding was uncorrected by other means. The pharmacoeconomic impact for any discrepancy from our protocol was evaluated. Secondary outcomes included 4-hour and 28-day mortality, as well as safety of this agent in terms of thromboembolic complications.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated patients who received recombinant-activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for uncontrolled bleeding from June 2008 to April 2011. The medical records of 33 patients were evaluated. Coagulation parameters and blood products were determined 24 hours before and 24 hours after administration of rFVIIa, and the results compared. Patients were also screened for any thromboembolic complications.

Results:

Administration of rFVIIa reduced blood transfusion requirements and improved coagulation parameters significantly (P<0.05). No thromboembolic complications were reported. Most of the dosing was consistent with those recommended in our institutional protocol, with discrepancies resulting in an average cost of $56 058. Moreover, pH was reported in only 67% of patients. All patients treated with rFVIIa survived up to 4 hours after receiving this agent, while the 28-day mortality was 24% (8/33).

Conclusion:

The use of rFVIIa appears to be safe and effective in promoting hemostasis, as evident from reducing transfusion requirements and improving the coagulation variables.

Perioperative antiplatelet management in patients with coronary artery stenting

Coronary artery disease is the primary cause of mortality in men and women in the United States. Transcatheter coronary intervention is the mainstay of treatment for patients with acute coronary artery disease presentations and patients with stable disease. Although percutaneous intervention initially only included balloon angioplasty, it now typically involves the placement of intracoronary stents. To overcome the limitations of bare-metal stents, namely in-stent restenosis, stents have been developed that remove pharmaceuticals that reduce neointimal hyperplasia and in-stent restenosis. However, these pharmaceutical agents also delay stent endothelialization, posing a prolonged risk of in situ thrombosis. Placement of an intracoronary stent (eg, bare-metal or drug-eluting stent) requires dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent the potentially life-threatening complication of stent thrombosis. The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy following stent placement is unknown. This article discusses the factors to be considered when deciding when dual antiplatelet therapy can be safely discontinued. Unfortunately, in the hospital setting, this decision to interrupt dual antiplatelet therapy frequently must be made shortly after stent placement because of unanticipated surgical procedures or other unforeseen complications. The decision of when dual antiplatelet therapy can be safely interrupted needs to be individualized for each patient and involves factoring in the type of stent; the location and complexity of the lesion stented; post-stent lesion characteristics; the amount of time since stent placement; and the antiplatelet regimen currently in use, along with its implication for bleeding during the proposed procedure. Having a protocol in place, such as the protocol described in this article, can help guide this decision-making process and avoid confusion and potential error.

Aortic valve replacement in a Jehovah's Witness: a case of multi-disciplinary clinical management for bloodless surgery

An 81-year-old female Jehovah's Witness (JW) patient with severe aortic stenosis required aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, the patient's religious beliefs precluded the use of primary blood components. Since the definitive treatment of AVR required bloodless open heart surgery, careful peri-operative plans were set forth by a multi-disciplinary team involving the cardiothoracic surgeon, haematologist and anaesthetist. The patient went on to successfully recover postoperatively. This case highlights: 1) The importance of carefully navigating through the most recent clinical and ethical protocol involved in the surgical management of JW's. 2) The importance of preparing individually tailored pre, intra and postoperative plans that are delivered through a multi-disciplinary clinical team to ensure the best and safest possible outcomes.

Evaluation of Recombinant Factor VIIa Off-Label Use at an Acute Care Hospital with Established Guidelines for Use

Purpose

At present, there are a scarcity of data available evaluating off-label prescribing patterns of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), pharmacoeconomic impact, and patient outcomes in clinical practice in an acute care setting with guidelines in place to influence prescribing practices. The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the off-label usage and prescribing patterns of rFVIIa at a large acute care hospital with established rFVIIa guidelines.

Results

During the study period, a total of 199 patients were ordered rFVIIa, of which 181 (91%) received at least one dose of rFVIIa for an off-label use (n=181). Refractory bleeding and intracerebral hemorrhage were the 2 leading uses for rFVIIa, accounting for 30% (n = 54) and 29% (n = 51) of all uses, respectively. Overall, the mean number of doses per patient for all uses was 1.79. The mean number of doses per patient by non–FDA-approved use was highest in patients with cardiac surgery and refractory bleeding. The total yearly acquisition of rFVIIa for the study institution has decreased from 5.25 mcg/patient-day in 2005 to 2.52 mcg/patient-day in 2009.

Conclusion

The findings are encouraging and support the impact that education of pharmacy, nursing, and physician staff along with guideline development may have on off-label rFVIIa usage. Further research evaluating the impact of rFVIIa guidelines and/or order sets is warranted.

Recombinant-activated factor VII for control and prevention of hemorrhage in nonhemophilic pediatric patients

A total of 108 episodes among 103 nonhemophilic pediatric patients (nine newborns, 16 infants and 78 children) treated with recombinant factor-activated VII (rFVIIa) were evaluated retrospectively. These episodes were divided into two groups: group 1 included 86 occurrences for hemorrhagic control of ongoing massive bleeding due to thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy unresponsive to blood component therapy in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever, life-threatening, intraoperative and postoperative bleeding; group 2 included 22 episodes for prevention of hemorrhage with invasive procedures in patients with chronic liver disease and associated coagulopathy, and patients without preexisting hemostatic disorder but at high risk due to their underlying diagnosis and required surgical intervention. The effective control of hemostasis response rate in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2. The median total dose per kilogram of rFVIIa group 1 was twice that of group 2. The overall case-fatality rate related to bleeding or underlying conditions was 31.1% (32/103). Adverse events were observed in three patients (2.9%) receiving rFVIIa for control of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding in the setting of corrective cardiac surgery. These results support the safety and potential benefit of rFVIIa for control and prevention of hemorrhage in pediatric patients without congenital hemophilia.

Single-center experience: use of recombinant factor VIIa for acute life-threatening bleeding in children without congenital hemorrhagic disorder

Coagulopathy is an important cause of mortality in critically ill children. Traditional therapies to correct coagulopathy lead to great time delays and cause fluid overload in patients. The authors report the effectiveness and safety of the activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) administration in a series of 13 nonhemophiliac children with acute, life-threatening bleeding. In this retrospective study, the records of the patients who were not diagnosed with congenital hemorrhagic disorder and were administered rFVIIa due to any other reason in Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, between February 2002 and February 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Thirteen nonhemophiliac patients with acute life-threatening bleeding and ages ranging from 2 days to 15 years received rFVIIa over a 5-year period. Three patients were diagnosed with hemaphagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 4 with prematurity, sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), 5 with sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and DIC, and 1 with acute liver failure. Severe bleeding resulted from pulmonary (n = 3), lower gastrointestinal system (n = 2), esophagus varices (n = 1), pulmonary and gastrointestinal system (n = 4), pulmonary, gastrointestinal system, and intracranial hemorrhage (n = 1), and gastrointestinal system and intracranial hemorrhage (n = 2). Median frequency of rFVIIa administration was 3 per patient (range 2-15) and median dose of rFVIIa was 90 microg/kg, ranging from 60 to 135 microg/kg each administration. All of the patients were given fresh frozen plasma and if necessary platelet transfusion (n = 10) or fibrinogen concentrate (n = 3) before administration of rFVIIa. In 6 patients, lack of success to control bleeding by conventional methods was the only cause to start rFVIIa. In 7 patients, the need for volume restriction was also a significant contributing factor in deciding to start rFVIIa. Median PT was 32.9 s (range: 19-65) before rFVIIa administration and it was decreased to 11.6 s (range: 10.7-12.8), 2-3 h after rFVIIa infusion. Bleeding was stopped completely in 10 patients at least for 24 h and decreased in 3 patients 30-45 min after rFVIIa administration. Two patients had thrombotic complications attributed to rFVIIa administration. No other complication was observed in the other patients. In this retrospective study, rFVIIa was found to be effective at controlling severe hemorrhagic symptoms of different etiologies in children without congenital hemorrhagic disorder. In addition to the rapid control of bleeding, administration of this agent improved fluid balance and led to a reduction in blood product requirements in critically ill children. However, survival was still poor (23%), and 2/13 (15.4%) patients developed venous and arterial thrombosis within 3 h of treatment. The authors emphasize that in acquired, acute life-threatening bleeding, simultaneous administration of rFVIIa with conventional treatment may contribute to patient survival. However, the risk of thromboembolism should be considered before this treatment is given.

Recombinant activated factor VIIa for the treatment of bleeding in major abdominal surgery including vascular and urological surgery: a review and meta-analysis of published data

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in abdominal, vascular, and urological surgery.

Methods

We conducted meta-analyses of case series and placebo-controlled studies reporting on the treatment or prophylaxis of bleeding with rFVIIa regarding 'reduction or cessation of bleeding', 'mortality', and 'thromboembolism'.

Results

All case reports (n = 15 case reports and 17 patients) documented an effect of rFVIIa in the treatment of bleeding. A meta-analysis of 10 case series revealed a reduction or cessation of bleeding in 39 out of 50 patients after administration of rFVIIa (estimated mean effect 73.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 51.0% to 95.4%) and a mean probability of survival of 53.0% (95% CI 26.4% to 79.7%). Among the rFVIIa responders, 19 out of 29 patients (66%) survived versus 1 out of 10 rFVIIa nonresponders (P = 0.003). Six out of 36 patients from the case series had a thromboembolic complication (estimated mean probability 16.5%, 95% CI 1.2% to 31.8%). Compared with a meta-analysis of eight placebo-controlled studies, no increased risk of thromboembolism was seen after administration of rFVIIa.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis of case series showed that, in a mean of 73% patients, rFVIIa achieved at least a reduction of bleeding and that the probability of survival is increased in patients responding to rFVIIa. rFVIIa was not associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism compared with placebo.

Use of recombinant activated factor VII to arrest uncontrolled bleeding: a case series

A retrospective analysis is described to assess the effects of using recombinant activated factor VII to control bleeding in a series of patients who had failed to respond to conventional hemostatic measures. In all, 18 patients (aged 16-65 years) with a range of conditions resulting in bleeding refractory to conventional methods of control were treated with recombinant activated factor VII (60-120 Amicrog/kg; 1-4 doses). The effects of recombinant activated factor VII on bleeding were noted together with the patients' transfusion requirements and hematological parameters. Administration of recombinant activated factor VII successfully stopped bleeding in 17 of the 18 patients. Therapy with recombinant activated factor VII significantly decreased transfusion requirements for packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate compared with pretreatment values along with significant improvement in hemostasis. In various serious bleeding situations, treatment with recombinant activated factor VII may effectively arrest bleeding, which has remained refractory to conventional methods of control.

Clinical experience with recombinant activated factor VII in a series of 45 trauma patients

AIM

Haemorrhage control is a major priority in the care of trauma patients in military as in the civilian setting. About 50% of combat deaths are due to fatal bleeding. The aim of this analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) when used to treat trauma-related blood loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five patients aged 5-81 years (mean age 30.5 years) received rFVIIa (mean dose 73.6 microg/kg) for the management of trauma-related bleeding. Trauma was classified as blunt (n = 42) or penetrating (n = 3). The primary outcome measure was reduction of transfusion requirements; improvements in coagulation status post-rFVIIa were also noted.

RESULTS

Haemostatic efficacy was achieved in 43/45 (95.6%) patients following rFVIIa administration, and transfusion requirements (defined as median units of packed red blood cells administered in the 24-hour period following rFVIIa administration) were reduced from 10 to 3 units (P < 0.001). Coagulation status also showed improvement (median values for activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time decreased from 43 to 37 s [P < 0.001] and from 19 to 12 s [P = 0.026], respectively). No safety concerns were raised by the available data.

CONCLUSIONS

As this analysis has several limitations that are unavoidable when using global registries to collect and analyse data, our findings are not conclusive. However, these preliminary observations especially in those patients who underwent very early rFVIIa treatment offer further support for the use of rFVIIa in trauma.

Successful treatment of severe gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to Crohn disease with recombinant factor VIIa

A 58-year-old man diagnosed with ileocolonic Crohn disease was admitted to the emergency room with massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock. Treatment was started with methylprednisolone, metronidazole and omeprazole. Within the next 24 hours, he received a total of 9 U of red blood cell concentrate and 2 U of fresh frozen plasma. Because of persistence of bleeding, hypovolemic shock and life-threatening situation, we started therapy with rFVIIa. One dose of 120 microg/kg and another dose of 120 microg/kg three hours after the first dose were administered as compassionate use, with resolution of bleeding in the next 12 hours. On day 4 the patient was stabilized. We performed a total colonoscopy and intubation of the ileocecal valve that showed patchy deep ulcerations in the rectum with bleeding inflammatory pseudopolyps. Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is an unusual complication in Crohn disease. In this case, the use of recombinant activated factor VIIa controlled the massive gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to Crohn disease and without clinically significant adverse effect. There are few case reports documenting the use of recombinant activated factor VIIa for this type of off-label indication. Clinical trials should be carried out to define the dosage and dose interval schedule of rFVIIa in the treatment of uncontrolled massive gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to Crohn disease.

Administration of Recombinant Factor VIIa Decreases Blood Loss After Blunt Trauma in Noncoagulopathic Pigs

BACKGROUND

Activated factor VII catalyzes the activation of clotting factors IX and X within the clotting cascade, and has been used clinically to decrease bleeding in patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Studies suggest the use of recombinant VIIa (rVIIa) may decrease bleeding after injury in the presence of a coagulopathy, but there is conflicting evidence regarding its use in the absence of coagulopathy. This study was performed to determine whether a single dose of rVIIa would reduce blood loss in noncoagulopathic pigs after blunt trauma.

METHODS

Anesthetized pigs were subject to multiple blunt injuries consisting of a femur fracture, liver laceration, and soft-tissue crush injury. Fifteen minutes after the trauma, pigs were randomized to receive a single 120 microg/kg dose of rVIIa or placebo. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, temperature, and hematocrit (Hct) were measured during a 2-hour period of standardized fluid resuscitation. The primary endpoint was blood loss.

RESULTS

The degree of trauma in the two groups was similar. Animals in the treated group had a mean blood loss of 19.6 mL/kg (13.5-25.7) versus 30.0 mL/kg (24.8-35.3) in the control group (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of 120 microg/kg of rVIIa can significantly decrease blood loss in traumatized pigs with no preexisting coagulopathy. Further studies are required to determine the lowest effective dose of this medication.

Recommendations on the use of recombinant activated factor VII as an adjunctive treatment for massive bleeding--a European perspective

Introduction

Our aim was to develop consensus guidelines for use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in massive hemorrhage.

Methods

A guidelines committee derived the recommendations using clinical trial and case series data identified through searches of available databases. Guidelines were graded on a scale of A to E (with A being the highest) according to the strength of evidence available. Consensus was sought among the committee members for each recommendation.

Results

A recommendation for the use of rFVIIa in blunt trauma was made (grade B). rFVIIa might also be beneficial in post-partum hemorrhage (grade E), uncontrolled bleeding in surgical patients (grade E), and bleeding after cardiac surgery (grade D). rFVIIa could not be recommended for use in the following: in penetrating trauma (grade B); prophylactically in elective surgery (grade A) or liver surgery (grade B); or in bleeding episodes in patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis (grade B). Efficacy of rFVIIa was considered uncertain in bleeding episodes in patients with Child–Pugh B and C cirrhosis (grade C). Monitoring of rFVIIa efficacy should be performed visually and by assessment of transfusion requirements (grade E), while thromboembolic adverse events are a cause for concern. rFVIIa should not be administered to patients considered unsalvageable by the treating medical team.

Conclusion

There is a rationale for using rFVIIa to treat massive bleeding in certain indications, but only adjunctively to the surgical control of bleeding once conventional therapies have failed. Lack of data from randomized, controlled clinical trials, and possible publication bias of the case series data, limits the strength of the recommendations that can be made.

Recombinant Factor VIIa in the Treatment of Postoperative Hemorrhage After Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

A generalized coagulation disorder after cardiac surgery that is associated with massive postoperative hemorrhage is not completely understood. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has emerged as a possible "salvage" medication. Limited experience reported in the literature and fears of possible thromboembolic complications make the use of rFVIIa in the treatment of bleeding after cardiac surgery controversial.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively all consecutive cardiac surgical patients who have received rFVIIa in the Helsinki University Hospital in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rFVIIa after cardiac surgery in our institution. Altogether, 16 patients were identified from operating room and intensive care unit (ICU) databases. Patient records and operating room and ICU databases were reviewed.

RESULTS

In this series of high risk patients hospital mortality was high (25%). A definite hemostatic effect was seen after rFVIIa administration in all but three patients (82%). Mean amount of bleeding and amount of platelet and fresh frozen plasma transfusions decreased significantly after rFVIIa administration. Four patients had serious postoperative thromboembolic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant factor VIIa was effective in restoring hemostasis, but thromboembolic complications occurred after rFVIIa use. They may be related to the underlying pathologies and surgery performed. It is possible, however, that rFVIIa treatment contributed to their occurrence.

Use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII to Treat the Acquired Coagulopathy of Trauma

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a drug commonly utilized in the treatment of patients with hemophilia and inhibitors. However, its use in previously normal patients with an acquired coagulopathy after trauma and surgery is increasing. Multiple trauma case reports and several case series are available, lending support for the efficacy of the drug in reversing the coagulopathy of trauma. Data from six large animal studies evaluating the efficacy in trauma models are available for evaluation. A single prospective randomized study in elective surgery has recently been published, documenting reduced blood loss and decreased transfusion after a single preoperative dose. This review describes those studies and reiterates the need for well designed prospective randomized human trauma studies.

Recombinant human factor VIIa-induced alterations in tissue factor and thrombomodulin in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human factor VIIa (rhFVIIa) is used to treat hemophilia and occasionally individuals with liver disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consequences of rhFVIIa in individuals with advanced liver disease in an attempt to understand the mechanism of action of rhFVIIa in this unique population.

METHODS

Levels of plasma tissue factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, fibrin split products, D-dimers and free thrombomodulin were measured following the administration of rhFVIIa in 17 subjects. The results were compared to normal controls.

RESULTS

The prothrombin time declined from 20.2 +/- 2.8 s to 14.3 +/- 3.9 s (P < 0.01). No change in the activated partial thromboplastin time occurred. A 15.6% reduction in thrombomodulin was observed (P < 0.05). A mean 75.2% reduction in plasma tissue factor occurred (P < 0.01). Tissue factor pathway inhibitor levels declined to less than the control value (P < 0.05). No changes in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibrin split products or D-dimer levels occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that rhFVIIa administration to individuals with liver disease results in (i) a transient improvement in the prothrombin time; (ii) no change in the activated partial thromboplastin time; and (iii) a marked reduction in the levels of thrombomodulin and tissue factor. These data suggest that rhFVIIa binds tissue factor and enhances tissue factor and thrombomodulin clearance from the circulation.

Recombinant activated factor VII in patients with cancer and hemorrhagic disseminated intravascular coagulation

Hemorrhagic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with the presence of underlying advanced or metastatic tumors are often difficult to control by conventional methods. We report the use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in patients with cancer and bleeding secondary to DIC. A total of 18 patients with cancer met pre-defined criteria for DIC. All patients had failed to respond to transfusion with blood products and treatment of the underlying malignancy prior to the introduction of rFVIIa. The median laboratory data at the time of treatment with rFVIIa were as follows: hemoglobin, 7.7 g/dl; platelets, 54 x 10(9)/l; prothrombin time, 21 s; activated partial thromboplastin time, 41 s fibrinogen, 83 mg/dl; D-dimer, 17 microg/ml; and antithrombin, 32%. The dose of rFVIIa was 90 microg/kg and the median number of doses administered was 5 (range, 3-10). Serial measurements of coagulation parameters were obtained at frequent intervals during treatment with rFVIIa. Of the 18 patients, 15 responded with cessation of bleeding and improvement in coagulation data. The prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time normalized in all responding patients within 24 h of treatment. The median fibrinogen was 214 mg/dl while the median D-dimer was 6 microg/dl at 48 h following the administration of rFVIIa. No thromboembolic complications were observed following rFVIIa. Our data provide evidence that rFVIIa can be used successfully to control the hemorrhagic episodes associated with DIC. Although this type of treatment appears to be safe, close monitoring of the patients is warranted.

Use of recombinant activated factor VII for bleeding in pancreatitis: a case series

OBJECTIVES

To describe the effects of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in the treatment of bleeding in a series of patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

Twelve patients (age, 2.5-65 years) with pancreatitis and bleeding were treated with 18.5 to 120 microg/kg of rFVIIa. Eight patients also had sepsis/infection and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The effects of rFVIIa on bleeding, coagulation status, and transfusion requirements were noted.

RESULTS

Bleeding stopped in 4 patients, was markedly reduced in 4 patients, was reduced in 3 patients, and was remained unchanged in 1 patient. For most patients with pre- and post-rFVIIa data, coagulation parameters improved and transfusion requirements reduced. No thrombotic adverse events occurred. Seven patients died for reasons considered to be unrelated to rFVIIa treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series indicates that rFVIIa may be an effective hemostatic treatment of patients with pancreatitis suffering from massive bleeding. There were no thromboembolic events in any patient, including those with sepsis or DIC.

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.

Gerinnungsmanagement beim Polytrauma

Hemorrhage after traumatic injury results in coagulopathy which only worsens the situation. This coagulopathy is caused by depletion and dilution of clotting factors and platelets, increased fibrinolytic activity, hypothermia, metabolic changes and anemia. The effect of synthetic colloids used for compensating the blood loss, further aggravates the situation through their specific action on the hemostatic system. Bedside coagulation monitoring permits relevant impairment of the coagulation system to be detected very early and the efficacy of the hemostatic therapy to be controlled directly. Administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelet concentrates and antifibrinolytic agents is essential for restoring the impaired coagulation system in trauma patients. Clotting factor concentrates should be administered if coagulopathy is based on diagnosed depletion of clotting factors, if FFP is not available and if transfusion of FFP is insufficient to treat the coagulopathy. Recombined FVIIa is frequently employed during severe bleeding which could not be treated by conventional methods but the results of on-going clinical trials are not yet available.

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) as salvage treatment for intractable hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an increased use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) to promote hemostasis in various hemorrhagic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of patients treated with rFVIIa who had intractable bleeding associated with cardiac surgery (CSP) or as a result of other causes (OBP). METHODS: The medical records of 40 consecutive patients treated with rFVIIa were retrospectively reviewed for blood product use before and after treatment. In all patients, rFVIIa was given only after all other measures to stop bleeding had failed. The number of transfused units of red cells (R), platelets (P), fresh frozen plasma (F), and cryoprecipitate (C) were determined both before and after administration of rFVIIa, and the results compared. Mortality at 4 hours and 30 days was assessed. Patients dying within 4 hours of rFVIIa administration were not evaluable for response. Patient characteristics were also assessed as risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: Twelve of 24 CSP survived for more than 4 hours. These 12 patients required an average of 17 units (U) of R, 18 U of P, 18 U of F and 15 U of C pre-treatment compared to an average of 6 U, 10 U, 9 U and 4 U of R, P, F and C respectively, post-treatment. These differences were statistically significant. For the OBP, 11 of 16 survived more than four hours. These 11 patients required an average of 10 U of R, 11 U of P, 14 U of F and 10 U of C pretreatment compared to an average of 1 U, 2 U, 2 U and 0 U of R, P, F, and C respectively, post-treatment. With the exception of C, there was a statistically significant decrease in blood product use following treatment with rFVIIa. Of the survivors in each group, 6 of 12 CSP and 2 of 11 OBP died between 3 and 30 days post-treatment from causes other than bleeding. Mortality at 30 days for CSP and OBP survivors was 50% and 18% respectively, whereas overall 30 day mortality was 75% for CSP and 44% for OBP. CONCLUSIONS: rFVIIa is effective in decreasing blood product use and promoting hemostasis in patients with intractable bleeding associated with cardiac surgery and a variety of other causes.

Transfusion medicine service policies for recombinant factor VIIa administration

Recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) has been approved for treatment of bleeding in hemophilia patients with inhibitors. It has also been successfully used in nonhemophilia patients with acquired antibodies against FVIII (acquired hemophilia). Pharmacological doses of rFVIIa have been found to enhance the thrombin generation on already activated platelets and, therefore, may also likely be of benefit in providing hemostasis in other situations characterized by profuse bleeding and impaired thrombin generation, such as patients with thrombocytopenia and in those with functional platelet defects. Additionally, it has been used successfully in a variety of less well-characterized bleeding situations, as well as in patients with impaired liver function. To date, case reports, anecdotal experience, and limited clinical trials describe these uses; data from randomized clinical trials are limited. Because of the recent trends in rFVIIa usage in non-approved settings among physicians from various disciplines, significant concerns about its safety, efficacy, and costs have arisen. Additionally, dosing of rFVIIa for these potentially broad clinical applications is not standardized. Currently, the decision on when and where to use rFVIIa for patients with uncontrolled bleeding continues to be one that must be made by individual physicians, assisted by their hospital pharmacotherapeutics and transfusion committees.

The potential use of recombinant activated factor VII in trauma and surgery

It is possible that recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) could revolutionise the medical and surgical management of haemorrhage following trauma and surgery due to its ease of administration and mechanism of action. This article reviews the evidence for the use of rFVIIa as a pro-coagulant, its mechanism of action, safety and recent research into its use in blunt and penetrating trauma and haemorrhage. The potential role of rFVIIa, both in the pre-hospital environment and in the emergency room or operating theatre, is discussed. Administration of rFVIIa at the roadside, on the battlefield or in a trauma centre may have significant potential implications, especially for the paramedical and surgical teams and even for strategic planners. Finally, the areas where further research is needed to provide objective evidence of its efficacy are elaborated. The potential thromboembolic complications of systemic administration of rFVIIa need to be carefully monitored but the high cost of this drug is likely to be the limiting factor in its widespread use.

Successful treatment of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage in acute biphenotypic leukemia with recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven)

Acute biphenotypic leukemia is a very rare malignancy of childhood. Hemorrhage is a frequent complication of these patients. An 18-year-old-male with acute biphenotypic leukemia developed massive gastrointestinal bleeding that was thought to be due to thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy-induced pancytopenia and did not respond to conventional therapy. Although the prothrombin time and the partial thromboplastin time were within normal limits, inspired by the success in thrombocytopenia and platelet function disorders we decided to use recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) as a last resort. After using a single dose (65 microg/kg) of rFVIIa on the fifth day of bleeding, the bleeding ceased immediately. rFVIIa may be a novel therapeutic alternative in leukemia or chemotherapy-associated massive bleeding.

Successful use of recombinant factor VIIa for severe surgical liver bleeding in a 5 month-old baby

A 5 month-old baby developed non-ceasing intra-peritoneal bleeding after extensive surgical biopsy for an hepatoblastoma. A single recombinant activated factor VII injection following enlarged hepatectomy helped to resolve quickly this life-threatening haemorrhagic syndrome.

'Last-ditch' use of recombinant factor VIIa in patients with massive haemorrhage is ineffective

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) on the natural history of massive transfusion episodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 2002, outcome parameters were assessed in 50 patients transfused with more than 10 units of packed red cells. The effect of the addition of rFVIIa in 10 patients, with intractable bleeding, was then observed.

RESULTS

Overall mortality was 20% at 24 h and 34% at 7 days. Severe coagulopathy was confirmed as a serious negative prognostic factor and occurred in 42% of patients overall, but in 70% of rFVIIa-treated patients. Transient cessation or reduction of bleeding was noted in 60% of patients following rFVIIa infusion. However, 24-h and 7-day mortality rates were 40% and 70%, respectively, in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Last-ditch rFVIIa therapy in patients resistant to conventional treatment did not rescue these patients or significantly alter outcomes.

Transfusion Medicine

In the vein-to-vein flow of blood from donor to patient, the role of the transfusion medicine specialist has become increasingly centered at the bedside. Three clinically centered issues in blood safety and in blood conservation are presented in this chapter.

In Section I, Dr. Patricia Hewitt presents the epidemiologic and clinical evidence regarding new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (nvCJD) in the UK and its relevance to transfusion medicine. Lessons learned from the responses by the National Blood Service to this crisis are discussed, particularly in the context of recent evidence of a case of vCJD transmission by blood transfusion and a second case of apparent transmission of abnormal prion protein without development of clinical illness.

In Section II, Dr. Christopher Silliman and his colleagues summarize recent knowledge gained regarding transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), which is now the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. Two different etiologies have been proposed: a single antibody-medicated event, involving anti-HLA Class I and Class II, or anti-granulocyte antibodies; and a two-event model, which includes the clinical condition of the patient resulting in pulmonary endothelial activation and neutrophil sequestration. The second event is the transfusion of a biologic response modifier (lipids or antibodies) in the blood component that activates primed neutrophils. Prevention, clinical treatment, and proposed definition of TRALI are discussed.

In Section III, Dr. Lawrence Goodnough and colleagues present a transfusion medicine service approach to the utilization of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in non-approved clinical settings. rFVIIa has a potential role as a hemostatic intervention in a variety of clinical settings, yet few clinical trials have been completed to date to guide indications for its use. The policies presented here are those in place at the authors’ medical center, and will undergo periodic review and revision as relevant new information and data are generated.