Low-dose recombinant activated factor VII in massively transfused trauma patients with coagulopathy

Quality Management of massive transfusion protocol incorporating tranexamic acid adherence

Massive transfusion protocols (MTP) vary at different institutions. We implemented an algorithm in the transfusion service to support our Level I trauma center in 2007 and periodically monitor MTP utilization as part of ongoing quality management. At the last review in 2013, median plasma: RBC ratio was 1:1.8. We undertook a retrospective 3-year review of MTP activations stratifying by trauma versus non-trauma indications, and blood component utilization of the massive transfusion (MT) cases, adding a review of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration to the audit. The median transfused plasma: RBC ratio was 1:1.9 in trauma MT, and 1:1.6 in the non-trauma MT cases. Non-trauma MT patients at our institution were significantly older and more coagulopathic at MTP initiation compared to trauma MT patients, received fewer RBC units (15.5 versus 20.2), and had higher mortality. TXA adherence increased over the 3-year period to 60% of all trauma MTP activations in 2017.

The Effect of Intravenous Administration of Active Recombinant Factor VII on Postoperative Bleeding in Cardiac Valve Reoperations; A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative bleeding after cardiac reoperations is among the most complicating problems, both for the physicians and for the patients. Many modalities have been used to decrease its adverse effects and the need for blood products administration.

OBJECTIVES

In a randomized double-blinded clinical trial of redo cardiac valve surgery in adult, the effect of active recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) on postoperative bleeding was compared with placebo. Chest tube drainage was used for comparison of bleeding between the two groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two groups of 18 patients undergoing redo valve surgeries were treated and compared regarding chest tube drainage, need for blood products, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), hemoglobin and hematocrit, platelet count, and international normalized ratio (INR) in first 24 hours after surgery. Bleeding was assessed at 3rd, 12th, and 24th hour after operation. In rFVIIa group, 40 µg/kg of AryoSeven was administered before end of surgery and same volume of normal saline was administered as placebo in the control group.

RESULTS

Study groups showed no difference regarding baseline variables. Three patients in rFVIIa group (16.67%) and 13 in placebo group (72.23%) received blood products (P < 0.01). Chest tube blood drainage at 24th hour after operation was 315 ± 177 mL in rFVIIa group and 557 ± 168 mL in control group (P = 0.03). At third and 12th hour after operation, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.71 and P = 0.22, respectively). Postoperative ICU stay was not different; while extubation was longer in the placebo group (352 ± 57 vs. 287 ± 46 minutes; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated the efficacy of rFVIIa in controlling postoperative bleeding in redo cardiac valve surgeries regarding subsequent blood loss and transfusion requirement; however, outcome results remains to be defined.

A massive transfusion protocol incorporating a higher FFP/RBC ratio is associated with decreased use of recombinant activated factor VII in trauma patients

We implemented a protocol incorporating a higher fresh frozen plasma (FFP)/RBC ratio for the management of trauma patients requiring massive transfusion in 2007. This study aims to identify issues that affected the effective deployment of the massive transfusion protocol (MTP) and compare outcome variables with a historic cohort. Data from 49 trauma patients who received at least 10 units of packed RBCs within 24 hours were analyzed and compared with a historic massively transfused cohort who had received recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). Of the patients, 28 received an FFP/RBC ratio of 1:1 to 1:2; 12 received a lower ratio of 1:2 to 1:4; 3 received more than 1:1 and 6 had less than 1:4. Compared with the historic cohort, the 1:1-1:2 group received significantly fewer blood components and did not require rescue rFVIIa. An MTP incorporating a higher FFP/RBC ratio of 1:1 to 1:2 is associated with decreased use of blood components and may obviate the need for rFVII.

Use of rFVIIa in the Trauma Setting–Practice Patterns in United States Trauma Centers

Much excitement has been generated regarding the off label use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in the severely injured trauma patient. The purpose of our study is 3-fold: 1) describe the type of centers that use rFVIIa, 2) determine which centers use the drug more frequently, and finally 3) investigate how this drug is being administered at trauma centers. A survey was mailed or e-mailed to 435 trauma centers (Level I and II) throughout the nation. One hundred fifty-six surveys were returned. American College of Surgeons (ACS) verification and trauma Level I designation were independent predictors of rFVIIa use (odds ratio [OR] 3.74 and 5.40, P < 0.05). High users of rFVIIa were defined as those centers that had above median usage of the drug. Level I centers accounted for 67 per cent of the high users. Only the number of fellowship-trained trauma surgeons and trauma volume predicted high usage of rFVIIa (OR 1.38 and 14.09, P < 0.05). Trauma volume predicted whether or not Factor VII users implemented a protocol based approach to administration of the drug (OR 6.57, P < 0.05). Most protocols incorporated packed red blood cells (74%) before giving rFVIIa. The dose of 90 mcg/kg was exceeded in 34 per cent of centers, and 3 per cent used the 200 mcg/kg dose. High volume Level I trauma centers use rFVIIa more frequently and are more likely to use a systematic approach to its administration. However, there is no standardized approach to rFVIIa administration in United States trauma centers.

Coagulopathy in trauma: optimising haematological status

It is estimated that 10 000 people per year die following trauma in England and Wales and 30—40% do so due to uncontrolled haemorrhage. By the time the patient reaches hospital, coagulopathy is often already installed and needs to be corrected promptly to prevent further haemorrhage and allow effective treatment of injuries. The coagulopathy is multifactorial with the leading causes being acidosis, hypothermia and massive transfusion. Early recognition of the condition is imperative using standard coagulation testing; however, there are limitations in this setting. Newer methods of testing `global haemostasis' using thromboelastography are becoming more popular but need further validation. Treatment of coagulopathy requires a multidisciplinary approach. Blood product transfusion remains the cornerstone of management but newer pharmacological agents such as recombinant factor VIIa are increasingly being used. Here we review the pathogenesis, investigation and management of the coagulopathy of trauma.