Replacement therapy for bleeding episodes in factor VII deficiency. A prospective evaluation

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.

Rare inherited coagulation disorders: no longer orphan and neglected

Rare inherited coagulation disorders due to the deficiency or dysfunction of coagulation factors have until recently received less clinical attention than hemophilias and von Willebrand disease. This situation has changed in the last decades, mainly due to therapeutic progress with the availability of more and safer products for replacement therapy produced by plasma fractionation or recombinant DNA technology. This narrative review, based on the latest literature and expert opinion, emphasizes the progress achieved for each of the rare deficiencies, mentions the still unmet therapeutic needs, and sketches the perspectives for further progress.

Patient with congenital factor VII deficiency undergoing brain tumor neurosurgery successfully treated with recombinant factor VIIa and fresh frozen plasma: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Congenital factor VII deficiency is the most common among rare bleeding disorders, characterized by spontaneous or traumatic bleeding. The clinical manifestation is heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic phenotype to life-threatening hemorrhages. Intracranial hemorrhage is a common complication of brain tumor neurosurgery, which significantly challenges the perioperative management of patients with hemostatic defects.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This report presented a 55-year-old man with congenital factor VII deficiency, who had no history of hemorrhage or family history. He underwent a craniotomy for the treatment of papillary craniopharyngioma.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed as papillary craniopharyngioma, factor VII deficiency, and atrial fibrillation.

INTERVENTIONS

To prevent bleeding, a total of 8 doses of recombinant activated factor VII and 1 dose of fresh frozen plasma were administered as the perioperative replacement therapy. This scheme was guided by a pharmacodynamic evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging examinations.

OUTCOMES

No excessive surgical bleeding was observed during the 22-day treatment. The patient was found to have compound heterozygous mutations, Ala304Thr (c.910G > A) and IVS5-2A > G (c.572-2A > G), in the F7 gene.

LESSONS

This is the first reported case in which surgical hemorrhage secondary to brain tumor resection was successfully controlled in the presence of congenital factor VII deficiency. Perioperative coagulation state, hemostasis, and thrombosis events should be closely observed, and the interval and dosage of recombinant factor VIIa should be adjusted accordingly.

Management of rare inherited bleeding disorders: Proposals of the French Reference Centre on Haemophilia and Rare Coagulation Disorders

INTRODUCTION

The rare coagulation disorders may present significant difficulties in diagnosis and management. In addition, considerable inter-individual variation in bleeding phenotype is observed amongst affected individuals, making the bleeding risk difficult to assess in affected individuals. The last international recommendations on rare inherited bleeding disorders (RIBDs) were published by the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation in 2014. Since then, new drugs have been marketed, news studies on surgery management in patients with RIBD have been published, and new orphan diseases have been described.

AIM

Therefore, the two main objectives of this review, based on the recent recommendations published by the French Reference Centre on Haemophilia and Rare Bleeding Disorders, are: (i) to briefly describe RIBD (clinical presentation and diagnostic work-up) to help physicians in patient screening for the early detection of such disorders; and (ii) to focus on the current management of acute haemorrhages and long term prophylaxis, surgical interventions, and pregnancy/delivery in patients with RIBD.

Reproductive health and hemostatic issues in women and girls with congenital factor VII deficiency: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an inherited bleeding disorder, with heterogenous bleeding symptoms. Women with FVII deficiency face hemostatic challenges during menstruation, ovulation, and childbirth. This systematic review evaluated prevalence and management of bleeding symptoms associated with gynecological and obstetric issues in women with FVII deficiency.

METHODS

Databases (BIOSIS Previews, Current Contents Search, Embase, and MEDLINE) were searched for studies reporting FVII deficiency and gynecological or obstetric issues in women. Articles were screened using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and relevant data extracted.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen women were identified from 62 publications. Forty-six women had severe deficiency (FVII:C < 5% or <5 IU/dl). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was the most common bleeding symptom (n = 94; 82%); hospitalization and urgent medical/surgical interventions for acute HMB episodes were required in 16 women (14%). Seven women reported ovarian bleeding (6%); other bleeding symptoms varied. Patient management was inconsistent and included hemostatic and hormonal treatments. Only four women (7%) reporting vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurred following 12/45 deliveries (27%; 5 [42%] requiring blood transfusion) and was not necessarily prevented by prophylaxis (8 women).

CONCLUSION

Women with congenital FVII deficiency have an increased risk of HMB, ovarian bleeding, and PPH, impacting quality of life. Recognition of a bleeding disorder as the cause is often delayed. Management of bleeding complications is heterogeneous due to lack of treatment guidelines. Harmonizing severity classification of FVII deficiency may help standardize treatment strategies and development of specific guidelines for these women.

Inhibitor in Congenital Factor VII Deficiency; a Rare but Serious Therapeutic Challenge-A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Congenital factor (F) VII deficiency is a rare coagulation factor deficiency with an estimated incidence of 1 per 500,000 individuals. Patients with severe FVII deficiency present a broad range of clinical presentations. Alloimmunization against exogenous FVII, as the main challenge of replacement therapy, is an extremely rare phenomenon that is accompanied by a high rate of life-threatening bleeding, that renders replacement therapy less effective. Due to the importance of the issue, we performed a systematic literature review in order to assess incidence, molecular basis, clinical presentations, and therapeutic challenge and management of inhibitor in congenital FVII deficiency. Strategy of search: This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We performed an English-language literature review in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: “factor VII inhibitor”, “factor VII inhibitors”, “FVII inhibitors”, “congenital FVII deficiency”, “recombinant factor VII”, “anti rFVIIa”, “replacement therapy”, and “alloantibody”. Results: Out of 380 patients in the 13 studies, 27 had inhibitor against FVII; 18 were male, 7 were female, while the sex of 2 was not stated. The majority (92%) developed a high-titer inhibitor (Bethesda Unit > 5). All patients had severe FVII deficiency (FVII:C < 10%), and the majority received recombinant FVII prior to inhibitor development (N: 24, 89%). Among ten patients with a detected mutation, three subjects had a common non-sense (30%), and two had a deletion (20%). Conclusions: Inhibitor development is a relatively rare phenomenon seen only in severe FVII deficiency, where it is associated with severe and life-threatening presentations, treatment challenge, and economic burden on the patients and their families.

Intracranial bleeding following soccer-related head trauma in a young student with occult factor VII deficiency

It is important to obtain coagulation tests to assess bleeding risk in trauma patients undergoing emergency surgery when a bleeding disorder may be obscured. Identifying specific clotting factor defects is critical in successful patient management.

Pharmacological management of rare coagulation factor deficiencies besides hemophilia

INTRODUCTION

Rare coagulation factor deficiencies are less-known disorders with variable effects on the patient's life. Management of such patients is a challenge due to the paucity of evidence-based data, more so when patients with these rare disorders encounter a more rare, related condition, like inhibitor development or thrombosis.

AREA COVERED

A comprehensive literature search related to RCFDs and management was performed in PubMed in order to discuss therapeutic options and challenges, prophylaxis, management of minor and major surgeries, obstetric and gynecological complications, inhibitor development, and thrombosis.

EXPERT OPINION

Although significant changes have occurred in the management of RCFDs in recent years, more evidence-based studies besides expert opinion are needed for optimal management.

Management of pregnancy in women with factor VII deficiency: A case series

INTRODUCTION

Inherited factor VII deficiency is the most common autosomal recessive inherited bleeding disorder, with an estimated incidence of one per 500 000 cases in the general population. Bleeding manifestations correlate poorly with circulating FVII levels. During pregnancy, increases in FVII levels can occur in women with mild-moderate FVII deficiencies but not in those with severe deficiency.

AIM

We present five pregnant patients with FVII deficiency and describe the management during their pregnancies and peripartum periods.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of six pregnancies in five women with FVII deficiency followed during pregnancy and delivery at an academic medical centre between January 2013 and December 2019.

RESULTS

Of the five patients, two had severe, one with moderate and two with mild FVII deficiency. Early postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) occurred in two patients. One of the two severe FVII-deficient patients had PPH with a laceration at delivery despite replacement therapy with recombinant factor VII. The other PPH occurred in a patient with mild FVII deficiency who delivered twins by caesarean section under general anaesthesia. Neuraxial anaesthesia was utilized in only one woman with mild deficiency whose FVII level normalized at the end of the pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of delivery for women with FVII deficiency should be addressed on a case-by-case basis at centres with expertise in rare bleeding disorders, maternal foetal medicine and obstetric anaesthesiology. These management discussions should factor the patient's bleeding history, third trimester PT, FVII level, multiple gestation and mode of delivery.

Clinical problems and surgical interventions in inherited factor VII deficiency

Aim:

Factor VII deficiency is one of the hereditary coagulation disorders that has autosomal reccessive inheritance and is observed relatively frequently (1/500 000). It is clinically heterogeneous, and may be asymptomatic or lead to life-threatening bleeding. Thus, there is no correlation between FVII activity and clinical findings. Plasma-derived and recombinant FVII concentrates are currently used for treatment. In countries where access to these products is lacking, fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrates are also used, though they contain low amounts of factor FVII. In this study, we present the clinical properties, treatments, and surgical interventions used in patients followed up in our clinic with a diagnosis of factor FVII deficiency.

Material and Methods:

Patients who were diagnosed as FVII deficiency in Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology between July 1997 and July 2018, were included in the study. The patients’ demographic characteristics, symptoms at presentation, PT, aPTT, and FVII values, types of bleeding, and treatments and surgical interventions used, were recorded. The bleedings observed in the patients were classified by severity as asymptomatic, minor, and major.

Results:

A total of 18 patients (7 girls and 11 boys) with a mean age of 9.64±9.63 years were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was found as 78.06±54.4 months. When the bleedings were classified clinically, no bleeding was observed in eight patients (44.4%). The factor FVII level was found as <10% in three of these eight asymptomatic patients and above 20% in the others. Minor bleeding was observed in nine patients (50%) and major bleeding was observed in one patient. When the patients were classified as asymptomatic and symptomatic, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of FVII level (p=0.57). A total of 21 surgical interventions were performed in 14 (78%) of 18 patients who were being followed up.

Conclusion:

FVII deficiency has a very wide spectrum both clinically and in terms of approach to surgical interventions. Therefore, patients with factor FVII deficiency should be followed up and treated by comprehensive care centers with close collaboration of multiple disciplines.

An overview of inherited factor VII deficiency

Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is the most common of the Rare Inherited Coagulation Disorders. The inheritance is autosomal recessive but there is variable penetrance. Overall there is poor correlation between the FVII level and the bleeding phenotype. Heterozygotes may have significant bleeding and severe homozygotes, or compound heterozygotes can be asymptomatic. Typically, homozygotes have FVII levels <10% and heterozygotes have levels above that. In most cases bleeding is uncommon with FVII levels>10-20%. A personal and family history is essential to determine the bleeding risk and to plan for surgical and obstetrical prophylaxis. Severe bleeding complications including central nervous system bleeding, gastrointestinal system bleeding and bleeding into the joints occurs in 10-15% of FVII deficient patients. Mucocutaneous bleeding is a common symptom but 30% of patients are asymptomatic. Fifty to 69% of women have heavy menstrual bleeding. Due to the limited number of publications regarding this rare disorder there are no consensus guidelines. There is registry data which has led to the best recommendations for treatment of bleeding episodes, initiation of long-term prophylaxis in addition to surgical plus ante and peripartum prophylaxis. Recombinant FVII concentrate is the best replacement therapy and a review of treatment and prophylaxis dosing is discussed.

Inhibitor development in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency, a study on 50 Iranian patients

: Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 per 500 000 in the general population. On-demand replacement therapy is the main therapeutic choice in patients with congenital FVII deficiency. Inhibitor formation against exogenous FVII is very rare and can cause challenges in the management of the disorder. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of FVII inhibitor in 50 patients with congenital FVII deficiency under on-demand or prophylaxis treatment by recombinant activated FVII. All patients with confirmed congenital FVII deficiency were assessed for inhibitor development in regular intervals. Inhibitor titer was determined by a modified Nijmegen-Bethesda assay. The study results were analyzed by SPSS software. Among all cases, two patients (4%) developed an FVII inhibitor. Case 1 was a 14-year-old boy with severe FVII deficiency (FVII activity <1%) with regular prophylaxis. The patient was a high-responder with high-titer FVII inhibitor (170 Bethesda Unit). This patient, who had a history of intracranial hemorrhage, had undergone brain surgery three times. The second patient was a 70-years old man with on-demand therapy that also developed a high-titer inhibitor (10 Bethesda Unit). This patient had experienced easy bruising and endured a few surgeries for his brain tumor and, finally, succumbed to the disease. Although the inhibitor formation is a rare phenomenon, it may result in a significant challenge to manage the affected patients.

Phenotypical variability in congenital FVII deficiency follows the ISTH-SSC severity classification guidelines: a review with illustrative examples from the clinic

Background

One of the most common rare inherited bleeding disorders, congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency typically has a milder bleeding phenotype than other rare bleeding disorders. Categorizing severity in terms of factor activity associated with hemophilia (severe <1%, moderate 1%–5%, mild 6%–40%) has led to the observation that bleeding phenotype does not follow closely with FVII activity. Over the past decade, large-scale global registries have investigated bleeding phenotype more thoroughly. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has reclassified FVII deficiency as follows: severe, FVII <10%, risk of spontaneous major bleeding; moderate, FVII 10%–20%, risk of mild spontaneous or triggered bleeding; mild, FVII 20%–50%, mostly asymptomatic disease.

Case reports

Eleven illustrative cases of congenital FVII deficiency adapted from clinical practice are described to demonstrate the variability in presentation and in relation to FVII activity levels. Severe FVII deficiency usually presents at a young age and carries the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, hemarthrosis, and other major bleeds. Moderate FVII deficiency tends to present later, often in adolescence and particularly in girls as they reach menarche. Milder disease may not be apparent until found incidentally on preoperative testing, during pregnancy/childbirth, or following unexplained bleeding when faced with hemostatic challenges.

Conclusion

It is important for health care professionals to be aware of the new definitions of severity and typical presentations of congenital FVII deficiency. Failure to appreciate the risks of major bleeding, including intracerebral hemorrhage in those with FVII activity <10%, may put particularly young children at risk.

Recurrent Bleedings in Newborn: A Factor VII Deficiency Case Report

Background: Major hemorrhages in newborns can be caused by several conditions, and knowledge of the differential diagnosis is essential in order to ensure prompt recognition and appropriate treatment. Case Report: We describe the case of a male newborn experiencing recurrent hemorrhages from the first days of life. Laboratory findings showed normal platelet count, hepatic function, and C-reactive protein. Coagulation tests detected an isolated prothrombin time (PT) prolongation and severe factor VII (FVII) deficiency. Conclusion: Inherited FVII deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, and bleeding severity is not directly related to FVII levels. Acute bleeding episodes can be treated with human plasma-derived FVII (pdFVII) or recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa). In case of severe deficiency, prophylaxis must be evaluated. Awareness of this condition is crucial in order to establish prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Bleeding symptoms at disease presentation and prediction of ensuing bleeding in inherited FVII deficiency

Individuals with inherited factor VII (FVII) deficiency display bleeding phenotypes ranging from mild to severe, with 30% of patients having always been asymptomatic (non-bleeding). In 626 FVII-deficient individuals, by analysing data from the International Factor VII (IF7) Registry and the Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry (STER), we determined whether bleeding type at disease presentation and FVII coagulant activity (FVIIc) predict ensuing bleeds. At disease presentation/diagnosis, 272 (43.5%) individuals were non-bleeding, 277 (44.2%) had minor bleeds, and 77 (12.3%) had major bleeds. During a median nine-year index period (IP) observation, 87.9% of non-bleeding individuals at presentation remained asymptomatic, 75.1% of minor-bleeders had new minor bleeds, and 83.1% of major-bleeders experienced new major bleeds. After adjusting for FVIIc levels and other clinical and demographic variables, the relative risk (RR) for ensuing bleedings during the IP was 6.02 (p <0.001) and 5.87 (p <0.001) in individuals presenting with major and minor bleeds, respectively. Conversely, compared to non-bleeding individuals, a 10.95 (p = 0.001) and 28.21 (p <0.001) RR for major bleedings during the IP was found in those with minor and with major bleeds at presentation, respectively. In conclusion, in FVII deficiency, the first major bleeding symptom is an independent predictor of the risk of subsequent major bleeds.

Factor VII Deficiency: Clinical Phenotype, Genotype and Therapy

Factor VII deficiency is the most common among rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorders, and is a chameleon disease due to the lack of a direct correlation between plasma levels of coagulation Factor VII and bleeding manifestations. Clinical phenotypes range from asymptomatic condition—even in homozygous subjects—to severe life-threatening bleedings (central nervous system, gastrointestinal bleeding). Prediction of bleeding risk is thus based on multiple parameters that challenge disease management. Spontaneous or surgical bleedings require accurate treatment schedules, and patients at high risk of severe hemorrhages may need prophylaxis from childhood onwards. The aim of the current review is to depict an updated summary of clinical phenotype, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of inherited Factor VII deficiency.

Factor VII Deficiency: From Basics to Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Patient Management

Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare inheritable bleeding disorder affecting 1/500 000 individuals. Clinical manifestations are heterogeneous, from asymptomatic to severe and potentially fatal bleeding. These clinical manifestations do not correlate well with FVII plasma levels. For this reason, FVII-deficient patient management during surgery or for long-term prophylaxis remains challenging. Laboratory testing for FVII activity is, however, the first-line method for FVII deficiency diagnosis and is helpful for managing patients in combination with clinical history. Additional testing consists of FVII immunoassay and genetic testing. Genetic abnormalities on the FVII gene are heterogeneous and can translate into quantitative or qualitative defects. Some of the latter can react differently with different thromboplastins; this can be misleading for the laboratory as no consensus exists at present on an FVII deficiency diagnosis methodology. Indeed, no single test is able to predict accurately the bleeding risk. This review provides a broad picture of inherited and acquired FVII deficiency with a particular focus on laboratory diagnosis.

Inhibitor development after liver transplantation in congenital factor VII deficiency

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is the commonest type of the rare bleeding disorders. Very few cases of congenital FVII deficiency developed inhibitor and liver transplant is considered as definitive treatment. In the literature, twelve patients with congenital FVII deficiency developed inhibitors. Two had spontaneous resolution of inhibitors and one did not respond to high dose recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) and died. Regarding liver transplant in congenital FVII patients, seven patients underwent liver transplant with good prognosis. We report a 5-year-old girl with confirmed severe congenital FVII deficiency since neonatal period. She suffered from recurrent intracranial bleeding despite rFVIIa replacement. After auxiliary liver transplant at the age of 4, she continued to show persistent deranged clotting profile and was found to have inhibitor towards FVII. Interestingly, she was still responsive to rFVIIa replacement.

Women with congenital factor VII deficiency: clinical phenotype and treatment options from two international studies

INTRODUCTION

A paucity of data exists on the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of bleeding in women with inherited factor VII (FVII) deficiency.

AIM

Here we report results of a comprehensive analysis from two international registries of patients with inherited FVII deficiency, depicting the clinical picture of this disorder in women and describing any gender-related differences.

METHODS

A comprehensive analysis of two fully compatible, international registries of patients with inherited FVII deficiency (International Registry of Factor VII deficiency, IRF7; Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry, STER) was performed.

RESULTS

In our cohort (N = 449; 215 male, 234 female), the higher prevalence of mucocutaneous bleeds in females strongly predicted ensuing gynaecological bleeding (hazard ratio = 12.8, 95% CI 1.68-97.6, P = 0.014). Menorrhagia was the most prevalent type of bleeding (46.4% of patients), and was the presentation symptom in 12% of cases. Replacement therapies administered were also analysed. For surgical procedures (n = 50), a receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the minimal first dose of rFVIIa to avoid postsurgical bleeding during the first 24 hours was 22 μg kg(-1) , and no less than two administrations. Prophylaxis was reported in 25 women with excellent or effective outcomes when performed with a total weekly rFVIIa dose of 90 μg kg(-1) (divided as three doses).

CONCLUSION

Women with FVII deficiency have a bleeding disorder mainly characterized by mucocutaneous bleeds, which predicts an increased risk of ensuing gynaecological bleeding. Systematic replacement therapy or long-term prophylaxis with rFVIIa may reduce the impact of menorrhagia on the reproductive system, iron loss and may avoid unnecessary hysterectomies.

Eptacog alfa activated: a recombinant product to treat rare congenital bleeding disorders

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) and congenital factor VII deficiency (FVII CD) are rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorders: GT is the most frequent congenital platelet function disorder, and FVII CD is the most common factor-deficiency disease after haemophilia. The frequency of these disorders in the general population ranges from 1:500,000 to 1:2,000,000. Because GT and FVII CD are both rare, registries are the only approach possible to allow the collection and analysis of sufficient observational data. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, eptacog alfa activated) is indicated for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes and for surgery coverage in patients with GT who are refractory to platelets and have antiplatelet or anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, and for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients with FVII CD. This article summarises published data on the mechanism of action and use of rFVIIa in these disorders from two international, prospective, observational registries: the Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Registry (GTR) for GT; and the Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry (STER) for FVII CD. Haemostatic effectiveness rates with rFVIIa were high across all patients with GT and those with FVII CD, and treatment with rFVIIa in the GTR and STER registries was well tolerated. The GTR and the STER are the largest collections of data in GT and FVII CD, respectively, and have expanded our knowledge of the management of these two rare bleeding disorders.

A rare combination: congenital factor VII deficiency with Chiari malformation

Congenital factor (VII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder. We present a patient with congenital FVII deficiency and congenital hydrocephalus who underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation and needed no prophylaxis after the procedure.

A Comparison of Efficacy Between Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Aryoseven) and Novoseven in Patients With Hereditary FVIII Deficiency With Inhibitor

Introduction:

This study compared the efficacy of Aryoseven with Novoseven to control bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors.

Methods:

Sixty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups, with 4 consecutive block randomization. These groups received Aryoseven and Novoseven dosages of 90 to 120 μg/kg intravenously every 2 hours.

Results:

Median (interquartile range) level of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor in groups A and B was 15.0 and 19.0 Bethesda Unit (BU) preadministration. Bleeding onset in group A was 1246 ± 1104 minutes and in group B was 2301 ± 1693 minutes ( P = .311). The Kavakli global response scores and treatment success rate was comparable in both the groups. The side effects in groups A (9.7%) and B (2.9%) were comparable.

Conclusion:

Biosimilar recombinant activated FVII is found to be as effective as Novoseven in the treatment of acute joint bleeding in patients with hemophilia with inhibitors. Its usage will decrease the gaps in hemophilia.

A Comparison Between Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Aryoseven) and Novoseven in Patients With Congenital Factor VII Deficiency

In order to establish the efficacy and biosimilar nature of AryoSeven to NovoSeven in the treatment of congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, patients received either agent at 30 μg/kg, intravenously per week for 4 weeks, in a randomized fashion. The primary aim was to compare FVII:coagulation activity (FVII:C), 20 minutes after recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa) injection, in the 2 groups. A secondary measure was self-reported bleeding. The median interquartile baseline range of the plasma level of activated FVII (FVIIa) activity in the 2 groups was 1.6 (1.1-14.0) IU/dL and 5.0 (1.1-25.5) IU/dL. All patients achieved levels of FVIIa (FVII:C) >30 IU/dL, 20 minutes after the injection of rFVIIa. Bleeding was similar between the 2 groups, with a comparable decrease in severity and frequency compared to the last month prior to treatment. AryoSeven is similar to NovoSeven in increasing postinjection FVIIa activity as well as in clinical safety and efficacy.

Prophylaxis in congenital factor VII deficiency: indications, efficacy and safety. Results from the Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry (STER)

Because of the very short half-life of factor VII, prophylaxis in factor VII deficiency is considered a difficult endeavor. The clinical efficacy and safety of prophylactic regimens, and indications for their use, were evaluated in factor VII-deficient patients in the Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry. Prophylaxis data (38 courses) were analyzed from 34 patients with severe factor VII deficiency (<1-45 years of age, 21 female). Severest phenotypes (central nervous system, gastrointestinal, joint bleeding episodes) were highly prevalent. Twenty-one patients received recombinant activated factor VII (24 courses), four received plasma-derived factor VII, and ten received fresh frozen plasma. Prophylactic schedules clustered into "frequent" courses (three times weekly, n=23) and "infrequent" courses (≤ 2 times weekly, n=15). Excluding courses for menorrhagia, "frequent" and "infrequent" courses produced 18/23 (78%) and 5/12 (41%) "excellent" outcomes, respectively; relative risk, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-3.79; P=0.079. Long term prophylaxis lasted from 1 to >10 years. No thrombosis or new inhibitors occurred. In conclusion, a subset of patients with factor VII deficiency needed prophylaxis because of severe bleeding. Recombinant activated factor VII schedules based on "frequent" administrations (three times weekly) and a 90 μg/kg total weekly dose were effective. These data provide a rationale for long-term, safe prophylaxis in factor VII deficiency.