Safety and efficacy of recombinant factor VIIa in patients with liver disease undergoing laparoscopic liver biopsy

Management of Coagulation and Anticoagulation in Liver Transplantation Candidates

Hemostasis is a complex balance of clot formation and dissolution that is largely modulated by protein synthesis and degradation in the liver. In the state of end-stage liver disease, there is a disruption of the hemostatic system due to hepatic protein synthetic dysfunction. Because historical clinical laboratory testing often only analyzes a portion of the hemostasis system, the clinician may be misled into believing that cirrhosis patients are imbalanced with a tendency toward bleeding. The modern understanding of hemostasis in cirrhosis involves a rebalance of hemostasis with a tenuous equilibrium between clotting and bleeding, but an equilibrium nonetheless. The clinician should be aware of this rebalance and not depend on limited and flawed laboratory testing in making judgments about the tendency for bleeding or clotting based on these values alone. Prophylactic protocol transfusions including large doses of fresh frozen plasma to "correct" the international normalized ratio are good examples of ineffective and potentially harmful interventions based on an outdated understanding of hemostasis in cirrhosis. Conversely, a thrombotic state is increasingly recognized in patients with cirrhosis, and conditions such as portal vein thrombosis are now becoming important therapeutic targets in many liver transplantation (LT) candidates and other patients with chronic liver disease. This article will introduce the reader to the modern understanding of hemostasis in cirrhosis, describe the common pitfalls and opportunities in treating hemostasis system abnormalities in the LT candidate particularly in regards to preprocedural prophylactic transfusions, and discuss therapeutic targets and interventions for thrombotic complications in the end-stage liver disease population.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Hepatic Failure Awaiting Liver Transplant

Background

Because of the need for posttransplant immunosuppression, patients with chronic liver failure requiring transplantation must be free of infection to maintain an active status on the transplant list. These patients present significant surgical risks due to coagulopathy. Here, we present our experience with endoscopic sinus surgery for medically refractory sinusitis in this patient population.

Methods

We created a prospective case series of seven patients undergoing 10 surgeries.

Results

All patients were given preoperative blood product infusions. Operative blood loss ranged from 150 to 1500 cc with an average of 495 cc. Two cases had to be stopped before completion because of bleeding obscuring visualization. The two cases with the greatest blood loss were in patients with the most severe liver disease (highest mathematical model for end-stage liver disease scores), lowest albumin, and most extensive sinus disease. All patients were returned to active status on the liver transplant list and four patients have undergone liver transplantation.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic hepatic disease awaiting liver transplant can be treated successfully with endoscopic sinus surgery, but significant perioperative bleeding may not be avoidable. Preoperative use of fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and sometimes albumin are necessary, and postoperative blood products may be required with more significant sinus and liver disease. NovoSeven (recombinant factor VIIa) was used on two occasions in one patient, with maximal correction of the patient's coagulopathy. Patients should be counseled on the possible need for additional procedures to adequately clear disease.

The Coagulation Profile of End-Stage Liver Disease and Considerations for Intraoperative Management

The coagulopathy of end-stage liver disease results from a complex derangement in both anticoagulant and procoagulant processes. With even minor insults, cirrhotic patients experience either inappropriate bleeding or clotting, or even both simultaneously. The various phases of liver transplantation along with fluid and blood product administration may contribute to additional disturbances in coagulation. Thus, anesthetic management of patients undergoing liver transplantation to improve hemostasis and avoid inappropriate thrombosis in the perioperative environment can be challenging. To add to this challenge, traditional laboratory tests of coagulation are difficult to interpret in patients with end-stage liver disease. Viscoelastic coagulation tests such as thromboelastography (Haemonetics Corporation, Braintree, MA) and rotational thromboelastometry (TEM International, Munich, Germany) have helped to reduce transfusion of allogeneic blood products, especially fresh frozen plasma, but have also lead to the increased use of fibrinogen-containing products. In general, advancements in surgical techniques and anesthetic management have led to significant reduction in blood transfusion requirements during liver transplantation. Targeted transfusion protocols and pharmacologic prevention of fibrinolysis may further aid in the management of the complex coagulopathy of end-stage liver disease.

Protocol based invasive intracranial pressure monitoring in acute liver failure: feasibility, safety and impact on management

Background

Acute liver failure (ALF) may result in elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). While invasive ICP monitoring (IICPM) may have a role in ALF management, these patients are typically coagulopathic and at risk for intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Contemporary ICP monitoring techniques and coagulopathy reversal strategies may be associated with a lower risk of hemorrhage. Our objective was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, impact on clinical management and outcomes associated with protocol-directed use of IICPM in ALF.

Methods

Adult patients admitted between June 2011 and October 2016, with ALF and grade-4 encephalopathy with a reasonable likelihood of survival, were eligible for IICPM. The coagulopathy reversal protocol included administration of recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) and desmopressin, a goal platelet count >50,000/mm³ and fibrinogen >100 mg/dL. Monitor insertion was performed within an hour of the rFVIIa dose. Only intraparenchymal monitors were used. Computed tomography of the brain was performed prior to and within 24 hours of monitor placement. Outcomes of interest included ICH, sustained intracranial hypertension, therapeutic intensity level (TIL) for ICP management, mortality and functional outcome on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and 6 months.

Results

A total of 24/37 patients (65%) with ALF underwent IICPM. The most common reason for exclusion was encephalopathy grade <4. Four patients underwent liver transplantation. There was one asymptomatic ICH following IICPM, in a patient who had an excellent outcome. Sustained intracranial hypertension occurred in 13/24 monitored patients (54%), 5/24 (21%) required extreme measures (TIL-4) for ICP control, which were successful in 4 patients: 12/24 patients (50%) died but only 4 deaths (17%) were attributed to intracranial hypertension. Six of the 8 survivors with 6-month follow up had good functional outcome (GOS >3).

Conclusions

Protocol-directed use of IICPM in ALF is feasible, associated with a low incidence of serious complications and has a significant impact on clinical management.

Hemostatic balance in patients with liver cirrhosis: Report of a consensus conference

Patients with cirrhosis present with hemostatic alterations secondary to reduced availability of pro-coagulant and anti-coagulant factors. The net effect of these changes is a rebalanced hemostatic system. The Italian Association of the Study of the Liver (AISF) and the Italian Society of Internal Medicine (SIMI) promoted a consensus conference on the hemostatic balance in patients with cirrhosis. The consensus process started with the review of the literature by a scientific board of experts and ended with a formal consensus meeting in Rome in December 2014. The statements were graded according to quality of evidence and strength of recommendations, and approved by an independent jury. The statements presented here highlight strengths and weaknesses of current laboratory tests to assess bleeding and thrombotic risk in cirrhotic patients, the pathophysiology of hemostatic perturbations in this condition, and outline the optimal management of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Risk of Bleeding in End-Stage Liver Disease Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization

Patients with end-stage liver disease frequently have baseline coagulopathies. The international normalized ratio is in common use for the estimation of bleeding tendency in such patients, especially those undergoing an invasive procedure like cardiac catheterization. The practice of international normalized ratio measurement-followed by pharmacologic (for example, vitamin K or fresh frozen plasma) or nonpharmacologic intervention-is still debatable. The results of multiple randomized trials have shown the superiority of the radial approach over femoral access in reducing catheterization bleeding. This reduction in bleeding in turn decreases the risk and cost of blood-product transfusion. However, there is little evidence regarding the use of the radial approach in the end-stage liver disease patient population specifically. In this review, we summarize the studies that have dealt with cardiac catheterization in patients who have end-stage liver disease. We also discuss the role of the current measurements that are used to reduce the risk of bleeding in these same patients.

Monitoring and managing hepatic disease in anaesthesia

Patients with liver disease have multisystem organ dysfunction that leads to physiological perturbations ranging from hyperbilirubinaemia of no clinical consequence to severe coagulopathy and metabolic disarray. Patient-specific risk factors, clinical scoring systems, and surgical procedures stratify perioperative risk for these patients. The anaesthetic management of patients with hepatic dysfunction involves consideration of impaired drug metabolism, hyperdynamic circulation, perioperative hypoxaemia, bleeding, thrombosis, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Recombinant Factor VIIa: clinical applications for an intravenous hemostatic agent with broad-spectrum potential

Recombinant Factor VIIa (NovoSeven, Novo Nordisk) is a unique hemostatic agent with potential for broad-spectrum applications in bleeding patients with congenital and acquired bleeding abnormalities. At present, recombinant Factor VIIa is only approved for the treatment of hemophilia A and B patients who have acquired antibodies to Factors VIII and IX. However, the literature is rapidly expanding indicating that rFVIIa could benefit patients with bleeding due to a variety of etiologies. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these reports are case studies or small-series summaries, and are neither prospective nor controlled. Controlled trials are currently underway in several potential areas of application. While the possibility of thrombotic complications has been a clinical concern, safety data on patients treated to date have not revealed a significant problem. Expansion of the clinical applications for this interesting and important hemostatic agent are hampered by its expense, the limited scope of the US Food and Drug Administration approval for its use, and the absence of an appropriate laboratory monitoring assay.

Recombinant activated factor VII in patients with acute liver failure with UNOS Status 1A: a single tertiary academic centre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is often used in off-label indications, including many situations in which the patients are at risk of thrombosis. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of rFVIIa in patients with acute liver failure - UNOS Status 1A (ALF-1A) to determine its efficacy and safety profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the transplantation records, all adult patients with ALF-1A were identified from 6/2001 to 3/2009. From patients' medical charts, rFVIIa dose, blood component usage, short-term outcomes [length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, ability to undergo orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) and in-hospital survival rate] and adverse events were examined.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with ALF-1A were identified. Fifteen patients received rFVIIa with doses ranging between 24·4 μg/kg and 126·8 μg/kg. Three patients received two doses of rFVIIa. The age, baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and platelet (PLT) count were not statistically different between the group receiving rFVIIa versus the group that did not. However, the prothrombin time (PT) was significantly higher in the rFVIIa group. Although the rFVIIa group stayed in the ICU longer and required significant more blood products during admission, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay, ability to undergo OLT and survival rate. There was no increase in complications, including thrombosis, after receiving rFVIIa.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) appears to be safe in patients with ALF-1A, but to elucidate its full role, a randomized controlled trial would be ideal.

Preliminary experience with use of recombinant activated factor VII to control postpartum hemorrhage in acute fatty liver of pregnancy and other pregnancy-related liver disorders

Control of postpartum hemorrhage is difficult in patients with coagulopathy due to acute liver failure. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) can help in control of bleed; however, it has short duration of action (2-4 h). The study aimed to report the use of rFVIIa in this setting. We retrospectively analyzed all patients with acute liver failure secondary to pregnancy-related liver disorders who received rFVIIa for control of postpartum hemorrhage (six patients, all six met diagnostic criteria for acute fatty liver of pregnancy). One dose of rFVIIa achieved adequate control of bleeding in five patients, while one patient needed a second dose. rFVIIa administration corrected coagulopathy and significantly reduced requirement of packed red cells and other blood products. No patient had thrombotic complications. In conclusion, rFVIIa was a useful adjunct to standard management in postpartum hemorrhage secondary to acute liver failure of pregnancy-related liver disorders.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotics

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due to the concern of risk of intra- and postoperative complications and associated morbidity, cirrhosis of the liver is often considered a contraindication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This article intends to review the literature and underline the various approaches to dealing with this technically challenging procedure.

METHODS

A Medline search of major articles in the English literature on LC in cirrhotic patients over a 16-y period from 1994 to 2011 was reviewed and the findings analyzed. A total of 1310 cases were identified.

RESULTS

Most the patients who underwent LC were in Child-Pugh class A, followed by Child-Pugh classes B and C, respectively. The overall conversion rate was 4.58%, and morbidity was 17% and mortality 0.45%. Among the patients who died, most were in Child-Pugh class C, with a small number in classes B and A. The cause of death included, postoperative bleeding, liver failure, sepsis, duodenal perforation, and myocardial infarction. A meta-analysis of 400 patients in the literature, comparing outcomes of patients undergoing LC with and without cirrhosis, revealed higher conversion rate, longer operative time, higher bleeding complications, and overall increased morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. Safe LC was facilitated by measures that included the use of ultrasonic shears and other hemostatic measures and using subtotal cholecystectomy in patients with difficult hilum and gallbladder bed.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed in cirrhotic patients, within Child-Pugh classes A and B, with acceptable morbidity and conversion rate.

The evidence for the use of recombinant factor VIIa in massive bleeding: revision of the transfusion policy framework

In 2006, the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products (NAC) developed a transfusion policy framework for the use of off-label recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in massive bleeding. Because the number of randomised controlled trials has doubled, the NAC undertook a review of the policy framework in 2011. On the basis of the review of 29 randomised controlled trials, there remains little evidence to support the routine use of rFVIIa in massive bleeding. Mortality benefits have not been demonstrated. Contrarily, an increase in arterial thromboembolic events has been observed with the use of off-label rFVIIa. Given the absence of evidence of benefit and with evidence of the risk of harm, the NAC recommends that recombinant VIIa no longer be used for the off-label indications of prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without haemophilia.

Recombinant factor VIIa for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without haemophilia

BACKGROUND

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is licensed for use in patients with haemophilia and inhibitory allo-antibodies and for prophylaxis and treatment of patients with congenital factor VII deficiency. It is also used for off-license indications to prevent bleeding in operations where blood loss is likely to be high, and/or to stop bleeding that is proving difficult to control by other means. This is the third version of the 2007 Cochrane review on the use of recombinant factor VIIa for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without haemophilia, and has been updated to incorporate recent trial data.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of rFVIIa when used therapeutically to control active bleeding or prophylactically to prevent (excessive) bleeding in patients without haemophilia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and other medical databases up to 23 March 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rFVIIa with placebo, or one dose of rFVIIa with another, in any patient population (except haemophilia). Outcomes were mortality, blood loss or control of bleeding, red cell transfusion requirements, number of patients transfused and thromboembolic adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed potentially relevant studies for inclusion, extracted data and examined risk of bias. We considered prophylactic and therapeutic rFVIIa studies separately.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-nine RCTs were included: 28 were placebo-controlled, double-blind RCTs and one compared different doses of rFVIIa. In the 'Risk of bias' assessment, most studies were found to have some threats to validity although therapeutic RCTs were found to be less prone to bias than prophylactic RCTs.Sixteen trials involving 1361 participants examined the prophylactic use of rFVIIa; 729 received rFVIIa. There was no evidence of mortality benefit (risk ratio (RR) 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55 to 1.97). There was decreased blood loss (mean difference (MD) -297 mL; 95% CI -416 to -178) and decreased red cell transfusion requirements (MD -261 mL; 95% CI -367 to -154) with rFVIIa treatment; however, these values were likely overestimated due to the inability to incorporate data from trials (four RCTs in the outcome of blood loss and three RCTs in the outcome of transfusion requirements) showing no difference of rFVIIa treatment compared to placebo. There was a trend in favour of rFVIIa in the number of participants transfused (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.01). However, there was a trend against rFVIIa with respect to thromboembolic adverse events (RR 1.35; 95% CI 0.82 to 2.25).Thirteen trials involving 2929 participants examined the therapeutic use of rFVIIa; 1878 received rFVIIa. There were no outcomes where any observed advantage or disadvantage of rFVIIa over placebo could not have been observed by chance alone. There was a trend in favour of rFVIIa for reducing mortality (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.06). However, there was a trend against rFVIIa for increased thromboembolic adverse events (RR 1.14; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.47).When all trials were pooled together to examine the risk of thromboembolic events, a significant increase in total arterial events was observed (RR 1.45; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.05).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of rFVIIa as a more general haemostatic drug, either prophylactically or therapeutically, remains unproven. The results indicate increased risk of arterial events in patients receiving rFVIIa. The use of rFVIIa outside its current licensed indications should be restricted to clinical trials.

Clinical Usefulness of Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Patients with Liver Failure Undergoing Invasive Procedures

Objective:

To evaluate the use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in patients with liver failure undergoing invasive procedures.

Methods:

An OVID/MEDUNE and PubMed search (1997-June 2011) was performed to identify literature on the use of rFVIIa to reduce bleeding risk in patients with liver failure undergoing invasive procedures.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

English-language data evaluating the efficacy of rFVIIa to reverse coagulopathies prior to invasive procedures in patients with liver disease were included.

Data Synthesis:

Following administration of rFVIIa, prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) response is within 30 minutes. Doses ranging from 20 to 120 μg/kg have been studied, with a reduction in PT seen in a dose-dependent manner. One study in patients with no bleeding administered 5, 20, and 80 μg/kg sequentially during a 24-day period. All doses provided reversal of prolonged PT within 10 minutes, and the duration was dose-dependent. In a study of 15 patients with fulminant liver failure, requiring intracranial pressure monitor placement, a rFVIIa dose of 40 μg/kg was compared to fresh frozen plasma. In patients who received rFVIIa, the PT and INR normalized, compared to none of the patients in the fresh frozen plasma group.

Conclusions:

Retrospective and prospective data demonstrate that rFVIIa effectively reverses elevated PT and INR, reducing the risk of bleeding and safely facilitating invasive procedures. Based on available data, a dose of 20-40 μg/kg 30 minutes prior to an invasive procedure should be considered in patients with acute or chronic liver failure at risk for bleeding complications. A major limitation of rFVIIa use is the high cost of therapy. A prospective, randomized trial could help determine the appropriate dose of rFVIIa, timing of dose in relationship to procedure, and usefulness of subsequent doses.

[The "Seville" Consensus Document on Alternatives to Allogenic Blood Transfusion. Sociedades españolas de Anestesiología (SEDAR), Medicina Intensiva (SEMICYUC), Hematología y Hemoterapia (AEHH), Transfusión sanguínea (SETS) Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH)]

The Consensus Document on Alternatives to Allogenic Blood Transfusion (AABT) has been drawn up by a panel of experts from 5 scientific societies. The Spanish Societies of Anesthesiology (SEDAR), Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), Hematology and Hemotherapy (AEHH), Blood Transfusion (SETS) and Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH) have sponsored and participated in this Consensus Document. Alternatives to blood transfusion have been divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological, with 4 modules and 12 topics. The main objective variable was the reduction of allogenic blood transfusions and/or the number of transfused patients. The extent to which this objective was achieved by each AABT was evaluated using the Delphi method, which classifies the grade of recommendation from A (supported by controlled studies) to E (non-controlled studies and expert opinion). The experts concluded that most of the indications for AABT were based on middle or low grades of recommendation, "C", "D", or "E", thus indicating the need for further controlled studies.

Neurological management of fulminant hepatic failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is uncommon in the United States, but presents acutely and catastrophically, often with deadly consequences. Hepatic encephalopathy, cerebral edema, elevated intracranial pressure, and intracranial hemorrhage due to coagulopathy are common occurrences in patients with ALF. Appropriate management of multi-system organ failure and neurological complications are essential in bridging patients to transplant and ensuring satisfactory outcomes.

Percutaneous interventions in the coagulopathic patient

Interventional procedures in patients with coagulopathies carry a perceived risk of increased bleeding and complications. Acquired and inherited deficiencies of blood-clotting factors, thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction, and effect of anticoagulation are common problems encountered by practicing clinical interventional radiologists. In this article we review common coagulopathies, available data on percutaneous procedures in coagulopathic patients, and recommendations for periprocedure treatment.

Coagulopathy in liver disease

The liver plays a central role in hemostasis, as it is the site of synthesis of clotting factors, coagulation inhibitors, and fibrinolytic proteins. The most common coagulation disturbances occurring in liver disease include thrombocytopenia and impaired humoral coagulation. Therapy's overall goal is not to achieve complete correction of laboratory value abnormalities but to gain hemostasis. Therapy with vitamin K may be a useful option in patients with increased prothrombin time due to vitamin K deficiency; in patients with malnutrition; in patients using antibiotics; and in patients with cholestatic liver disease, particularly prior to invasive procedures. Infusion of fresh frozen plasma is more often effective and is recommended in patients with liver disease before invasive procedures or surgery, as such patients require transient correction in their prothrombin time. Therapy with plasma exchange may be considered in patients who cannot be treated with fresh frozen plasma due to volume overload risk. In patients with severe coagulopathy and hypofibrinogenemia, cryoprecipitate therapy is ideal. Therapy with prothrombin-complex concentrate is seldom pursued in patients with liver disease due to high risk of thrombotic complications. Transfusions of platelets are appropriate for patients with thrombocytopenia (< 50,000/mm(3)) associated with active bleeding or before invasive procedures in which a short-term platelet count increase is noted. Trial with desmopressin may be considered before invasive procedures in patients with liver disease and with refractory and prolonged bleeding time. Recombinant activated factor VIIa administration is suggested for patients with significantly prolonged prothrombin time and contraindications to fresh frozen plasma therapy; however, this is expensive. Thrombopoietin and interleukin-11 are currently investigational for patients with thrombocytopenia of chronic liver disease. Liver transplantation completely restores impaired coagulation abnormalities and is the ultimate intervention that corrects coagulopathy of advanced liver disease and liver failure.

How I treat warfarin-associated coagulopathy in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with warfarin-associated coagulopathy is an increasingly common life-threatening condition that requires emergent management. The evolution of therapeutic options in this setting, as well as recently published guidelines, has resulted in some heterogeneity in recommendations by professional societies. This heterogeneity can be attributed to lack of evidence-based support for plasma therapy; the variability in availability of prothrombin complex concentrates; the variability in the coagulation factor levels and contents of prothrombin complex concentrates; ambiguity about the optimal dose and route of administration of vitamin K; and the lack of standardized clinical care pathways, particularly in community hospitals, for the management of these critical care patients. In this review, we summarize the relevant literature about these controversies and present recommendations for management of patients with warfarin-associated coagulopathy and intracerebral hemorrhage.

Off-label recombinant factor VIIa use and thrombosis in children: a multi-center cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in tertiary care pediatric hospitals across the United States and to assess thrombotic events.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective multi-center cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System administrative database. Children 18 years of age or younger who received rFVIIa between 2000 and 2007 were included. A label admission was defined as an admission with an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code for hemophilia or factor VII deficiency; admissions without these codes were classified as off-label.

RESULTS

There were 4942 rFVIIa admissions, representing 3764 individual subjects; 74% (3655) of the admissions were off-label. There was a 10-fold increase in the annual rate of off-label admissions from 2000 to 2007 (from 2 to 20.8 per 10 000 hospital admissions, P < .001). The mortality rate in the off-label group was 34% (1258/3655). Thrombotic events occurred in 10.9% (399/3655) of the off-label admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

The off-label use of rFVIIa in hospitalized children is increasing rapidly despite the absence of adequate clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy. Thrombotic events are common and mortality is high among patients receiving off-label rFVIIa. Further studies are warranted to determine whether these adverse events are attributable to rFVIIa.

Recombinant factor VIIa for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without haemophilia

BACKGROUND

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is licensed for use in patients with haemophilia and inhibitory allo-antibodies. It is also increasingly being used for off-license indications to prevent bleeding in operations where blood loss is likely to be high, and/or to stop bleeding that is proving difficult to control by other means.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of rFVIIa when used therapeutically to control active bleeding, or prophylactically to prevent (excessive) bleeding in patients without haemophilia.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and other specialised databases up to 25 February 2009.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rFVIIa with placebo, or one dose of rFVIIa with another, in any patient population (except haemophilia). Outcomes were mortality, blood loss or control of bleeding, red cell transfusion requirements, number of patients transfused and thromboembolic adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed potentially relevant studies for inclusion, extracted data and examined risk of bias. We considered prophylactic and therapeutic rFVIIa studies separately.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-five RCTs were included: 24 were placebo-controlled double-blind RCTs and one compared different doses of rFVIIa.Fourteen trials involving 1137 participants examined the prophylactic use of rFVIIa; 713 received rFVIIa. There was no evidence of mortality benefit (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.50 to 2.24). There was decreased blood loss (WMD -272 mL; 95% CI -399 to -146) and decreased red cell transfusion requirements (WMD -243 mL; 95% CI -393 to -92) with rFVIIa treatment; however these values were likely overestimated due to the inability to incorporate data from trials showing no difference of rFVIIa treatment compared to placebo. There was a trend in favour of rFVIIa in the number of participants transfused (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.02). But there was a trend against rFVIIa with respect to thromboembolic adverse events (RR 1.32; 95% CI 0.84 to 2.06).Eleven trials involving 2366 participants examined the therapeutic use of rFVIIa; 1507 received rFVIIa. There were no outcomes where any observed advantage, or disadvantage, of rFVIIa over placebo could not have been observed by chance alone. There was a trend in favour of rFVIIa for reducing mortality (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.03). However, there was a trend against rFVIIa for increased thromboembolic adverse events (RR 1.21; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.58).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of rFVIIa as a more general haemostatic drug, either prophylactically or therapeutically, remains unproven. The use of rFVIIa outside its current licensed indications should be restricted to clinical trials.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without hemophilia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefits and risks of off-label use of recombinant factor VIIa in patients without hemophilia are contested. We performed a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of such use.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials comparing recombinant factor VIIa with placebo in any patient population except those with hemophilia up to January 2010. Eligible articles were assessed for inclusion, data were extracted, and study quality was evaluated. Outcomes included mortality, blood loss, requirements for red blood cell transfusion, number of patients transfused and thromboembolic events.

RESULTS

We identified 26 trials: 14 on off-label prophylactic use of recombinant factor VIIa (n = 1137) and 12 on off-label therapeutic use (n = 2538). In the studies on prophylactic use, we found no significant difference in mortality or thromboembolic events between the treatment and placebo groups. We found modest benefits favouring recombinant factor VIIa in blood loss (weighted mean difference -276 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -411 to -141 mL), red blood cell transfusion (weighted mean difference -281 mL, 95% CI -433 to -129 mL) and number of patients transfused (relative risk 0.71, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.99). In the therapeutic trials, we found a nonsignificant decrease in mortality and a nonsignificant increase in thromboembolic events but no difference in control of bleeding or red blood cell transfusion.

INTERPRETATION

Clinically significant benefits of recombinant factor VIIa as a general hemostatic agent in patients without hemophilia remain unproven. Given its potential risks, such use cannot be recommended, and in most cases, it should be restricted to clinical trials.

Recombinant activated factor VII in liver patients: a retrospective cohort study from Australia and New Zealand

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is used in the treatment of life-threatening haemorrhage that is refractory to conventional treatment. The evidence supporting this practice in patients with liver disease is very limited. It has been used as a salvage therapy in end-stage liver disease (ESLD), in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT), other surgery, and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) subpopulations. It has also been used prior to procedures in patients with ESLD. Data were collected by the Australia and New Zealand Haemostasis Registry (ANZHR) to perform a retrospective cohort study on the different subgroups of liver patients. This included 115 cases of use of rFVIIa in liver patients from 20 hospitals. A retrospective cohort study on the different subgroups of liver patients was performed. Main outcome measures were reduction or cessation of bleeding and 28-day mortality. Variables previously shown to predict response to bleeding after administration of rFVIIa were examined to determine whether correlations exist. Salvage therapy with rFVIIa was associated with reduction or cessation in bleeding in 24 of 36 OLT patients, 24 of 36 UGIB patients and 15 of 26 of other surgery patients. Clinical response to rFVIIa in OLT patients and other surgery patients was associated with a significantly lower mortality compared to nonresponders (P = 0.003 and 0.022, respectively). There was no relationship between mortality and bleeding response in patients with UGIB. Variables including acidosis, hypothermia, hypofibrinogenaemia, thrombocytopenia and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score were not associated with clinical response to rFVIIa. Five cases of use prior to procedures are described. Recombinant FVIIa is used as rescue therapy in surgical patients with ESLD and refractory haemorrhage in Australia and New Zealand. Traditional haemostasis variables were not associated with clinical response to rFVIIa in this cohort. Response to rFVIIa is associated with decreased mortality in ESLD patients undergoing OLT and other surgery, but not in UGIB.

Variation in the use of recombinant activated factor VII in critical bleeding

BACKGROUND

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is being increasingly used as a treatment option in settings of uncontrolled bleeding. Despite this, national practice guidelines are lacking, resulting in widespread practice variation between providers. This investigation aimed to describe the differences in use of rFVIIa across Australian and New Zealand hospitals.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Haemostasis Registry that collects both contemporaneous and retrospective cases of off-licence (i.e. in non-haemophilia patients) rFVIIa use in participating institutions. Hospitals were classified according to geographical location and service provision.

RESULTS

2075 cases from 87 hospitals were recorded on the Haemostasis Registry. Across all hospital categories, over 41% of cases received rFVIIa in relation to cardiac surgery. Case complexity varied between providers, with large urban centres treating more severely ill patients. This was reflected in significant differences in the use of blood components and products before rFVIIa administration. Despite differences in patient complexity and use of blood products between hospital categories, response to treatment and patient outcomes remained similar across providers, with survival rates ranging from 68.29% to 70.41%.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study of off-licence use of rFVIIa. There is significant regional variation in the administration of rFVIIa in Australian and New Zealand hospitals, with little documentation of adherence to guidelines. National consensus guidelines based on available evidence should be developed and promulgated to ensure optimal outcomes.

Use of recombinant factor VIIa to correct the coagulation status of individuals with advanced liver disease prior to a percutaneous liver biopsy

OBJECTIVES

Percutaneous liver biopsies are used to grade and stage liver disease and are also useful in monitoring the progress of liver disease over time as well as the response to medical therapies. The present study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of recombinant factor VIIa as a means of transiently correcting the coagulopathy, enabling the safe performance of a percutaneous liver biopsy in patients in whom the use of fresh-frozen plasma is not possible without precipitating pulmonary edema or who have a treatment induced (iatrogenic) coagulopathy.

METHODS

The subjects of this report consisted of 18 consecutive individuals with advanced disease induced, and 15 with a therapeutic iatrogenic-induced, coagulopathy. All biopsies were performed by a single hepatologist. Before and 6 h after each biopsy, a prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time was obtained from each subject. Mean values +/- the standard error of the mean were obtained using the independent samples T-test.

RESULTS

Recombinant factor VIIa had a marked effect in transiently correcting the mean prothrombin time in these subjects allowing for a safe complication free percutaneous biopsy in this high-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant factor VIIa could be used to obtain a clinically indicated liver biopsy in severely ill patients, who without this therapeutic agent, would either not be biopsied or, if biopsied, would require much longer hospitalization and the use of fresh-frozen plasma (with its risks of volume overload and infection).

The role of anti-fibrinolytics, rFVIIa and other pro-coagulants: prophylactic versus rescue?

Patients who have liver disease experience an increased risk for bleeding and resulting complications. Diseases affecting the liver can cause a deficiency of pro-coagulant factors or induce a state of increased clot breakdown. Although traditional tests of coagulation, such as prothrombin time or international normalized ratio (INR), may not accurately measure bleeding risk, many studies have assessed measures used to correct an increased INR and minimize adverse outcomes. This article discusses the use of activated factor VIIa and anti-fibrinolytic agents to treat coagulopathy in the setting of liver disease and the potential advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives, and the limitations of the current literature. This article also compares the limitations, risks, and potential benefits of prophylactic therapy to prevent bleeding before invasive procedures with rescue therapy for spontaneous and postprocedure bleeding, and describes the relative advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches.

Low-dose recombinant factor VIIa for trauma patients with coagulopathy

INTRODUCTION

Coagulopathy in injured patients is common and is generally treated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Response can be variable, thus complete correction may take hours and require large volumes of fluids. High-dose recombinant factor VIIa (FVIIa, Novoseven, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) has been used off-label to treat severe coagulopathy following trauma. Expense has limited use. Recently, we began administering low dose FVIIa (1.2mg) to patients with mild to moderate coagulopathy after trauma, hypothetising that it would be effective and safe.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received a low dose of 1.2mg of FVIIa over a 2-year period. Factor VIIa is administered after approval by a gatekeeper at the discretion of the treating physician. Demographics, injury and laboratory data were abstracted as were indications for use, source of coagulopathy, effectiveness, and complications. A two-tailed paired t-test was used to determine significant changes in coagulation parameters and blood product utilisation.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients received 84 low doses of FVIIa. The mean age of the patients was 51 (+/-22) with a mean ISS of 29 (+/-11). Seventy-three per cent were male and 67% had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as their primary injury. The aetiology of the coagulopathy in the study population included; TBI (40%), warfarin use (22%), and cirrhosis (13%). Mean prothrombin time (PT) fell from 17.0 s (+/-3.2) to 10.6s (+/-1.4) (p<0.0001). All patients had a good clinical response with no bleeding complications. Utilisation of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were significantly less in the 24h after FVIIa administration as compared to the 24h prior. Subsequent thromboembolic events were observed in 12 of the 81 patients (15%) and included; cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (6), mesenteric thrombosis (2), myocardial infarction (MI) (1), pulmonary embolism/deep venous thrombosis (PE/DVT) (2), and atrial thrombus (1). Only four of these events were thought to be related to the FVIIa administration, with two of the four contributing to a lethal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose FVIIa rapidly and effectively treats mild to moderate coagulopathy following injury. This low dose (1.2mg) FVIIa is the smallest available unit dose. It costs approximately the same as 8 units of plasma and may be cost-effective in patients who require high volume factor administration. Low dose FVIIa may be effective in coagulopathic trauma patients who are not in shock but require rapid normalisation of clotting function.

Use of recombinant activated factor VII in patients without hemophilia: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

CONTEXT

Benefits of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in hemorrhage may be lost because of thromboembolic events (TAE).

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, CINAHL, Science Citation Index Expanded, clinicaltrials.gov were searched for placebo controlled trials of rFVIIa in patients without hemophilia. Reports of 22 randomized controlled trials were selected for analysis. Results were pooled using random effects models to calculate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were predetermined.

RESULTS

Among 3184 participants, 478 (15.0%) died and 249 (7.8%) had TAE. Additional blood transfusion was required in 517 (41.2%) of 1256 subjects. Patients receiving rFVIIa were less likely to need additional blood transfusions (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34-0.86) than patients receiving placebo. Mortality was not increased but may be reduced (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.71-1.09). Reduction in mortality was more likely if rFVIIa was given therapeutically (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.70-1.09) rather than prophylactically (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.37-2.68). Differences in the pooled analysis of TAE were not statistically significant (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.87-1.58) but the incidence of arterial TAE was likely higher in patients receiving rFVIIa (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.93-2.41) although no differences were seen with respect to venous TAE (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.49-1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of rFVIIa reduces the need for blood transfusion and it may reduce mortality, especially if the dose of rFVIIa is limited to therapeutic doses of 90 mug/kg. It does not increase the risk of venous thrombosis but it may increase the risk of arterial thrombosis.

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.

Formulary management of recombinant factor VIIa at an academic medical center

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human coagulation factor VIIa (rVIIa) is a procoagulant indicated for treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia. A large proportion of rVIIa utilization is for off-label administration in nonhemophiliac patients with acute hemorrhage. Concerns of potentially inappropriate use, safety, and cost of rVIIa led to efforts to standardize use of this agent.

OBJECTIVE

To comparatively describe the utilization of rVIIa upon implementation of an evidence-based guideline at a university hospital.

METHODS

With advisory direction from a multidisciplinary task force, an evidence-based guideline for use of rVIIa was developed, approved, and fully implemented. Assessment of appropriateness of use and retrospective review were required for all cases. Effects of these actions were evaluated by auditing and comparing rVIIa use in patients treated in two 6-month observation periods before and after guideline implementation. Outcomes assessed were proportions of patients deemed appropriate to receive rVIIa, compliance with dosing recommendations, and acquisition costs.

RESULTS

Twenty-two and 29 patients were treated in the periods before and after guideline implementation, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar, except more cardiothoracic surgeries were performed in patients treated before implementation of the guideline. Indications for rVIIa use were judged appropriate in 21 (95.5%) before-cases and in all (100%) after-cases. The dose was compliant in 1 (4.6%) before-case and 27 (93.1%) after-cases (p < 0.001). Mean dosages of rVIIa administered were 81.8 microg/kg and 45.3 microg/kg in before- and after-cases, respectively (p < 0.001). During the respective periods of observation, amounts of rVIIa purchased monthly averaged 42.6 mg and 21.8 mg, a 49% difference. Semiannual expenditures for rVIIa decreased approximately $110,000 following guideline implementation. Patient outcomes were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

A guideline based on currently available evidence can serve to sustain the clinical appropriateness of rVIIa therapy and substantially decrease costs.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients with symptomatic gallstone disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 34 patients operated between March 1998 and April 2006.

RESULTS

There were 19 male and 15 female patients with a median age of 62 years. Cirrhosis aetiology was viral hepatitis in 25 patients, alcohol in 6, primary biliary cirrhosis in 2 and in 1 patient the cause was not identified. Twenty-three were classified as Child-Pugh-Turcotte stage A and 11 as Child-Pugh-Turcotte stage B. The median Model For End-Stage Liver Disease score was 12. Median operating time was 96 min. In three patients there was conversion to open cholecystectomy. Postoperatively, one patient died and six more patients had complications. Median postoperative stay was 3 days. Patients with acute cholecystitis did not have increased morbidity, but had significantly longer hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be carried out with acceptable morbidity in selected patients with well-compensated Child A and B stages liver cirrhosis. Patients with evidence of significant portal hypertension and severe coagulopathy should avoid surgery.

Intensive care of patients with acute liver failure: recommendations of the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To provide a uniform platform from which to study acute liver failure, the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group has sought to standardize the management of patients with acute liver failure within participating centers.

METHODS

In areas where consensus could not be reached because of divergent practices and a paucity of studies in acute liver failure patients, additional information was gleaned from the intensive care literature and literature on the management of intracranial hypertension in non-acute liver failure patients. Experts in diverse fields were included in the development of a standard study-wide management protocol.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Intracranial pressure monitoring is recommended in patients with advanced hepatic encephalopathy who are awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation. At an intracranial pressure of > or =25 mm Hg, osmotic therapy should be instituted with intravenous mannitol boluses. Patients with acute liver failure should be maintained in a mildly hyperosmotic state to minimize cerebral edema. Accordingly, serum sodium should be maintained at least within high normal limits, but hypertonic saline administered to 145-155 mmol/L may be considered in patients with intracranial hypertension refractory to mannitol. Data are insufficient to recommend further therapy in patients who fail osmotherapy, although the induction of moderate hypothermia appears to be promising as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics should be administered to any patient with acute liver failure who develops signs of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or unexplained progression to higher grades of encephalopathy. Other recommendations encompassing specific hematologic, renal, pulmonary, and endocrine complications of acute liver failure patients are provided, including their management during and after orthotopic liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present consensus details the intensive care management of patients with acute liver failure. Such guidelines may be useful not only for the management of individual patients with acute liver failure, but also to improve the uniformity of practices across academic centers for the purpose of collaborative studies.

Hemostasis and hemostatic agents in minimally invasive surgery

As minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has grown in scope and complexity, new challenges have been introduced along the way, including the need for endoscopic hemostatic techniques. Traditional electrical and mechanical means are still the mainstay, but new technologies for hemostasis continue to emerge. Restricted access to the operative site can limit the use of some tools, and yet multiple chemical hemostats and tamponading agents are used in MIS today. Systemic agents also have been developed and have a role in certain MIS circumstances. These products allow surgeons to continue to approach more difficult procedures using minimally invasive techniques. On the horizon are the newer, even less-invasive approaches of natural orifice endoluminal and transluminal surgery, which will increase the difficulties with reliable hemostat agents and delivery mechanisms.

Activated recombinant factor VII in orthotopic liver transplantation

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is affected by important alterations of hemostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant factor VII activated (rFVIIa) to reduce intraoperative bleeding during OLT.

METHODS

Twenty OLT patients were assigned in double-blind way to a rFVIIa group or a control group. Inclusion criteria were hemoglobin > 8 g/dL: INR > 1,5 and fibrinogen > 100 mg/dL. We administered a single bouls of rFVIIa (40 microg/kg) or placebo. We determined INR, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, ATIII, and blood cell counts. Blood products were administered as follows: 4 units of fresh frozen plasma when INR > 1.5, and 1 unit of RBC for Hb < 10 g/dL. The study ended 6 hours after the bolus.

RESULTS

No thromboembolic events occurred. The INR was different between rFVIIa group and the controls at T0 (1.9 vs 1.6 P < .021) and during T1 (1.2 vs 1.6 P < .004). The total transfused red blood cells was 300 mL +/- 133 in rFVIIa group and 570 mL +/- 111 in control group (P < .017). The total fresh frozen plasma was 600 mL +/- 154 in rFVIIa group and 1400 mL +/- 187 in control group (P < .001). Total blood loss was greater in the control group than the rFVIIa group: 1140 mL +/- 112 vs 740 mL +/- 131 (P < .049).

DISCUSSION

The use of rFVIIa during OLT can reduce the risk of bleeding during surgery. The literature has described cases who did not benefit from the treatment. An adequate cut-off of INR, allowed us to treat only patients at greater bleeding risk.

Potential role of recombinant activated factor VII for the treatment of severe bleeding associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation: a systematic review

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a novel hemostatic agent, originally developed for the treatment of hemorrhage in hemophiliacs with inhibitors, which has been successfully used recently in an increasing number of nonhemophilic bleeding conditions. In the present systematic review we report the existing literature data on the use of this hemostatic agent in severe bleeding, unresponsive to standard treatment, associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. A total of 99 disseminated intravascular coagulation-associated bleeding episodes treated with rFVIIa were collected from 27 published articles: in the majority of the cases, the underlying disorder complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation was a postpartum hemorrhage, while in the remaining cases it was a cancer, trauma, sepsis or liver failure. Although limited, the data available suggest that rFVIIa could have a potential role in this clinical setting. Large randomized trials are needed, however, to confirm the preliminary results and to assess the safety and dosing regimens of this agent in refractory bleeding associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Factor VII activado recombinante

Recombinant activated factor VII is a drug that should be considered when there is massive bleeding. Its activation after it is bond to the tissue factor expressed triggers the coagulation cascade by action sequence of the different factors. Since its approval as treatment for bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia, its indications have been increasing. It is a drug is indicated in non-traumatic intracranial bleeding, in patients with severe multiple traumas, and in those bleeding conditions that may affect patient viability. Although the adverse effects are well characterized, it is still a newly used drug. Thus, the potential risks of its use in each patient must be weighed.