Optimal Dosage and Administration Practices for Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal With 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate

Evaluation of modified fixed dose four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for warfarin reversal

Non-activated four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4 F-PCC) has emerged as the preferred reversal strategy for patients on warfarin with life-threatening bleeding. Current dosing recommendations for 4 F-PCC require pre-treatment international normalized ratio (INR) and bodyweight values, resulting in ordering and administration delays. Studies have shown that alternative dosing regimens are safe and efficacious. This retrospective, single-center, pre- and post-protocol analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy of a pharmacist driven modified fixed-dose 4 F-PCC regimen versus package insert weight- and INR-based dosing regimen for warfarin reversal. The primary outcome was achievement of INR less than two. Secondary outcomes included dose and cost of 4 F-PCC, a time analysis, incidence of concomitant vitamin K administration, and incidence of thrombosis within seven days of 4 F-PCC. There were 195 patients included in the analysis, with 74 in the pre-cohort and 121 in the post-cohort. Baseline characteristics were similar between cohorts with the most common indication for warfarin use being atrial fibrillation (48.6% versus 47.1%) and reversal being intracerebral hemorrhage (68.9% versus 43.0%). Achievement of the primary endpoint occurred in 92% versus 95% (p = 0.097) of patients. A statistically significant difference was seen between cohorts regarding median dose and cost of 4 F-PCC administered (p < 0.001). Eleven thromboembolic events occurred with three events in the pre-cohort and eight events in the post-cohort (p = 0.453). A fixed-dose of 1500IU of 4 F-PCC was effective in reversing INR to less than two in most patients regardless of reversal indication with minimal thrombotic risks.

Reversal of Oral Anticoagulants: A Survey of Contemporary Practice Trends (ReACT)

This study evaluated practice patterns and factors influencing treatment decisions regarding urgent or emergent reversal of oral anticoagulants (OACs). A 30-question survey was electronically distributed to anticoagulation members of the Anticoagulation Forum. Questions were designed to capture practice trends in the reversal of warfarin, factor Xa inhibitors, and factor IIa inhibitors. Continuous and categorical data were analyzed to generate descriptive statistics. Open-ended questions were summarized by thematic categories. 173 responses were collected most from US-based pharmacists with direct patient care responsibilities. The majority of the respondents' institutions (90.2%) utilized a guideline or protocol for OACs reversal. Vitamin K (91.3%), activated charcoal (80.4%), and fresh frozen plasma (72.8%) were the most common reversal agents on formulary without restrictions. Most institutions (87.0%) reported having 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) and idarucizumab on formulary, but most commonly (52.2%) with restrictions. Andexanet alfa was only reported on formulary at 35.9% of institutions. In contrast to current guideline recommendations, vitamin K (98.8%) was preferred over 4F-PCC and 4F-PCC (71.6%) was preferred over andexanet alfa as first-line agents used to reverse warfarin and factor Xa inhibitors, respectively. Weight-based dosing strategies for 4F-PCC were commonly utilized for different reversals (41.2%-59.4%). Cost, efficacy, and safety of 4F-PCC were identified as top facilitators and barriers for 4F-PCC adoption in practice. Our findings revealed that guideline recommendations for reversal of warfarin and factor Xa and IIa inhibitors are not followed by a majority of institutions. Studies are needed to investigate strategies to overcome barriers for implementing and following guideline recommendations.

Use of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Major Bleeding

Severe bleeding remains the most significant adverse effect associated with both warfarin and the direct oral anticoagulant agents. Due to the life-threatening nature of these bleeds, knowledge and understanding of agents that are able to rapidly overcome the anticoagulation effects of these medications is paramount to their use. Worldwide, the most commonly used agent for this indication is prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). This review summarizes the evidence on the use of PCC in this population and provides practical information regarding patient-specific administration considerations.