Recombinant human FVIIa for reducing the need for invasive second-line therapies in severe refractory postpartum hemorrhage: a multicenter, randomized, open controlled trial

Current status and future prospects of activated recombinant coagulation factor VIIa, NovoSeven®, in the treatment of haemophilia and rare bleeding disorders

rFVIIa, a human recombinant activated coagulation factor VII, has been used worldwide for more than two decades for the treatment of bleeding episodes and prevention of bleeding in patients undergoing surgery/invasive procedures with congenital haemophilia A or B with inhibitors (CHwI A or B), acquired haemophilia (AH), congenital factor VII deficiency and Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT), refractory to platelet transfusion. The approved dosage, administration and indication of rFVIIa in the US, Europe and Japan differ, depending on the needs of the patient population and regulatory practices. This review presents an overview of the current status and future prospects, including that from a Japanese perspective, of using rFVIIa in the treatment of approved indications. The efficacy and safety of rFVIIa in the approved indications has been demonstrated in several randomised and observational studies and data from registries. The overall incidence of thrombosis across all approved indications in a retrospective safety assessment of clinical trials and registries, prelicensure studies and postmarketing surveillance studies of rFVIIa use was 0.17%. Specifically, the risk of thrombotic events was 0.11% for CHwI, 1.77% for AH, 0.82% for congenital factor VII deficiency and 0.19% for GT. Emerging non-factor therapies such as emicizumab have changed the treatment landscape of haemophilia A, including preventing bleeding in patients with CHwI. However, rFVIIa will continue to play a significant role in the treatment of such patients, particularly during breakthrough bleeding or surgical procedures.

Thromboembolic events in severe postpartum hemorrhage treated with recombinant activated factor VII: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric complication with high associated morbidity. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is used to treat severe PPH when uterotonics fail to stop bleeding. However, data on the safety of rFVIIa treatment of severe PPH from adequately powered trials are lacking. We systematically reviewed published data on the incidence of thromboembolic events (TEs) in women with PPH treated or not treated with rFVIIa (PROSPERO CRD42022360736). Databases (Embase, MEDLINE, BIOSIS, Current Contents, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for peer-reviewed publications published between January 1996 and August 2022 and conference abstracts published between January 2017 and August 2022 using search terms related to thromboembolism or infarction and PPH. Data were extracted from all publications reporting on a general population of women with PPH with information on TEs. Descriptive summary statistics and the estimated proportion of TEs were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model based on the binomial distribution. Quality assessments were based on the checklist by Downs and Black. From 1637 potentially eligible studies, 55 publications were included reporting on 611 women treated and 32,488 women not treated with rFVIIa. The global estimated proportion of TEs was 1.82% (prediction interval [PI], 0.30-10.23) and 0.72% (PI, 0.03-16.47) in women with severe PPH treated and those not treated with rFVIIa, respectively. The estimated proportions of TEs were similarly small, with wide and largely overlapping PIs. Additional well-designed trials are needed to improve understanding of TE incidence in PPH.

Postpartum Hemorrhage: Enhancing Outcomes for Mothers by Effective Management

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, PPH affects approximately 12% of women. The prevention and management of PPH are the significant challenges in obstetrics, with accurate assessment of blood loss and timely intervention being critical. Active Management of the Third Stage of Labor is a gold standard strategy for prevention. Recent advancements in PPH management include the use of recombinant activated factor VIIa, which has shown promise in decreasing the need for invasive procedures and second-line therapies. Additionally, surgical and radiological interventions have been effective in cases of refractory PPH. Overall, ongoing research and advancements in PPH management continue to enhance the quality of care and maternal outcomes experiencing this potentially life-threatening complication of childbirth. This editorial explores prevention and management of Atonic PPH with encompassing medical and surgical strategies, to enhance understanding and optimize clinical care for mothers at risk of this obstetric emergency.

Rationale for the Potential Use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII in Severe Post-Partum Hemorrhage

Severe post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has recently been approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of severe PPH if uterotonics fail to achieve hemostasis. Although large randomized controlled trials are lacking, accumulated evidence from smaller studies and international registries supports the efficacy of rFVIIa alongside extended standard treatment to control severe PPH. Because rFVIIa neither substitutes the activity of a missing coagulation factor nor bypasses a coagulation defect in this population, it is not immediately evident how it exerts its beneficial effect. Here, we discuss possible mechanistic explanations for the efficacy of rFVIIa and the published evidence in patients with severe PPH. Recombinant FVIIa may not primarily increase systemic thrombin generation, but may promote local thrombin generation through binding to activated platelets at the site of vascular wall injury. This explanation may also address safety concerns that have been raised over the administration of a procoagulant molecule in a background of increased thromboembolic risk due to both pregnancy-related hemostatic changes and the hemorrhagic state. However, the available safety data for this and other indications are reassuring and the rates of thromboembolic events do not appear to be increased in women with severe PPH treated with rFVIIa. We recommend that the administration of rFVIIa be considered before dilutional coagulopathy develops and used to support the current standard treatment in certain patients with severe PPH.

Efficacy and Safety Analyses of Recombinant Factor VIIa in Severe Post-Partum Hemorrhage

Background: Despite a range of available treatments, it is still sometimes challenging to treat patients with severe post-partum hemorrhage (sPPH). Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in sPPH management. Methods: An open-label, multi-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT; NCT00370877) and four observational studies (OS; OS-1 (NCT04723979), OS-2, OS-3, and OS-4) were analyzed regarding efficacy (need for subsequent invasive procedures, including uterine compression sutures, uterine or iliac artery ligations, arterial embolization, or hysterectomy) and safety (incidence of thromboembolic events (TE) and maternal mortality) of rFVIIa for sPPH. The RCT, and OS-1 and OS-2, included a control group of women who did not receive rFVIIa (with propensity score-matching used in OS-1 and OS-2), whereas OS-3 and OS-4 provided descriptive data for rFVIIa-exposed women only. Results: A total of 446 women exposed to rFVIIa and 1717 non-exposed controls were included. In the RCT, fewer rFVIIa-exposed women (50% [21/42]) had an invasive procedure versus non-exposed women (91% [38/42]; odds ratio: 0.11; 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.35). In OS-1, more rFVIIa-exposed women (58% [22/38]) had an invasive procedure versus non-exposed women (35% [13.3/38]; odds ratio: 2.46; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-5.99). In OS-2, 17% (3/18) of rFVIIa-exposed women and 32% (5.6/17.8) of non-exposed women had an invasive procedure (odds ratio: 0.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.03-1.75). Across all included women, TEs occurred in 1.5% (0.2% arterial and 1.2% venous) of rFVIIa-exposed women and 1.6% (0.2% arterial and 1.4% venous) of non-exposed women with available data. Conclusions: The positive treatment effect of rFVIIa on the RCT was not confirmed in the OS. However, the safety analysis did not show any increased incidence of TEs with rFVIIa treatment.

CT-001, a novel fast-clearing factor VIIa, enhanced the hemostatic activity in postpartum samples

ABSTRACT

The hemostatic system is upregulated to protect pregnant mothers from hemorrhage during childbirth. Studies of the details just before and after delivery, however, are lacking. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has recently been granted approval by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). A next-generation molecule, CT-001, is being developed as a potentially safer and more efficacious rFVIIa-based therapy. We sought to evaluate the peripartum hemostatic status of pregnant women and assess the ex vivo hemostatic activity of rFVIIa and CT-001 in peripartum blood samples. Pregnant women from 2 study sites were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Baseline blood samples were collected up to 3 days before delivery. Postdelivery samples were collected 45 (±15) minutes after delivery. Between the 2 time points, soluble fibrin monomer and D-dimer increased whereas tissue factor, FVIII, FV, and fibrinogen decreased. Interestingly, the postdelivery lag time and time to peak in the thrombin generation assay were shortened, and the peak thrombin generation capacity was maintained despite the reduced levels of coagulation proteins after delivery. Furthermore, both rFVIIa and CT-001 were effective in enhancing clotting activity of postdelivery samples in activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin generation, and viscoelastic hemostatic assays, with CT-001 demonstrating greater activity. In conclusion, despite apparent ongoing consumption of coagulation factors at the time of delivery, thrombin output was maintained. Both rFVIIa and CT-001 enhanced the upregulated hemostatic activity in postdelivery samples, and consistent with previous studies comparing CT-001 and rFVIIa in vitro and in in vivo, CT-001 demonstrated greater activity than rFVIIa.

Site-directed mutagenesis of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-binding exosite D60A on factor VII results in a new factor VII variant with lower coagulant activity

Background

Recombinant factor (F)VIIa (rFVIIa) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hemophilia A and B with inhibitors and congenital FVII deficiency. Moreover, the investigational uses of rFVIIa are becoming of interest since it can be used to treat various clinical bleeding conditions. However, there is evidence showing that rFVIIa is a potent procoagulant agent that potentially leads to an increased risk of thrombotic complications.

Objectives

To design a new rFVII with lower coagulant activity that could potentially be used as an alternative hemostatic agent aiming to minimize the risk of thrombogenicity.

Methods

D60A was introduced into the F7 sequence by polymerase chain reaction-based mutagenesis. Wild type (WT) and D60A were generated in human embryonic kidney 293T cells by stable transfection. FVII coagulant activities were determined by amidolytic cleavage of the FVIIa-specific substrate, 2-step FXa generation, thrombin generation (TG), and clot-based assays.

Results

WT and D60A demonstrated similar FVIIa amidolytic activity. However, D60A showed approximately 50% activity on FX activation and significantly longer lag time in the TG assay than that shown by WT. The clotting time produced by D60A spiked in FVII-deficient plasma was significantly prolonged than that of WT. Additionally, the ex vivo plasma half-lives of WT and D60A were comparable.

Conclusion

D60A demonstrated lower coagulant activities, most likely due to the weakening of FX binding, leading to impaired FX activation and delayed TG and fibrin formation. Considering that a plasma FVII level of 15% to 25% is adequate for normal hemostasis, D60A is a molecule of interest for future development of an rFVII with a lesser extent of thrombogenicity.

[Postpartum Hemorrhage]

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) affects about 4% of all deliveries in high-income countries and continues to rise, a trend attributable to the increase in caesarean section rates and maternal morbidity. Preventive measures such as the precautionary administration of uterotonics effectively reduce the risk of severe bleeding irrespective of birth mode. As a time-critical condition and a significant contributor to adverse maternal outcomes, PPH needs to be diagnosed early by measuring, not estimating, blood losses. Institutional treatment algorithms should be available to guide stage-based interdisciplinary management without delay. The main therapy goals are to identify the etiology and stop the bleeding by using uterotonics and mechanical and surgical interventions, to restore hemodynamic stability by volume and transfusion therapy and to optimize hemostasis by laboratory- and viscoelastic assay-guided factor replacement. This review highlights current recommendations for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of PPH.

Interventions of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is a common and potentially life-threatening obstetric complication, with successful management relying heavily on early identification of hemorrhage and prompt intervention. This article will review the management of postpartum hemorrhage, including initial steps, exam-specific interventions, medical therapy, minimally invasive, and surgical interventions.

Review of Current Insights and Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Refractory Postpartum Hemorrhage

Refractory postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) affects 10-20% of patients with PPH when they do not respond adequately to first-line treatments. These patients require second-line interventions, including three or more uterotonics, additional medications, transfusions, non-surgical treatments, and/or surgical intervention. Multiple studies have suggested that patients with refractory PPH have different clinical characteristics and causes of PPH when compared to patients who respond to first-line agents. This review highlights current insights into therapeutic approaches for the management of refractory PPH. Early management of refractory PPH relies on both hypovolemic resuscitation and achievement of hemostasis, with an emphasis on early blood product replacement and massive transfusion protocols. Transfusion needs can be more rapidly and accurately identified through point-of-care tests such as thromboelastography. Medical therapies for the treatment of refractory PPH involve treatment of both uterine atony as well as the underlying coagulopathy, with the use of tranexamic acid and adjunct therapies such as factor replacement. The principles guiding the management of refractory PPH include restoring normal uterine and pelvic anatomy, through the evaluation and management of retained products of conception, uterine inversion, and obstetric lacerations. Intrauterine vacuum-induced hemorrhage control devices are novel methods for the treatment of refractory PPH secondary to uterine atony, in addition to other uterine-sparing surgical procedures that are under investigation. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta can be considered for cases of critical refractory PPH, to prevent or decrease ongoing blood loss while definitive surgical interventions are performed. Finally, for patients with critical hemorrhage resulting in hemorrhagic shock, damage control resuscitation (a staged surgical approach focused on restoring normal physiologic recovery and maximizing tissue oxygenation prior to proceeding with definitive surgical management) has been shown to successfully control refractory PPH, with an overall mortality decrease for obstetric patients.

Epidemiology and definition of PPH worldwide

Postpartum/peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency complicating 1-10% of all deliveries and is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the incidence of PPH differs widely according to the definition and criteria used, the way of measuring postpartum blood loss, and the population being studied with the highest numbers in developing countries. Despite all the significant progress in healthcare, the incidence of PPH is rising due to an incomplete implementation of guidelines, resulting in treatment delays and suboptimal care. A consensus clinical definition of PPH is needed to enable awareness, early recognition, and initiation of appropriate intensive treatment. Unfortunately, the most used definition of PPH based on blood loss ≥500 ml after delivery suffers from inaccuracies in blood loss quantification and is not clinically relevant in most cases, as the amount of blood loss does not fully reflect the severity of bleeding.

DIC in Pregnancy - Pathophysiology, Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Scores, and Treatments

Obstetrical hemorrhage and especially DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is a leading cause for maternal mortality across the globe, often secondary to underlying maternal and/or fetal complications including placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets), retained stillbirth and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Various obstetrical disorders can present with DIC as a complication; thus, increased awareness is key to diagnosing the condition. DIC patients can present to clinicians who may not be experienced in a variety of aspects of thrombosis and hemostasis. Hence, DIC diagnosis is often only entertained when the patient already developed uncontrollable bleeding or multi-organ failure, all of which represent unsalvageable scenarios. Beyond the clinical presentations, the main issue with DIC diagnosis is in relation to coagulation test abnormalities. It is widely believed that in DIC, patients will have prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombocytopenia, low fibrinogen, and raised D-dimers. Diagnosis of DIC can be elusive during pregnancy and requires vigilance and knowledge of the physiologic changes during pregnancy. It can be facilitated by using a pregnancy specific DIC score including three components: 1) fibrinogen concentrations; 2) the PT difference - relating to the difference in PT result between the patient's plasma and the laboratory control; and 3) platelet count. At a cutoff of ≥26 points, the pregnancy specific DIC score has 88% sensitivity, 96% specificity, a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 22, and a negative LR of 0.125. Management of DIC during pregnancy requires a prompt attention to the underlying condition leading to this complication, including the delivery of the patient, and correction of the hemostatic problem that can be guided by point of care testing adjusted for pregnancy.

In vitro characterization of CT-001-a short-acting factor VIIa with enhanced prohemostatic activity

BACKGROUND

Traumatic injury and the associated acute bleeding are leading causes of death in people aged 1 to 44 years. Acute bleeding in pathological and surgical settings also represents a significant burden to the society. Yet there are no approved hemostatic drugs currently available. While clinically proven as an effective pro-coagulant, activated factor VII (FVIIa) use in acute bleeding has been hampered by unwanted thromboembolic events. Enhancing the ability of FVIIa to quickly stop a bleed and clear rapidly from circulation may yield an ideal molecule suitable for use in patients with acute bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

To address this need and the current liability of FVIIa, we produced a novel FVIIa molecule (CT-001) with enhanced potency and shortened plasma residence time by cell line engineering and FVIIa protein engineering for superior efficacy for acute bleeding and safety.

METHODS

To address safety, CT-001, a FVIIa protein with 4 desialylated N-glycans was generated to promote active recognition and clearance via the asialoglycoprotein receptor. To enhance potency, the gamma-carboxylated domain was modified with P10Q and K32E, which enhanced membrane binding.

RESULTS

Together, these changes significantly enhanced potency and clearance while retaining the ability to interact with the key hemostatic checkpoint proteins antithrombin and tissue factor pathway inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that a FVIIa molecule engineered to combine supra-physiological activity and shorter duration of action has the potential to overcome the current limitations of recombinant FVIIa to be a safe and effective approach to the treatment of acute bleeding.

When does obstetric coagulopathy occur and how do I manage it?

Anticipating obstetric coagulopathy is important when obstetric anaesthetists are involved in the clinical management of women with postpartum haemorrhage. Although the incidence of coagulopathy in women with postpartum haemorrhage is low, significant hypofibrinogenaemia is associated with major haemorrhage-related morbidity and thus early identification and treatment is essential to improve outcomes. Point-of-care viscoelastic haemostatic assays, including thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry, provide granular information about alterations in clot formation and hypofibrinogenaemia, allow near-patient interpretation of coagulopathy, and can guide goal-directed treatment. If these assays are not available, anaesthetists should closely monitor the maternal coagulation profile with standard laboratory testing during the active phase of postpartum bleeding in order to rule coagulopathy 'in or out', decide if pro-haemostatic therapies are indicated, and assess the response to haemostatic support.

Use of recombinant activated factor VII for the treatment of perioperative bleeding in noncardiac surgery patients without hemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in noncardiac patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that involved the use of rFVIIa through December 13, 2019 in noncardiac patients without hemophilia. Two investigators extracted the related data and assessed the quality of the included trials.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs examining 993 perioperative patients were ultimately included. The use of rFVIIa did not decrease all-cause mortality (RR:0.90; 95% CI:0.50,1.64; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.738), shorten the length of ICU (SMD:-0.15; 95% CI:-0.47,0.17; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.346) or hospital (SMD:0.42; 95% CI:-0.05,0.89; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.078) stay, or increase incidence of the thromboembolic events (RR:1.30; 95% CI:0.70,2.41; I² = 0.0%; P = 0.403) among perioperative patients. However, individual RCT analyses showed that the use of rFVIIa could reduce the volume of blood loss (including prostatic cancer, severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and spinal disease) and the transfusion of RBCs (including prostatic cancer, SAP, and spinal disease) and FFP (SAP) in a subset of perioperative patients. Publication bias was not present.

CONCLUSIONS

For perioperative hemorrhagic patients, rFVIIa-based hemostatic therapy showed no effect on mortality, ICU or hospital LOS, or the rate of thromboembolic events, although it appears to decrease blood loss and reduce the need for blood product transfusion in a subset of patients.

Obstetric Hemorrhage

Peripartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Anesthesiologists must be familiar with conditions associated with hemorrhage that are unique to labor and delivery and not seen elsewhere in their practice. Regardless of etiology, early recognition and timely treatment of obstetric hemorrhage is necessary to prevent significant blood loss. Massive transfusion protocols are crucial to successful resuscitation, and providers should also consider use of cell salvage, uterine artery embolization, and anti-fibrinolytics. Because more than half the deaths due to hemorrhage are preventable, multidisciplinary care bundles should be used on every labor and delivery unit.

Patient blood management (PBM) in pregnancy and childbirth: literature review and expert opinion

PURPOSE

Patient blood management [PBM] has been acknowledged and successfully introduced in a wide range of medical specialities, where blood transfusions are an important issue, including anaesthesiology, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, or traumatology. Although pregnancy and obstetrics have been recognized as a major field of potential haemorrhage and necessity of blood transfusions, there is still little awareness among obstetricians regarding the importance of PBM in this area. This review, therefore, summarizes the importance of PBM in obstetrics and the current evidence on this topic.

METHOD

We review the current literature and summarize the current evidence of PBM in pregnant women and postpartum with a focus on postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) using PubMed as literature source. The literature was reviewed and analysed and conclusions were made by the Swiss PBM in obstetrics working group of experts in a consensus meeting.

RESULTS

PBM comprises a series of measures to maintain an adequate haemoglobin level, improve haemostasis and reduce bleeding, aiming to improve patient outcomes. Despite the fact that the WHO has recommended PBM early 2010, the majority of hospitals are in need of guidelines to apply PBM in daily practice. PBM demonstrated a reduction in morbidity, mortality, and costs for patients undergoing surgery or medical interventions with a high bleeding potential. All pregnant women have a significant risk for PPH. Risk factors do exist; however, 60% of women who experience PPH do not have a pre-existing risk factor. Patient blood management in obstetrics must, therefore, not only be focused on women with identified risk factor for PPH, but on all pregnant women. Due to the risk of PPH, which is inherent to every pregnancy, PBM is of particular importance in obstetrics. Although so far, there is no clear guideline how to implement PBM in obstetrics, there are some simple, effective measures to reduce anaemia and the necessity of transfusions in women giving birth and thereby improving clinical outcome and avoiding complications.

CONCLUSION

PBM in obstetrics is based on three main pillars: diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions during pregnancy, during delivery and in the postpartum phase. These three main pillars should be kept in mind by all professionals taking care of pregnant women, including obstetricians, general practitioners, midwifes, and anaesthesiologists, to improve pregnancy outcome and optimize resources.

Antithrombotic and hemostatic stewardship: evaluation of clinical outcomes and adverse events of recombinant factor VIIa (Novoseven®) utilization at a large academic medical center

BACKGROUND

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (Novoseven®) is utilized for the reversal of anticoagulation-associated bleeding and refractory bleeding in cardiac surgery. In August 2015, rFVIIa was transferred from the blood bank to the pharmacy at New York University (NYU) Langone Health. Concordantly, an off-label dosing guideline was developed. The objective of this study was to describe utilization and cost of rFVIIa and assess compliance to our dosing guideline.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, observational review of rFVIIa administrations post-implementation of an off-label dosing guideline. All patients who received rFVIIa between September 2015 and June 2017 were evaluated. For each rFVIIa administration, anticoagulation and laboratory values, indications for use, dosing, ordering and administration times, concomitant blood products, and adverse events were collected. Adverse events included venous thromboembolism, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death due to systemic embolism and mortality. The primary endpoint was the utilization of rFVIIa in accordance with the off-label dosing guideline. Secondary endpoints included hemostatic efficacy of rFVIIa, adverse events, blood products administered, and cost-effectiveness of rFVIIa transition to pharmacy.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients [pediatric (n = 6), adult (n = 57)] received rFVIIa, with the majority of use for refractory bleeding after cardiac surgery. The utilization of rVIIa decreased after development of the off-label dosing guideline and transition from blood bank to pharmacy. The total incidence of thromboembolic events within 30 days was 19.6%; 17.6% arterial and 2% venous; 70% of patients with an adverse event were over 70 years of age. Use of rFVIIa reduced the median number of units of blood products administered.

CONCLUSION

Administration of rFVIIa for cardiac surgery appears to be effective for hemostasis. Transitioning rFVIIa from the blood bank to pharmacy and implementation of a dosing guideline appears to have reduced utilization. Patients receiving rFVIIa should be monitored for thromboembolic events. Elderly patients may be at higher risk for thromboembolic events.

Successful Use of Recombinant Activated Factor VII to Reverse Ticagrelor-Induced Bleeding Risk: A Case Report

Management of ticagrelor-associated bleeding is challenging, especially in neurosurgery. Platelet transfusion is inefficient and no antidote is currently available. We report here the first case of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) use to bypass ticagrelor-induced platelet inhibition. A woman treated with ticagrelor and requiring emergent neurosurgery for an intracranial hematoma received preoperative high-dose platelet transfusion and 60 μg/kg rFVIIa. Laboratory monitoring demonstrated that platelet transfusion failed to reverse ticagrelor-induced platelet inhibition while rFVIIa improved hemostasis by shortening the thromboelastometric clotting time. Neurosurgery occurred without any bleeding event but the patient presented with a postoperative pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, rFVIIa may decrease ticagrelor-induced bleeding risk but careful assessment of the benefit-risk balance is warranted before using rFVIIa to reverse ticagrelor effects.

Clinical pearls part 3: anaesthetic management of abnormally invasive placentation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Abnormal placentation is a clinical condition seen increasingly in the pregnant population. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which may be mitigated through robust multidisciplinary care for these patients. The role of maternal critical care for these patients has largely been ignored in the literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in pharmacological management of bleeding with recent publications of large multicentre trials in addition to new technologies in the management of massive obstetric haemorrhage (MOH) have revolutionized the management of abnormal placentation. These include the use of tranexamic acid, interventional radiology, cell saver technology, and point-of-care coagulation tests. The role of maternal critical care for the optimization of postoperative complications and physiological derangements has not been considered widely in the literature. This article summarizes the current evidence for interventions and suggests a protocol for the management of these high-risk patients.

SUMMARY

A robust protocol outlining the key elements of the management of placenta accreta, including optimizing postoperative care, should be in place to promote desired outcomes.

Management of postpartum hemorrhage: how to improve maternal outcomes?

Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality and severe morbidity. Despite efforts to improve maternal outcomes, management of postpartum hemorrhage still faces at least four challenges, discussed in this review. First, current definitions for severe postpartum hemorrhage hamper early identification of women with a high risk of adverse outcomes. Adaptations to the definitions and the use of clinical tools such as shock index and early warning systems may facilitate this early identification. Second, surgical and radiological interventions to prevent hysterectomy are not always successful. More knowledge on the influence of patient and bleeding characteristics on the success rates of these interventions is necessary. Scarce data suggest that early timing of intrauterine balloon tamponade may improve maternal outcomes, whereas early timing of arterial embolization seems to be unrelated to maternal outcomes. Third, fluid resuscitation with crystalloids and colloids is unavoidable in the early phases of postpartum hemorrhage but may result in dilutional coagulopathy. Effects of different volumes of clear fluids on the occurrence of dilutional coagulopathy and maternal outcomes is unknown. Fourth, a better understanding of diagnosis and correction of coagulopathy during postpartum hemorrhage is needed. Low plasma fibrinogen levels at the start of postpartum hemorrhage predict progression to severe hemorrhage, but standard coagulation screens are time consuming. A solution may be point-of-care coagulation testing; however, clinical usefulness during postpartum hemorrhage has not been demonstrated. To date, early administration of tranexamic acid is the only hemostatic intervention that was proven to improve outcomes in women with postpartum hemorrhage.

Peripartum Haemorrhage, Diagnosis and Therapy. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/063, March 2016)

Purpose

This is an official interdisciplinary guideline, published and coordinated by the German Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG) and the Swiss Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The guideline was developed for use in German-speaking countries and is backed by the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Medicine (DGAI), the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research (GTH) and the German Association of Midwives. The aim is to provide a consensus-based overview of the diagnosis and management of peripartum bleeding obtained from an evaluation of the relevant literature.

Methods

This S2k guideline was developed from the structured consensus of representative members of the various professional associations and professions commissioned by the Guideline Commission of the DGGG.

Recommendations

The guideline encompasses recommendations on definitions, risk stratification, prevention and management.

Antifibrinolytic drugs for treating primary postpartum haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) - heaving bleeding within the first 24 hours after giving birth - is one of the main causes of death of women after childbirth. Antifibrinolytics, primarily tranexamic acid (TXA), have been shown to reduce bleeding in surgery and safely reduces mortality in trauma patients with bleeding without increasing the risk of adverse events.An earlier Cochrane review on treatments for primary PPH covered all the various available treatments - that review has now been split by types of treatment. This new review concentrates only on the use of antifibrinolytic drugs for treating primary PPH.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of antifibrinolytic drugs for treating primary PPH.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (28 May 2017) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-randomised trials of antifibrinolytic drugs (aprotinin, TXA, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and aminomethylbenzoic acid, administered by whatever route) for primary PPH in women.Participants in the trials were women after birth following a pregnancy of at least 24 weeks' gestation with a diagnosis of PPH, regardless of mode of birth (vaginal or caesarean section) or other aspects of third stage management.We have not included quasi-randomised trials, or cross-over studies. Studies reported as abstracts have not been included if there was insufficient information to allow assessment of risk of bias.In this review we only identified studies looking at TXA.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data from each study using an agreed form. We entered data into Review Manager software and checked for accuracy.For key review outcomes, we rated the quality of the evidence as 'high', 'moderate', 'low' or 'very low' according to the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials (20,412 women) met our inclusion criteria. Two trials (20,212 women) compared intravenous (IV) TXA with placebo or standard care and were conducted in acute hospital settings (labour ward, emergency department) (in high-, middle- and low-income countries).One other trial (involving 200 women) was conducted in Iran and compared IV TXA with rectal misoprostol, but did not report on any of this review's primary or GRADE outcomes. There were no trials that assessed EACA, aprotinin or aminomethylbenzoic acid.Standard care plus IV TXA for the treatment of primary PPH compared with placebo or standard care aloneTwo trials (20,212 women) assessed the effect of TXA for the treatment of primary PPH compared with placebo or standard care alone. The larger of these (The WOMAN trial) contributed over 99% of the data and was assessed as being at low risk of bias. The quality of the evidence varied for different outcomes, Overall, evidence was mainly graded as moderate to high quality.The data show that IV TXA reduces the risk of maternal death due to bleeding (risk ratio (RR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.00; two trials, 20,172 women; quality of evidence: moderate). The quality of evidence was rated as moderate due to imprecision of effect estimate. The effect was more evident in women given treatment between one and three hours after giving birth with no apparent reduction when given after three hours (< one hour = RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.16; one to three hours = RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.88; > three hours = RR 1.07, 95% 0.76 to 1.51; test for subgroup differences: Chi² = 4.90, df = 2 (P = 0.09), I² = 59.2%). There was no heterogeneity in the effect by mode of birth (test for subgroup differences: Chi² = 0.01, df = 1 (P = 0.91), I² = 0%). There were fewer deaths from all causes in women receiving TXA, although the 95% CI for the effect estimate crosses the line of no effect (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.05; two trials, 20,172 women, quality of evidence: moderate). Results from one trial with 151 women suggest that blood loss of ≥ 500 mL after randomisation may be reduced (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.93; one trial, 151 women; quality of evidence: low). TXA did not reduce the risk of serious maternal morbidity (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.19; one trial, 20,015 women; quality of evidence: high), hysterectomy to control bleeding (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.12; one trial, 20,017 women; quality of evidence: high) receipt of blood transfusion (any) (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.03; two trials, 20,167 women; quality of evidence: moderate) or maternal vascular occlusive events (any), although results were imprecise for this latter outcome (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.43; one trial, 20,018 women; quality of evidence: moderate). There was an increase in the use of brace sutures in the TXA group (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01, 1.41) and a reduction in the need for laparotomy for bleeding (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

TXA when administered intravenously reduces mortality due to bleeding in women with primary PPH, irrespective of mode of birth, and without increasing the risk of thromboembolic events. Taken together with the reliable evidence of the effect of TXA in trauma patients, the evidence suggests that TXA is effective if given as early as possible.Facilities for IV administration may not be available in non-hospital settings therefore, alternative routes to IV administration need to be investigated.

Peripartum Haemorrhage: Haemostatic Aspects of the New German PPH Guideline

Summary Peripartum haemorrhage remains one of the main causes of maternal mortality world-wide. The German, Austrian and Swiss Societies of Gynaecology and Obstetrics have updated the current guidelines for the treatment of peripartum haemorrhage together with the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine and the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis Research. The recommendations have been the result of a thorough review of the available scientific literature and a consensus process involving all members of the guideline group. A key element of the anaesthesiological and haemostatic management is the development of a multidisciplinary standard operating procedure combining surgical as well as medical and haemostatic treatments depending on the severity of bleeding. The guideline underscores the value of clinical and laboratory diagnostics of peripartum haemorrhage as early as possible, even pre-emptively. This allows for an early identification of causes of bleeding and a specific treatment. The guideline comprises evidence-based recommendations for the use of uterotonics, tranexamic acid and blood products such as factor concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrates, packed red blood cells, recombinant activated factor VII and desmopressin. In addition, recommendations for blood conservation strategies involving the use of cell salvage, permissive hypotension and transfusion triggers are given.

Cesarean Hysterectomy and Uterine-Preserving Alternatives

Hysterectomy at the time of an obstetric delivery or postpartum is an uncommon time to perform one of the most common gynecologic procedures. Hysterectomy associated with pregnancy is often unplanned and undesired. Postpartum complications associated with the need for hysterectomy carry significant risks, which pose challenges for mother-infant bonding and can signify an unexpected end to fertility. The most common indication for hysterectomy is postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage is caused by uterine atony, genital tract laceration, uterine rupture, invasive placentation, infection, or coagulopathy. Multidisciplinary teams improve outcomes and are capable of managing complex medical and surgical complications that occur postpartum.

[Anesthesiological approach to postpartum hemorrhage]

Peripartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a frequent obstetric emergency situation with increasing incidence in the last decades. It requires a fast, coordinated and interdisciplinary management. This life-threatening situation is often recognized too late and not adequately treated (too little is done too late); therefore, it is important to be aware of the most important risk factors for PPH known as the 4 Ts (i.e. tonus, trauma, tissue and thrombin). Due to the special patient population there is only little evidence-based data on hemostatic therapy in this situation; therefore, the currently available studies on the therapy of PPH is discussed.

Postpartum haemorrhage: prevention and treatment

INTRODUCTION

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death and severe maternal morbidity worldwide and strategies to prevent and treat PPH vary among international authorities. Areas covered: This review seeks to provide a global overview of PPH (incidence, causes, risk factors), prevention (active management of the third stage of labor and prohemostatic agents), treatment (first, second and third-line measures to control PPH), by also underlining recommendations elaborated by international authorities and using algorithms. Expert commentary: When available, oxytocin is considered the drug of first choice for both prevention and treatment of PPH, while peripartum hysterectomy remains the ultimate life-saving procedure if pharmacological and resuscitation measures fail. Nevertheless, the level of evidence for preventing and treating PPH is globally low. The emergency nature of PPH makes randomized controlled trials (RCT) logistically difficult. Population-based observational studies should be encouraged as they can usefully strengthen the evidence base, particularly for components of PPH treatment that are difficult or impossible to assess through RCT.

Critical Care for the Obstetrician and Gynecologist: Obstetric Hemorrhage and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy

Obstetric hemorrhage accounts for 5% all deliveries in the United States and accounts for high maternal morbidity and mortality. Many hemorrhages are secondary to uterine atony and are quickly ameliorated with appropriate uterotonic use. However, for a subset of cases, severe hemorrhage may require advanced resuscitative techniques, and innovative procedural and surgical techniques. This article guides a provider through such a resuscitation.

Management of postpartum haemorrhage

Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Treatment of acquired coagulopathy observed in severe PPH is an important part of PPH management, but is mainly based on literature in trauma patients, and data thus should be interpreted with caution. This review describes recent advances in transfusion strategy and in the use of tranexamic acid and fibrinogen concentrates in women with PPH.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in pregnancy: insights in pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening situation that can arise from a variety of obstetrical and nonobstetrical causes. Obstetrical DIC has been associated with a series of pregnancy complications including the following: (1) acute peripartum hemorrhage (uterine atony, cervical and vaginal lacerations, and uterine rupture); (2) placental abruption; (3) preeclampsia/eclampsia/hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome; (4) retained stillbirth; (5) septic abortion and intrauterine infection; (6) amniotic fluid embolism; and (7) acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Prompt diagnosis and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disease leading to this complication in essential for a favorable outcome. In recent years, novel diagnostic scores and treatment modalities along with bedside point-of-care tests were developed and may assist the clinician in the diagnosis and management of DIC. Team work and prompt treatment are essential for the successful management of patients with DIC.