Prothrombin complex concentrates: an update

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate versus Fresh Frozen Plasma in Adult Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) are commonly used to manage bleeding in patients during cardiac surgery. However, the relative efficacy and safety of these 2 strategies remain uncertain.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for studies comparing PCC and FFP in patients who underwent cardiac surgery complicated by bleeding. Review Manager (RevMan) ver. 5.4 (Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration) was used for statistical analysis. Binary and continuous outcomes were compared using pooled risk ratios and mean differences, respectively. The meta-analysis protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under protocol number CRD42022379144.

Results

We included 8 studies with 1,500 patients, of whom 613 (40.9%) received PCC. The mean follow-up period ranged from 28 to 90 days. The PCC group had significantly lower chest tube drainage at 24 hours (mean difference [MD], -148.50 mL; 95% CI, -253.02 to -43.99 mL; p=0.005; I2=42%). Fewer units of red blood cells (RBCs) were transfused within the first 24 hours (MD, -1.02 units; 95% CI, -1.81 to -0.24 units; p=0.01; I2=56%), and fewer patients required RBC transfusion within the first 24 hours (risk ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.93; p<0.007; I2=45%) in the PCC group. There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes. Nonetheless, a subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials failed to corroborate the results obtained from the main analysis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PCC can be effective, without increased adverse events, when compared with FFP in patients undergoing cardiac surgery complicated by bleeding.

Correction of haemorrhagic shock-associated coagulopathy and impaired haemostasis by plasma, prothrombin complex concentrates or an activated protein C-targeted DNA aptamer in mice

Even with extensive transfusion support, trauma-induced bleeding often leads to death. Early intervention may improve outcomes, yet which blood products, factor concentrates, or other drugs constitute optimal treatment is unclear. Patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC), arising from trauma and haemorrhagic shock, have the worst prognosis. Here, multiple interventions were compared in a mouse model of ATC. After the trauma of tissue excision, anaesthetized mice were bled to 35 mm Hg mean arterial pressure, maintained under shock for 60 min, and resuscitated with fluids equal in volume to the shed blood. Resuscitated mice were subjected to liver laceration to test haemostasis and blood loss was quantified. Saline-treated mice lost two- to three-fold more blood than sham-treated animals and were coagulopathic by prothrombin time elevation post- versus pre-procedure. Murine fresh-frozen plasma (mFFP), anti-activated protein C aptamer HS02-52G, or prothrombin complex concentrates eliminated the bleeding diathesis and coagulopathy; fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, or tranexamic acid ameliorated bleeding or coagulopathy, but not both. HS02-52G and mFFP also eliminated the changes in plasma aPC and tissue plasminogen activator levels observed in saline-treated mice, as judged via microtiter plate biomarker assays. Procoagulant interventions, especially inhibiting aPC, could be beneficial in human ATC.

Reduced Time to Procedure for Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Warfarin Reversal With Four-Factor Complex Concentrate as Compared to Plasma

Background

Bleeding is a serious adverse effect of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Anticoagulation reversal is required in some acute cases. This is usually accomplished by plasma transfusion or four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the clinical course of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding who require VKA reversal.

Methods

Medical records were collected from two centers from patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) for GI bleeding and received 4F-PCC or plasma for VKA reversal between January 2015 and December 2020. ED, hospital, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) as well as time from admission to GI procedure were determined.

Results

4F-PCC patients (n = 49) as compared to plasma (n = 63) patients were found to have a greater number of comorbidities (average of 4.2 vs. 2.7 comorbidities/patient) and more ICU admissions (47% vs. 21%). Time to GI procedure was significantly decreased in the 4F-PCC group (median (interquartile range (IQR)) 19.47 (9.23 - 30.25) vs. 27.88 (21.38 - 45.00) h; P = 0.01). When adjusting for comorbidities, differences in time to GI procedures were also significant in favor of 4F-PCC regardless of any comorbidities (P = 0.014), in atrial fibrillation (P = 0.045) and in hypertension (P = 0.02). The 4F-PCC patients had shorter LOS in the ED and ICU.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that compared to plasma, 4F-PCC was utilized in more acutely ill patients with higher rates of comorbidities and ICU admission. Nevertheless, the patients who received 4F-PCC had faster access to GI procedure and shorter ED and ICU LOS.

Perioperative prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen administration are associated with thrombotic complications after liver transplant

BACKGROUND

Use of intraoperative prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) and fibrinogen concentrate administration has been linked to thrombotic events. However, it is unknown if its use is associated with thrombotic events after liver transplant.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of a prospectively conducted registry database study on patients who underwent liver transplant between 2004 and 2017 at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the association between PCC and fibrinogen concentrate administration and thrombotic complications.

RESULTS

Data from 939 transplantations were included in the analysis. Perioperative PCC or fibrinogen administration was independently associated with the primary composite endpoint Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), Portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and inferior vena cava thrombosis [adjusted HR: 2.018 (1.174; 3.468), p = 0.011]. PCC or fibrinogen administration was associated with the secondary endpoints 30-day mortality (OR 4.225, p < 0.001), graft failure (OR 3.093, p < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss, red blood cell concentrate, fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusion, longer hospitalization, and longer length of stay in intensive care units (ICUs) (all p < 0.001). PCC or fibrinogen administration were not associated with pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, or deep vein thrombosis within 30 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of established strategies in coagulation management during liver transplantation is warranted. Perioperative caregivers should exercise caution when administering coagulation factor concentrate during liver transplant surgery. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to establish causality for the relationship between coagulation factors and thrombotic events in liver transplantation. Further studies should be tailored to identify patient subgroups that will likely benefit from PCC or fibrinogen administration.

Non-Cryoprecipitation Separation of Coagulation FVIII and Prothrombin Complex Proteins by Pseudoaffinity Calcium Elution Chromatography Using Anion Exchange Resin

Hemophilia A is treated with human plasma coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy and Hemophilia B with coagulation factor IX, which is purified from prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). In this paper we evaluated the separation of FVIII and PCC by directly loading raw thawed plasma to an anion exchange resin (AEX). Under this relatively high ionic strength, most of the plasma proteins such as albumin, immunoglobulins and others were not adsorbed. Five resins commonly used in protein purification (plasma fractionation) were tested. With all resins, PCC was eluted by pseudoaffinity in a calcium gradient step. Afterwards, FVIII could be recovered with a good yield and high purification factor in the salt gradient step with 400–500 mM NaCl. Using ANX Sepharose FF and Q Sepharose FF, the CaCl₂ elution step was introduced after the intermediate wash with 200 mM NaCl, whereas using DEAE Sepharose FF, Fractogel EMD TMAE and Fractogel EMD DEAD, PCC eluted after the wash of the unbound proteins. Our results indicate that three important fractions: (1) albumin, immunoglobulin etc.; (2) PCC; and (3) FVIII can be separated in one chromatographic AEX column and the delicate and troublesome cryoprecipitation can be eliminated, making the purification of blood products faster and cheaper.

PROTHROMBIN COMPLEX CONCENTRATE IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Coagulation abnormalities are common in bleeding or critically ill patient and hemostatic management remains a major challenge for the emergency physician. Management of bleeding patients consists of bleeding control, restoration of blood volume, and correction of any associated coagulopathy. Traditionally, the fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used for correction of coagulopathy to manage and prevent bleeding, but today Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) offer an attractive alternative because they offers a number of advantages over FFP, including lower infusion volume, rapid INR normalization, faster availability, lack of blood group specificity, and better safety profile. The aim of the present review is to provide an short overview about using PCC, their indication, efficacy and safety in different bleeding setting's.

Decision-Making Process for the Management of Acute Stroke in Patients on Oral Anticoagulant: From Guidelines to Clinical Routine

Background: The occurrence of both ischaemic (IS) and haemorrhagic stroke in patients on anticoagulation is a major issue due to the frequency of their prescriptions in westernised countries and the expected impact of anticoagulant activity on recanalization during an IS or on the outcomes associated with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Several guidelines are available but sometimes differ in their conclusions or regarding specific issues, and their application in routine emergency settings may be limited by particular individual issues or heterogeneous local specificities. Methods: Based on the current guidelines and additional published data, the algorithms proposed in this paper aim to help the decision-making process regarding stroke management in the setting of concurrent anticoagulants by addressing specific clinical situations based on clinical variables commonly encountered in real-world practise. Results: For patients on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants, reversion can be achieved with specific antidotes, but only idarucizumab, the specific dabigatran antidote, is indicated in both IS and ICH. Due to the low risk of a prothrombotic effect, idarucizumab can be immediately used in IS patients eligible for thrombolysis before the dabigatran concentration is known. To optimise ICH management, the time since symptom onset, with thresholds proposed at 6 and 9 hours based on the expected timing of haematoma expansion, could also to be taken into account. Conclusions: Anticoagulant reversal in patients presenting with a stroke remains a major issue, and algorithms based on a step-by-step approach may be useful for clinical practise. Real-life studies strongly support the benefits of idarucizumab availability in stroke units and emergency departments.

Management of Coagulopathy in Bleeding Patients

Early recognition of coagulopathy is necessary for its prompt correction and successful management. Novel approaches, such as point-of-care testing (POC) and administration of coagulation factor concentrates (CFCs), aim to tailor the haemostatic therapy to each patient and thus reduce the risks of over- or under-transfusion. CFCs are an effective alternative to ratio-based transfusion therapies for the correction of different types of coagulopathies. In case of major bleeding or urgent surgery in patients treated with vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) can effectively reverse the effects of the anticoagulant drug. Evidence for PCC effectiveness in the treatment of direct oral anticoagulants-associated bleeding is also increasing and PCC is recommended in guidelines as an alternative to specific reversal agents. In trauma-induced coagulopathy, fibrinogen concentrate is the preferred first-line treatment for hypofibrinogenaemia. Goal-directed coagulation management algorithms based on POC results provide guidance on how to adjust the treatment to the needs of the patient. When POC is not available, concentrate-based management can be guided by other parameters, such as blood gas analysis, thus providing an important alternative. Overall, tailored haemostatic therapies offer a more targeted approach to increase the concentration of coagulation factors in bleeding patients than traditional transfusion protocols.

Andexanet versus prothrombin complex concentrates: Differences in reversal of factor Xa inhibitors in in vitro thrombin generation

BACKGROUND

Andexanet alfa (andexanet) is a modified human factor Xa (FXa) approved for anticoagulation reversal in patients with life-threatening bleeding treated with rivaroxaban or apixaban. Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4F-PCCs) are approved for reversal of vitamin K antagonist-induced anticoagulation but not FXa inhibitors. The mechanism and effectiveness of 4F-PCCs for FXa inhibitor reversal are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism and impact of 4F-PCCs on reversal of rivaroxaban and apixaban in vitro compared to andexanet.

METHODS

The effect of 4F-PCCs (or individual factors) on tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation (TF-TG) was evaluated in human plasma, with or without rivaroxaban or apixaban, and compared with andexanet under the same conditions.

RESULTS

In the TF-TG assay, 4F-PCC completely reversed warfarin anticoagulation. Andexanet normalized TF-TG over a wide range of apixaban and rivaroxaban concentrations tested (19-2000 ng/mL). However, 4F-PCC (or individual factors) was unable to normalize endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) or peak thrombin (Peak) in the presence of apixaban or rivaroxaban (75-500 ng/mL). TF-TG was only normalized by 4F-PCC at inhibitor concentrations <75 ng/mL (ETP) or <37.5 ng/mL (Peak). These data can be explained by the estimated thresholds of FXa activity required to support normal TF-TG based on the inhibitor:FXa ratios and levels of uninhibited FXa. The data are consistent with healthy volunteer studies where TF-TG is not normalized until inhibitor levels are substantially decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the theoretical calculations and experimental data demonstrated that 4F-PCCs are only able to normalize TG over a low and narrow range of FXa inhibitor concentrations (<75 ng/mL).

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Liver Transplant Surgery: Correction of Therapeutic Anticoagulation and the Coagulopathy of End-Stage Liver Disease: Case Series

Suggested treatment for active bleeding or invasive procedure prophylaxis has been described in the setting of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) in patients not receiving anticoagulation, and has included fresh frozen plasma (FFP), prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC), platelets, and cryoprecipitate. Today, the therapy for pharmacologically anticoagulated patients with ESLD presenting for liver transplant surgery remains controversial, poorly studied, and physician-dependent. We observed a variety of treatments administered at initiation of liver transplantation to correct acquired coagulopathy at our leading transplant center and present these cases. Three patients receiving preoperative therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin for acute deep venous thrombosis and/or atrial fibrillation were transfused PCC, FFP, and/or cryoprecipitate for liver or liver-kidney transplant surgery. No thrombotic complications occurred, and one patient required reoperation for hemorrhage. We report data from these cases including estimated blood loss, presence of complications, duration of ICU stay, and length of hospitalization. Perioperative orthotopic liver transplant hematologic management and a review of relevant literature is presented.

Effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate for the treatment of bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is increasingly being used as a treatment for major bleeding in patients who are not taking anticoagulants. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of PCC administration for the treatment of bleeding in patients not taking anticoagulants. Studies investigating the effectivity of PCC to treat bleeding in adult patients and providing data on either mortality or blood loss were eligible. Data were pooled using Mantel-Haenszel random effects meta-analysis or inverse variance random effects meta-analysis. From 4668 identified studies, 17 observational studies were included. In all patient groups combined, PCC administration was not associated with mortality (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-1.06; P = .13; I2  = 0%). However, in trauma patients, PCC administration, in addition to fresh frozen plasma, was associated with reduced mortality (odds ratio = 0.64; CI, 0.46-0.88; P = .007; I2  = 0%). PCC administration was associated with a reduction in blood loss in cardiac surgery patients (mean difference: -384; CI, -640 to -128, P = .003, I2  = 81%) and a decreased need for red blood cell transfusions when compared with standard care across a wide range of bleeding patients not taking anticoagulants (mean difference: -1.80; CI, -3.22 to -0.38; P = .01; I2  = 92%). In conclusion, PCC administration was not associated with reduced mortality in the whole cohort but did reduce mortality in trauma patients. In bleeding patients, PCC reduced the need for red blood cell transfusions when compared with treatment strategies not involving PCC. In bleeding cardiac surgery patients, PCC administration reduced blood loss.

Pickles and warfarin interaction: a case-based review

A 36-year-old woman with a history of lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome controlled by warfarin presented to the hospital with left periorbital ecchymosis. She was found to have an INR of 9 despite maintaining her normal warfarin dose of 12.5 mg/15 mg alternating qd. The only identifiable precipitating factor was that the patient recently stopped eating dill pickles. Limiting dietary vitamin K while on warfarin therapy was once considered best practice. However, studies have demonstrated that maintaining a consistent intake of vitamin K is more important than the quantity. Still, many patients on warfarin remain unaware of which foods contain large amounts of vitamin K and are, therefore, susceptible to bleeding sequelae. Practitioners should be educated to inform patients to consume a steady amount of vitamin K in their diet, identify which foods contain vitamin K, and include pickles on that list.

Management of oral anticoagulants prior to emergency surgery or with major bleeding: A survey of perioperative practices in North America: Communication from the Scientific and Standardization Committees on Perioperative and Critical Care Haemostasis and Thrombosis of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis

BACKGROUND

There is limited information on real-world practice versus current clinical practice guidelines for oral anticoagulant reversal before emergency surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To identify current practice/knowledge gaps for oral anticoagulant reversal emergency surgery among anesthesiologists.

METHODS

A 22-question survey covering aspects of clinical practice relating to oral anticoagulant reversal was sent to American Society of Anesthesiology members with weekly reminders during data collection from October to December 2018.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 2315 anesthesiologists of which 86% of respondents were United States based. Emergency surgery was defined as occurring within 4 hours of the decision to operate by 60% of respondents. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was used by 75% of respondents for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) reversal and by 54% for direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) reversal in emergency surgery and 67% in major operative bleeding. Only 32% of institutions had emergency anticoagulant reversal protocols, and 54% of respondents selected an international normalized ration (INR) ratio goal for VKA reversal of ≤1.5. Only 13% initially consulted or coordinated management with hematologists, and the final decision regarding coagulation management was made by the respondent in 26% of cases. A coordinated approach with hematologists and cardiologists was reported by 64%, and over half (51%) required approval for prothrombin complex concentrate administration for emergency procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recommendations to the contrary, FFP is extensively used for emergency VKA and DOAC reversal. There is a clear need for institutions to develop guideline-informed recommendations/management algorithms based on input from medical professionals routinely involved in management of these patients.

Transfusion strategies in patients with cirrhosis

Bleeding related to portal hypertension and coagulopathy is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. Complications and management of bleeding is a significant source of healthcare cost and utilization, as well as morbidity and mortality. Due to the scarcity of evidence surrounding transfusion strategies and hemostatic interventions in patients with cirrhosis, there has been significant debate regarding the best practice. Emerging data suggest that evidence supporting transfusion of packed red blood cells to a hemoglobin threshold of 7-8 g/dL is strong. thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists have shown promise in increasing platelet levels and reducing transfusions preprocedurally, although have not specifically been found to reduce bleeding risk. Data for viscoelastic testing (VET)-guided transfusions appear favorable for reducing blood transfusion requirements prior to minor procedures and during orthotopic liver transplantation. Hemostatic agents such as recombinant factor VIIa, prothrombin complex concentrates, and tranexamic acid have been examined but their role in cirrhotic patients is unclear. Other areas of growing interest include balanced ratio and whole blood transfusion. In the following manuscript, we summarize the most up to date evidence for threshold-guided, VET-guided, balanced-ratio, and whole blood transfusions as well as the use of hemostatic agents in cirrhotic patients to provide practice guidance to clinicians.

Genetic analysis of a compound heterozygous patient with congenital factor X deficiency and regular replacement therapy with a prothrombin complex concentrate

Congenital factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with an incidence of one in one million. The proband, a 2-year-old girl, exhibited easy bruising and a history of umbilical cord bleeding at birth. Prothrombin time (> 40 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time (65.0 s) were prolonged. Marked declines in FX activity (< 1%) and FX antigen levels (5%) were also observed. Genetic analysis of the proband identified two types of single-base substitutions, c.353G>A (p.Gly118Asp) and c.1303G>A (p.Gly435Ser), indicating compound heterozygous congenital FX deficiency. Genetic analysis of family members revealed that her father and older sister (5-year-old) were also heterozygous for p.Gly118Asp, and that her mother was heterozygous for p.Gly435Ser. To improve the bleeding tendency, the proband received regular replacement of 500 units of PPSB-HT, a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Following continued regular replacement of 500 units of PPSB-HT once per week, the proband has exhibited no bleeding tendencies and no new bruises have been observed. There are no previous report of the use of PPSB-HT for regular FX replacement. Regular replacement therapy with PPSB-HT may be an effective method for preventative control of bleeding tendencies in FX deficiency.

Prothrombin, alone or in complex concentrates or plasma, reduces bleeding in a mouse model of blood exchange-induced coagulopathy

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) are fractionated plasma protein drugs that reverse warfarin anticoagulation. PCC may control more general bleeding. We sought to identify the dominant procoagulant factor in PCC in vivo. We tested PCC or coagulation factor (F) treatment in CD1 mice made coagulopathic by exchange of whole blood for washed red cells. Anesthetized mice were transfused with murine fresh-frozen plasma (mFFP), PCC, mixtures of human vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDP) (prothrombin, FVII, FIX, or FX), or purified single human VKDP, immediately prior to tail transection (TT), liver laceration (LL), or intravascular laser injury (ILI). Plasma donor mice were treated with vehicle or control antisense oligonucleotide (ASO-CON) or ASO specific for prothrombin (FII) (ASO-FII) to yield mFFP or ASO-CON mFFP or ASO-FII mFFP. Blood losses were determined spectrophotometrically (TT) or gravimetrically (LL). Thrombus formation was quantified by intravital microscopy of laser-injured arterioles. PCC or four factor- (4F-) VKDP or prothrombin significantly reduced bleeding from TT or LL. Omission of prothrombin from 4F-VKDP significantly reduced its ability to limit bleeding. Mice transfused with ASO-FII mFFP demonstrated inferior haemostasis versus those transfused with ASO-FII following TT, LL, or ILI. Prothrombin is the dominant procoagulant component of PCC and could limit bleeding in trauma.

European Stroke Organisation Guideline on Reversal of Oral Anticoagulants in Acute Intracerebral Haemorrhage

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation guideline document is to provide clinically useful evidence-based recommendation on reversal of anticoagulant activity VKA (warfarin, phenprocoumon and acenocoumarol), direct factor II (thrombin) inhibitors (dabigatran etexilat) and factor-Xa-inhibitors (apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban) in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage. The guideline was prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure for a European Stroke Organisation guideline document and according to GRADE methodology. As a basic principle, we defined use of oral anticoagulation pragmatically: oral anticoagulation use is assumed by positive medical history unless relevant anticoagulant activity is regarded unlikely by medical history or has been ruled out by laboratory testing. Overall, we strongly recommend using prothrombin complex over no treatment and fresh-frozen plasma in patients on VKA plus vitamin K. We further strongly recommend using idarucizumab in patients on dabigatran and make a recommendation for andexanet alfa in patients on rivaroxaban and apixaban over no treatment. We make a weak recommendation on using high-dose prothrombin complex concentrate (50 IU/kg) for all patients taking edoxaban and for patients on rivaroxaban or apixaban in case andexanet alfa is not available. We recommend against using tranexamic acid and rFVIIa, outside of trials. The presented treatment recommendations aim to normalise coagulation, there is no or only indirect data on effects on functional outcome or mortality, and only little data from randomised controlled trials.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrates for Coagulopathy in Liver Disease: Single-Center, Clinical Experience in 105 Patients

Patients with liver disease frequently develop coagulopathy, and fresh frozen plasma is traditionally used for correction of coagulopathy to manage and prevent bleeding. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) offer an attractive alternative because they are more readily available and avoid large-volume transfusion. This retrospective, single-center study reviewed clinical use of PCC in patients with acute/chronic liver disease. A total of 105 patients with 194 episodes of PCC administration were reviewed. Data pertaining to indication, dosing, effectiveness, and safety were collected. The effect of PCC on coagulation was analyzed in patients for whom coagulation results were available 7 hours before and after PCC. Data on thromboembolic events and mortality within 4 weeks of PCC administration were captured. Most patients (77%) had chronic liver disease; the remainder had acute liver failure. Indications for PCC were preprocedure prophylaxis and treatment for active/recent bleeding in 48% and 52% of 194 treatment episodes, respectively. The median dose of PCC administered was 22 IU/kg (interquartile range, 16-29 IU/kg). Before PCC administration, 45% of patients had an international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 2.0, and 36% had fibrinogen levels of at least 1.5 g/L. PCC produced statistically significant reductions in prothrombin time and INR (coadministration with fibrinogen or cryoprecipitate: 3.1 versus 1.9; P < 0.001; no coadministration: 2.3 versus 1.8; P < 0.001). Three patients with multiple risk factors developed thrombotic events (hepatic artery thrombosis, incidental bilateral pulmonary embolism, nonocclusive portal vein thrombosis); there were no cardiovascular or cerebrovascular adverse events. Overall, 46 patients died of causes unrelated to PCC treatment. Conclusion: In patients with liver disease, PCC therapy was effective in improving coagulation test results without an excess of thrombotic events. Further assessment of PCC as hemostatic therapy in this setting is required.

Hemostatic Agents in Critically Ill Patients

How to cite this article: Das SK, Reddy MM, Ray S. Hemostatic Agents in Critically Ill Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(Suppl 3):S226–S229.

Utility of 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Trauma and Acute-Care Surgical Patients

Context

Since 2013, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCCs) have been approved in the United States for the reversal of anticoagulation induced by vitamin K antagonists. However, there has been limited investigation into their use in trauma and acute-care surgery (ACS).

Objective

To investigate the role that 4-factor PCC may have in reversing anticoagulation in the setting of trauma and ACS.

Methods

All trauma and ACS patients who presented between March 14, 2014, and August 1, 2015, were included in this retrospective descriptive analysis. Patients receiving 4-factor PCC were compared with patients receiving fresh frozen plasma (FFP) alone. The following data were collected from medical records: age, sex, race, international normalized ratio (INR) at admission (baseline) and after reversal, blood products given, dosing of medication, injury severity score, length of stay, thromboembolic event, death during admission, and death within 90 days after admission.

Results

There were 188 trauma and ACS patients who required reversal of anticoagulation. Of these, 98 patients received FFP and 90 received PCC. Patients who received PCC were at increased risk for death during admission (20% vs 9.2% for FFP group) or within 90 days (39% vs 15%, respectively). Patients in the PCC group had a higher median baseline INR (2.9 vs 2.5 in the FFP group) and a lower postintervention INR (1.4 vs 1.8); consequently, the decrease in INR was greater in the PCC group than in the FFP group (1.5 vs 0.7, respectively). The number of total units of packed red blood cells transfused was significantly higher in patients receiving PCC.

Conclusion

Patients receiving PCC had worse outcomes than those who received FFP. Given that these differences may have resulted from baseline differences between groups, these results mandate further prospective analysis of the use of PCC in trauma and ACS patients.

Prothrombin complex concentrate versus placebo, no intervention, or other interventions in critically bleeding patients associated with oral anticoagulant administration: a protocol for a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute critical bleeding is one of the most feared complications during treatment with oral anticoagulating agents. As more patients undergo treatment with anticoagulating agents, critically bleeding episodes in patients with vitamin K antagonists, thrombin inhibitor, or factor Xa inhibitor-inducted coagulopathy will be encountered frequently by physicians. Hence, an effective treatment capable of reversing the iatrogenic coagulopathy in the acute setting is needed. In randomised clinical trials and observational studies, prothrombin complex concentrate has been reported to be superior to other acute interventions, and many guidelines recommend prothrombin complex concentrate in treatment of critically bleeding patients. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the evidence of the effects of prothrombin complex concentrate compared with placebo, no intervention, or other treatment options in critically bleeding patients treated with oral anticoagulants.

METHODS/DESIGN

A comprehensive search for relevant published literature will be undertaken in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Science Citation Index, regulatory databases, and trial registers. We will include randomised clinical trials comparing prothrombin complex concentrate versus placebo, no intervention, or other interventions in critically bleeding patients with oral anticoagulant-induced coagulopathy. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be handled by two independent review authors. Meta-analysis will be performed as recommended by Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, bias will be assessed with domains, and trial sequential analysis will be conducted to control random errors. Certainty will be assessed by GRADE.

DISCUSSION

As critical bleeding in patients treated with oral anticoagulants is an increasing problem, an up-to-date systematic review evaluating the benefits and harms of prothrombin complex concentrate is urgently needed. It is the hope that this review will be able to guide best practice in treatment and clinical research of these critically bleeding patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018084371.

Is Coagulopathy an Appropriate Therapeutic Target During Critical Illness Such as Trauma or Sepsis?

Coagulopathy is a common and vexing clinical problem in critically ill patients. Recently, major advances focused on the treatment of coagulopathy in trauma and sepsis have emerged. However, the targeting of coagulopathy with blood product transfusion and drugs directed at attenuating the physiologic response to these conditions has major potential risk to the patient. Therefore, the identification of coagulopathy as a clinical target is an area of uncertainty and controversy. To analyze the state of the science regarding coagulopathy in critical illness, a symposium addressing the problem was organized at the 39th annual meeting of the Shock Society in the summer of 2016. This manuscript synthesizes the viewpoints of the four expert panelists at the debate and presents an overview of the potential positive and negative consequences of targeting coagulopathy in trauma and sepsis.

Benefits and harms of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for reversal of vitamin K antagonist associated bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is used for reversal of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with bleeding complications. This study aims to assess benefits and harms of 4-factor PCC compared to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or no treatment in VKA associated bleeding. PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched from 1945 to August 2015. Studies reporting 4-factor PCC use for VKA associated bleeding and providing data on INR normalization, mortality or thromboembolic (TE) complications were eligible. Two authors screened titles and full articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Mortality data were pooled using Mantel–Haenszel random effects meta-analysis. Nineteen studies were included (N = 2878); 18 cohort studies and one RCT. Six studies had good methodological quality, 9 moderate and 4 poor. Baseline INR values ranged from 2.2 to >20. The INR within 1 h after PCC administration ranged from 1.4 to 1.9, and after FFP administration from 2.2 to 12. PCC reduced the time to reach INR correction in comparison with FFP or no treatment. The observed mortality rate ranged from 0 to 43% (mean 17%) in the PCC, 4.8–54% (mean 16%) in the FFP and 23–69% (mean 51%) in the no treatment group. Meta-analysis of mortality data resulted in an OR of 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–1.5) for PCC versus FFP and an OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.13–1.3) for PCC versus no treatment. TE complications were observed in 0–18% (mean 2.5%) of PCC and in 6.4% of FFP recipients. Four-factor PCC is an effective and safe option in reversal of VKA bleeding events.

Retrospective Review of a Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (Beriplex P/N) for the Management of Perioperative Bleeding Unrelated to Oral Anticoagulation

A multicenter, retrospective, observational study of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and/or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) use within routine clinical care unrelated to vitamin K antagonists was conducted. The PCC was administered preprocedure for correction of coagulopathy (prophylactic cohort) and treatment of bleeding postsurgery (treatment cohort). Of the 445 patients included, 40 were in the prophylactic cohort (PCC alone [n = 16], PCC and FFP [n = 5], FFP alone [n = 19]) and 405 were in the treatment cohort (PCC alone [n = 228], PCC and FFP [n = 123], FFP alone [n = 54]). Cardiovascular surgery was the most common setting. PCC doses ranged between 500 and 5000 IU. Effectiveness (assessed retrospectively) was reported as effective in 93.0% in the PCC-only group (95% confidence interval, 89.1% to 95.9%), 78.9% (70.8% to 85.6%) with PCC and FFP, and 86.3% (76.2% to 93.2%) with FFP alone. In the treatment cohort, international normalized ratio was significantly reduced in all 3 groups. In patients who received PCC, the rate of thromboembolic events (1.9%) was below rates in the literature for similar procedures. PCCs offer a potential alternative to FFP in the management of perioperative bleeding unrelated to oral anticoagulant therapy.

Activated Factor 7 Versus 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Critical Bleeding Post–Cardiac Surgery

Background: Recombinant and plasma-derived factor products, such as activated factor seven (rFVIIa) and four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4-factor PCC), have been used off-label for bleeding after cardiac surgery, but little evidence has been published regarding their efficacy and safety. Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in chest tube output in patients who have received 4-factor PCC or rFVIIa for critical postoperative bleeding associated with cardiovascular surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted utilizing the electronic medical record system at a 657-bed community, tertiary care hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Nonpregnant patients ≥18 years of age experiencing significant bleeding during cardiac surgery who received either PCC or rFVIIa perioperatively or postoperatively between April 2015 through December 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they received 4-factor PCC or rFVIIa for any indication other than bleeding during cardiac surgery or if they received both agents. Results: Data conclude that there is no significant difference in chest tube output 24 hours postoperatively between patients treated with 4-factor PCC or rFVIIa. There was no difference in bleeding, thromboembolic events, or re-exploration between the rFVIIa and 4-factor PCC groups, but there was a difference in units of fresh frozen plasma administered and hospital length of stay. Conclusion: 4-Factor PCC may be an equally efficacious alternative to rFVIIa for patients experiencing significant bleeding during cardiac surgery. There is no difference in chest tube output; therefore, there is no difference in bleeding—either at 24 hours postoperatively or total.

Clinical outcome of patients with a vitamin K antagonist-associated bleeding treated with prothrombin complex concentrate

BACKGROUND

Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are used for the treatment of thromboembolism. Patients with severe VKA-associated bleeding require immediate restoration of haemostasis. Clinical studies on the effect of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) are heterogeneous with respect to outcome of bleeding.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients treated with PCC for VKA-associated bleeding.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study of consecutive patients who received PCC for VKA-related bleeding in five Dutch hospitals. Data were collected by chart review on the bleeding event, international normalized ratio (INR), haemostatic efficacy, thromboembolic (TE) complications, and mortality. The primary outcome was effective haemostasis, assessed by an adaptation of the Sarode criteria with a surrogate outcome for patients with ICH without repeat CT.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were included. Mean age was 74 years, 54% were male and 79% received VKA for atrial fibrillation. Most patients presented with ICH (41%) or GI bleeding (36%). Effective haemostasis was achieved in 67/98 (68%) patients using the adapted classification. Surrogate outcomes were applied for 32 patients and data for two patients was missing. Median pre-treatment INR was 3.9 (IQR 2.9-5.8). One hour after PCC infusion, the INR was available for 50 patients and of these, 35 (70%) had an INR ≤1.4. TE complications occurred in five patients and 22 died (60% bleeding-related) within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

PCC achieved effective haemostasis in 68% of evaluable patients with VKA-associated bleeding. TE complication rates were low, but mortality rates were high, due to the large number of patients with ICH.

Rationale and design of a phase III safety trial of idarucizumab in children receiving dabigatran etexilate for venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children has been increasing. Anticoagulants are the mainstay of treatment but are associated with bleeding events that may be life-threatening. Idarucizumab is a fragment antigen-binding (fab) that provides immediate, complete, and sustained reversal of dabigatran's anticoagulant effects in adults.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

This phase III, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, multinational trial will assess the safety of idarucizumab in children participating in two ongoing trials investigating dabigatran etexilate. Eligible patients will be children with VTE (aged 0-≤18 years; n = ~5) with life-threatening or uncontrolled bleeding (group A), and children who require emergency surgery/urgent procedures for a condition other than bleeding (group B). Patients will receive idarucizumab up to 5 g as two consecutive intravenous infusions over 5-10 minutes each, as two 10-15-minute drips or as two bolus injections (15 minutes apart) and will be monitored for 30 days. The primary endpoint will be the safety of idarucizumab assessed by the occurrence of drug-related adverse events (including immune reactions) and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints will be the reversal of dabigatran anticoagulant effects assessed by changes in diluted thrombin time and ecarin clotting time, time to achieve complete reversal and the duration of the reversal and bleeding severity (group A). The formation of antidrug antibodies at 30 days post-dose and cessation of bleeding will also be assessed.

CONCLUSION

This study will report the safety of idarucizumab in children with VTE who require rapid reversal of the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran. Clinical trial registration: NCT02815670.

Rendering factor Xa zymogen-like as a therapeutic strategy to treat bleeding

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

New therapies are needed to control bleeding in a range of clinical conditions. This review will discuss the biochemical properties of zymogen-like factor Xa, its preclinical assessment in different model systems, and future development prospects.

RECENT FINDINGS

Underlying many procoagulant therapeutic approaches is the rapid generation of thrombin to promote robust clot formation. Clinically tested prohemostatic agents (e.g., factor VIIa) can provide effective hemostasis to mitigate bleeding in hemophilia and other clinical situations. Over the past decade, we explored the possibility of using zymogen-like factor Xa variants to rapidly improve clot formation for the treatment of bleeding conditions. Compared to the wild-type enzyme, these variants adopt an altered, low activity, conformation which enables them to resist plasma protease inhibitors. However, zymogen-like factor Xa variants are conformationally dynamic and ligands such as its cofactor, factor Va, stabilize the molecule rescuing procoagulant activity. At the site of vascular injury, the variants in the presence of factor Va serve as effective prohemostatic agents. Preclinical data support their use to stop bleeding in a variety of clinical settings. Phase 1 studies suggest that zymogen-like factor Xa is safe and well tolerated, and a phase 1b is ongoing to assess safety in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

SUMMARY

Zymogen-like factor Xa is a unique prohemostatic agent for the treatment of a range of bleeding conditions.

Appropriate timing to start and optimal response evaluation of high-dose corticosteroid therapy for patients with acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroid therapy has been commonly administered to patients with acute liver injury (ALI)/acute liver failure (ALF) in Japan to prevent the development of hepatic encephalopathy, but the appropriate timing to start corticosteroid therapy has not been determined and optimal response evaluation of the therapy has not been conducted. We prospectively investigated the optimal timing to start therapy on the established severity indication: the Japan Hepatic Encephalopathy Prediction Model (JHEPM) and prothrombin time (PT).

METHODS

This prospective observational study enrolled 469 patients with ALI/ALF from 2004 to 2015. We evaluated 44 patients with ALF on high-dose corticosteroid therapy before hepatic coma development. The predictive performance for coma development was assessed using the receiver operator curve method in both PT and JHEPM probability the day before administering high-dose corticosteroid therapy.

RESULTS

Among these patients, nine developed hepatic coma after the therapy. Selection bias was adjusted using propensity score method. High-dose corticosteroid therapy tended to decrease the risk of coma development although there was no statistical significance. The cut-off value of 53%, 1.95, and 39% in JHEPM probability, PT-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), and PT activity, respectively, showed high sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the appropriate timing to start high-dose corticosteroid therapy in patients with ALI/ALF; 40% of JHEPM probability, 1.53 of PT-INR, and 52% of PT because these values were theoretically discriminated at 98% coverage to the patients with coma. Because the study contained selection bias, the appropriate timing for therapy should be confirmed in a future prospective study.

Effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in neonates and infants with bleeding or risk of bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in neonates and infants, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis based on current evidence. Quality of studies was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. For dichotomous data, we obtained the number of events and total number and calculated the relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). For continuous variables, we obtained mean and standard deviation (SD) values and calculated mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. We identified six trials and two cohort studies. For trials, selection bias and performance bias were high, while detection bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias were relatively low. For cohort studies, selection bias was low. Both individual studies and meta-analysis failed to find any benefit of PCC on mortality. Meta-analysis also failed to show any benefit in reducing intracranial hemorrhage. The effectiveness of PCC on the correction of hemostatic defects was inconsistent among studies. In addition, PCC was not more effective than fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in correcting hemostatic defects.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence to allow a recommendation for use of PCC in neonates and infants. What is Known: • Prothrombin Complex Concentrate is becoming increasingly used off-label for treatment of neonates and infants with severe bleeding or risk of severe bleeding. • Some case reports showed PCC seemed to be effective for infants and children with coagulation factor deficiency, but evidence about the effectiveness of PCC to reverse serious Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding is limited. What is New: • As far as we know, this is the first systematic review that evaluates the effectiveness of PPC in neonates with bleeding or risk of bleeding. • There is insufficient evidence to allow a recommendation for use of PCCs in neonates and infants.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrates for Bleeding in the Perioperative Setting

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) contain vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) and are marketed as 3 or 4 factor-PCC formulations depending on the concentrations of factor VII. PCCs rapidly restore deficient coagulation factor concentrations to achieve hemostasis, but like with all procoagulants, the effect is balanced against thromboembolic risk. The latter is dependent on both the dose of PCCs and the individual patient prothrombotic predisposition. PCCs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the reversal of vitamin K antagonists in the setting of coagulopathy or bleeding and, therefore, can be administered when urgent surgery is required in patients taking warfarin. However, there is growing experience with the off-label use of PCCs to treat patients with surgical coagulopathic bleeding. Despite their increasing use, there are limited prospective data related to the safety, efficacy, and dosing of PCCs for this indication. PCC administration in the perioperative setting may be tailored to the individual patient based on the laboratory and clinical variables, including point-of-care coagulation testing, to balance hemostatic benefits while minimizing the prothrombotic risk. Importantly, in patients with perioperative bleeding, other considerations should include treating additional sources of coagulopathy such as hypofibrinogenemia, thrombocytopenia, and platelet disorders or surgical sources of bleeding. Thromboembolic risk from excessive PCC dosing may be present well into the postoperative period after hemostasis is achieved owing to the relatively long half-life of prothrombin (factor II, 60-72 hours). The integration of PCCs into comprehensive perioperative coagulation treatment algorithms for refractory bleeding is increasingly reported, but further studies are needed to better evaluate the safe and effective administration of these factor concentrates.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants: Practical Considerations for Emergency Medicine Physicians

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation- (NVAF-) related stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are cardiovascular diseases associated with significant morbidity and economic burden. The historical standard treatment of VTE has been the administration of parenteral heparinoid until oral warfarin therapy attains a therapeutic international normalized ratio. Warfarin has been the most common medication for stroke prevention in NVAF. Warfarin use is complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, unpredictable dose response, numerous food and drug interactions, and requirements for frequent monitoring. To overcome these disadvantages, direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs)—dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban—have been developed for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolic events (SEE) in patients with NVAF and for the treatment of VTE. Advantages of DOACs include predictable pharmacokinetics, few drug-drug interactions, and low monitoring requirements. In clinical studies, DOACs are noninferior to warfarin for the prevention of NVAF-related stroke and the treatment and prevention of VTE as well as postoperative knee and hip surgery VTE prophylaxis, with decreased bleeding risks. This review addresses the practical considerations for the emergency physician in DOAC use, including dosing recommendations, laboratory monitoring, anticoagulation reversal, and cost-effectiveness. The challenges of DOACs, such as the lack of specific laboratory measurements and antidotes, are also discussed.

Efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrates for the emergency reversal of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation

Dabigatran is effective in decreasing the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, like all anticoagulants, it is associated with a risk of bleeding. In cases of trauma or emergency surgery, emergency reversal of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation may be required. A specific reversal agent for dabigatran, idarucizumab, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Alternative reversal agents are available, such as prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) and activated PCCs (aPCCs). In this review we evaluate the role of PCCs and aPCCs in the reversal of dabigatran anticoagulation and consider which tests are appropriate for monitoring coagulation in this setting. Pre-clinical studies, small clinical studies and case reports indicate that PCCs and aPCCs may be able to reverse dabigatran-induced anticoagulation in a dose-dependent manner. However, dosing based on coagulation parameters can be difficult because available assays may not provide adequate sensitivity and specificity for measuring anticoagulation induced by dabigatran or the countering effects of PCCs/aPCCs. In addition, PCCs or aPCCs can potentially provoke thromboembolic complications. Despite these limitations and the fact that PCCs and aPCCs are not yet licensed for dabigatran reversal, their use appears to be warranted in patients with life-threatening haemorrhage if idarucizumab is not available.

Safety and efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrate as first-line treatment in bleeding after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Bleeding after cardiac surgery requiring surgical reexploration and blood component transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) has been used satisfactorily in bleeding disorders, studies on its efficacy and safety after cardiopulmonary bypass are limited.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and December 2013, 3454 consecutive cardiac surgery patients were included in an observational study aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of PCC as first-line coagulopathy treatment as a replacement for fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Starting in January 2012, PCC was introduced as solely first-line treatment for bleeding following cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

After one-to-one propensity score-matched analysis, 225 pairs of patients receiving PCC (median dose 1500 IU) and FFP (median dose 2 U) were included. The use of PCC was associated with significantly decreased 24-h post-operative blood loss (836 ± 1226 vs. 935 ± 583 ml, p < 0.0001). Propensity score-adjusted multivariate analysis showed that PCC was associated with significantly lower risk of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (odds ratio [OR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.80), decreased amount of RBC units (β unstandardised coefficient -1.42, 95% CI -2.06 to -0.77) and decreased risk of transfusion of more than 2 RBC units (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38-0.73). Patients receiving PCC had an increased risk of post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02-2.05) and renal replacement therapy (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.13-9.90). Hospital mortality was unaffected by PCC (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.84-2.72).

CONCLUSIONS

In the cardiac surgery setting, the use of PCC compared with FFP was associated with decreased post-operative blood loss and RBC transfusion requirements. However, PCC administration may be associated with a higher risk of post-operative AKI.

Budget impact analysis of warfarin reversal therapies among hip fracture patients in Finland

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures require operation within 36-48 h, and they are most common in the elderly. A high International Normalized Ratio should be corrected before surgery. In the current study, we analyzed the budget impact of various warfarin reversal approaches.

METHODS

Four reversal strategies were chosen for the budget impact analysis: the temporary withholding of warfarin, administration of vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and a four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC).

RESULTS

We estimated that, annually, 410 hip fracture patients potentially require warfarin reversal in Finland. The least costly treatment was vitamin K, which accounted for €289,000 in direct healthcare costs, and the most costly treatment option was warfarin cessation, which accounted for €1,157,000. In the budget impact analysis, vitamin K, PCC and FFP would be cost-saving to healthcare compared with the current treatment mix.

CONCLUSION

The various warfarin reversal strategies have different onset times, which may substantially impact the subsequent healthcare costs.

Plasma Exchange for Urgent Apixaban Reversal in a Case of Hemorrhagic Tamponade after Pacemaker Implantation

We report the case of an 82-year-old man in whom hemorrhagic pericardial effusion occurred one week after pacemaker implantation, while he was taking apixaban. Few therapies exist for reversing the anti-Xa effect of apixaban. To reverse anticoagulation, our patient underwent plasma exchange, which facilitated pericardiocentesis and prevented possible surgical intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of plasmapheresis to reverse the anticoagulant effect of apixaban.

Prothrombin complex concentrate for reversal of vitamin K antagonist treatment in bleeding and non-bleeding patients

BACKGROUND

Treatment with vitamin K antagonists is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Reversal therapy with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is used increasingly and is recommended in the treatment of patients with bleeding complications undertaking surgical interventions, as well as patients at high risk of bleeding. Evidence is lacking regarding indication, dosing, efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the benefits and harms of PCC compared with fresh frozen plasma in the acute medical and surgical setting involving vitamin K antagonist-treated bleeding and non-bleeding patients. We investigated various outcomes and predefined subgroups and performed sensitivity analysis. We examined risks of bias and applied trial sequential analyses (TSA) to examine the level of evidence, and we prepared a 'Risk of bias' table to test the quality of the evidence.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases from inception to 1 May 2013: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE (Ovid SP); EMBASE (Ovid SP); International Web of Science; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (via BIREME); the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; advanced Google and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). We applied a systematic and sensitive search strategy to identify relevant randomized clinical trials and imposed no language or date restrictions. We adapted our MEDLINE search strategy for searches in all other databases. We reran the search in October 2014 and found one potential new study of interest. We added this study to a list of 'Studies awaiting classification', and we will incorporate this study into the formal review findings at the time of the review update.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of publication status, date of publication, blinding status, outcomes published or language. We contacted investigators and study authors to request relevant data.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently abstracted data and resolved disagreements by discussion. Our primary outcome measures were 'overall mortality longest follow-up' and 'overall 28-day mortality'. We performed subgroup analyses to assess the effects of PCC in adults in terms of various clinical and physiological outcomes. We presented pooled estimates of the effects of interventions on dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs), and on continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed risk of bias by assessing trial methodological components and risk of random error through TSA.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four RCTs with a total of 453 participants and determined that none of these trials had overall low risk of bias. We found six ongoing trials from which we were unable to retrieve further data. Three trials provided data on mortality. Meta-analysis showed no statistical effect on overall mortality (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.33; very low quality of evidence). We were unable to associate use of PCC with the number of complications probably related to the intervention (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.09; very low quality of evidence). Lack of transfusion data and apparent differences in study design prevented review authors from finding a beneficial effect of PCC in reducing the volume of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfused to reverse the effect of vitamin K antagonist treatment. The number of new occurrences of transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) did not seem to be associated with the use of PCC (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.43; very low quality of evidence). Still, the included studies demonstrate the possibility of equally reversing vitamin K-induced coagulopathy using PCC without the need for transfusion of FFP. No effect on other predefined outcomes was observed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In the four included RCTs, use of prothrombin complex concentrate does not appear to reduce mortality or transfusion requirements but demonstrates the possibility of reversing vitamin K-induced coagulopathy without the need for transfusion of fresh frozen plasma. All included trials have high risk of bias and are underpowered to detect mortality, benefit or harm. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity is high, and definitions of clinically important outcomes such as adverse events are highly dissimilar between trials. Only weak observational evidence currently supports the use of PCC in vitamin K antagonist-treated bleeding and non-bleeding patients, and the current systematic review of RCTs does not support the routine use of PCC over FFP. Additional high-quality research is urgently needed.

Perioperative neonatal and paediatric blood transfusion

Paediatric patients undergoing surgical procedures commonly require some volume of blood or blood component replacement in the perioperative period. Paediatric patients undergoing major surgery associated with substantial blood loss should be evaluated pre-operatively. Pre-operative correction of anaemia may be done considering the age, plasma volume status, clinical status and comorbidities. Maximum allowable blood loss (MABL) for surgery must be calculated, and appropriate quantity of blood and blood components should be arranged. Intraoperative monitoring of blood loss should be done, and volume of transfusion should be calculated in a protocol based manner considering the volemia and the trigger threshold for transfusion for the patient and the MABL. Early haemostasis should be achieved by judicious administration of red blood cells, blood components and pharmacological agents.

Managing a Rivaroxaban Bleed: Understanding the Difficulties in Acute Reversal of the New Oral Anticoagulants through a Case Report

With the arrival of a new generation of oral anticoagulants significant burdens associated with warfarin's use on both the patient and the healthcare system have been alleviated. Nevertheless, a shortfall exists in regard to an agent or protocol for reversal of these new anticoagulants in the setting of an acute bleed. Our case of a patient presenting to the hospital with a vaginal bleed while on rivaroxaban highlights the difficulty in management without a clear protocol or agent for reversal of anticoagulation.

Endogenous thrombin potential following hemostatic therapy with 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate: a 7-day observational study of trauma patients

Introduction

Purified prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is increasingly used as hemostatic therapy for trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). However, the impact of PCC administration on coagulation status among patients with TIC has not been adequately investigated.

Methods

In this observational, descriptive study, data relating to thrombin generation were obtained from plasma samples gathered prospectively from trauma patients upon emergency room (ER) admission and over the following 7 days. Standard coagulation tests, including measurement of antithrombin (AT) and fibrinogen, were performed. Three groups were investigated: patients receiving no coagulation therapy (NCT group), patients receiving fibrinogen concentrate only (FC group), and patients treated with PCC and fibrinogen concentrate (FC-PCC group).

Results

The study population (77 patients) was predominantly male (84.4%); mean age was 40 ± 15 years and mean injury severity score was 25.6 ± 12.7. There were no significant differences between the three study groups in thrombin-related parameters upon ER admission. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was significantly higher in the FC-PCC group compared with the NCT group on days 1 to 4 and the FC group on days 1 to 3. AT levels were significantly lower in the FC-PCC group from admission until day 3 (versus FC group) or day 4 (versus NCT group). Fibrinogen increased over time, with no significant between-group differences after ER admission. Despite ETP being higher, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly prolonged in the FC-PCC group from admission until day 3 to 4.

Conclusions

Treatment with PCC increased ETP for several days, and patients receiving PCC therapy had low AT concentrations. These findings imply a potential pro-thrombotic state not reflected by standard coagulation tests. This is probably important given the postoperative acute phase increase in fibrinogen levels, although studies with clinical endpoints are needed to ascertain the implications for patient outcomes. We recommend careful use of PCC among trauma patients, with monitoring and potentially supplementation of AT.

Transfusion and coagulation management in liver transplantation

There is wide variation in the management of coagulation and blood transfusion practice in liver transplantation. The use of blood products intraoperatively is declining and transfusion free transplantations take place ever more frequently. Allogenic blood products have been shown to increase morbidity and mortality. Primary haemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis are altered by liver disease. This, combined with intraoperative disturbances of coagulation, increases the risk of bleeding. Meanwhile, the rebalancing of coagulation homeostasis can put patients at risk of hypercoagulability and thrombosis. The application of the principles of patient blood management to transplantation can reduce the risk of transfusion. This includes: preoperative recognition and treatment of anaemia, reduction of perioperative blood loss and the use of restrictive haemoglobin based transfusion triggers. The use of point of care coagulation monitoring using whole blood viscoelastic testing provides a picture of the complete coagulation process by which to guide and direct coagulation management. Pharmacological methods to reduce blood loss include the use of anti-fibrinolytic drugs to reduce fibrinolysis, and rarely, the use of recombinant factor VIIa. Factor concentrates are increasingly used; fibrinogen concentrates to improve clot strength and stability, and prothrombin complex concentrates to improve thrombin generation. Non-pharmacological methods to reduce blood loss include surgical utilisation of the piggyback technique and maintenance of a low central venous pressure. The use of intraoperative cell salvage and normovolaemic haemodilution reduces allogenic blood transfusion. Further research into methods of decreasing blood loss and alternatives to blood transfusion remains necessary to continue to improve outcomes after transplantation.

Pathogen inactivation and removal methods for plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates

Pathogen safety is crucial for plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates used in the treatment of bleeding disorders. Plasma, the starting material for these products, is collected by plasmapheresis (source plasma) or derived from whole blood donations (recovered plasma). The primary measures regarding pathogen safety are selection of healthy donors donating in centers with appropriate epidemiologic data for the main blood-transmissible viruses, screening donations for the absence of relevant infectious blood-borne viruses, and release of plasma pools for further processing only if they are nonreactive for serologic markers and nucleic acids for these viruses. Despite this testing, pathogen inactivation and/or removal during the manufacturing process of plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates is required to ensure prevention of transmission of infectious agents. Historically, hepatitis viruses and human immunodeficiency virus have posed the greatest threat to patients receiving plasma-derived therapy for treatment of hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Over the past 30 years, dedicated virus inactivation and removal steps have been integrated into factor concentrate production processes, essentially eliminating transmission of these viruses. Manufacturing steps used in the purification of factor concentrates have also proved to be successful in reducing potential prion infectivity. In this review, current techniques for inactivation and removal of pathogens from factor concentrates are discussed. Ideally, production processes should involve a combination of complementary steps for pathogen inactivation and/or removal to ensure product safety. Finally, potential batch-to-batch contamination is avoided by stringent cleaning and sanitization methods as part of the manufacturing process.

Prothrombin complex concentrate in the reduction of blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation: PROTON-trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with cirrhosis, the synthesis of coagulation factors can fall short, reflected by a prolonged prothrombin time. Although anticoagulants factors are decreased as well, blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation can still be excessive. Blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation is currently managed by transfusion of red blood cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, and fibrinogen concentrate. Transfusion of these products may paradoxically result in an increased bleeding tendency due to aggravated portal hypertension. The hemostatic effect of these products may therefore be overshadowed by bleeding complications due to volume overload.In contrast to these transfusion products, prothrombin complex concentrate is a low-volume highly purified concentrate, containing the four vitamin K dependent coagulation factors. Previous studies have suggested that administration of prothrombin complex concentrate is an effective method to normalize a prolonged prothrombin time in patients with liver cirrhosis. We aim to investigate whether the pre-operative administration of prothrombin complex concentrate in patients undergoing liver transplantation for end-stage liver cirrhosis, is a safe and effective method to reduce perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a double blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled randomized trial.Cirrhotic patients with a prolonged INR (≥1.5) undergoing liver transplantation will be randomized between placebo or prothrombin complex concentrate administration prior to surgery. Demographic, surgical and transfusion data will be recorded. The primary outcome of this study is RBC transfusion requirements.

DISCUSSION

Patients with advanced cirrhosis have reduced plasma levels of both pro- and anticoagulant coagulation proteins. Prothrombin complex concentrate is a low-volume plasma product that contains both procoagulant and anticoagulant proteins and transfusion will not affect the volume status prior to the surgical procedure. We hypothesize that administration of prothrombin complex concentrate will result in a reduction of perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements. Theoretically, the administration of prothrombin complex concentrate may be associated with a higher risk of thromboembolic complications. Therefore, thromboembolic complications are an important secondary endpoint and the occurrence of this type of complication will be closely monitored during the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered at http://www.trialregister.nl with number NTR3174. This registry is accepted by the ICMJE.

Reversal of oral anticoagulation

Although the use of dabigatran and rivaroxaban are increasing, data on the reversal of their effects are limited. The lack of reliable monitoring methods and specific reversal agents renders treatment strategies empirical, and as a result, treatment consists mainly of supportive measures. Therefore, we performed a systematic search of the PubMed database to find studies and reviews pertaining to oral anticoagulation reversal strategies. This review discusses current anticoagulation reversal recommendations for the oral anticoagulants warfarin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban for patients at a heightened risk of bleeding, actively bleeding, or those in need of preprocedural anticoagulation reversal. We highlight the literature that shaped these recommendations and provide directions for future research to address knowledge gaps. Although reliable recommendations are available for anticoagulation reversal in patients treated with warfarin, guidance on the reversal of dabigatran and rivaroxaban is varied and equivocal. Given the increasing use of the newer agents, focused research is needed to identify effective reversal strategies and develop and implement an accurate method (assay) to guide reversal of the newer agents. Determining patient-specific factors that influence the effectiveness of reversal treatments and comparing the effectiveness of various treatment strategies are pertinent areas for future anticoagulation reversal research.

Serum proteomic signature of human chagasic patients for the identification of novel potential protein biomarkers of disease

Chagas disease is initiated upon infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the health consequences is a decline in heart function, and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this manifestation are not well understood. To explore the possible mechanisms, we employed IgY LC10 affinity chromatography in conjunction with ProteomeLab PF2D and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to resolve the proteome signature of high and low abundance serum proteins in chagasic patients. MALDI-TOF MS/MS analysis yielded 80 and 14 differentially expressed proteins associated with cardiomyopathy of chagasic and other etiologies, respectively. The extent of oxidative stress-induced carbonyl modifications of the differentially expressed proteins (n = 26) was increased and coupled with a depression of antioxidant proteins. Functional annotation of the top networks developed by ingenuity pathway analysis of proteome database identified dysregulation of inflammation/acute phase response signaling and lipid metabolism relevant to production of prostaglandins and arachidonic acid in chagasic patients. Overlay of the major networks identified prothrombin and plasminogen at a nodal position with connectivity to proteome signature indicative of heart disease (i.e., thrombosis, angiogenesis, vasodilatation of blood vessels or the aorta, and increased permeability of blood vessel and endothelial tubes), and inflammatory responses (e.g., platelet aggregation, complement activation, and phagocyte activation and migration). The detection of cardiac proteins (myosin light chain 2 and myosin heavy chain 11) and increased levels of vinculin and plasminogen provided a comprehensive set of biomarkers of cardiac muscle injury and development of clinical Chagas disease in human patients. These results provide an impetus for biomarker validation in large cohorts of clinically characterized chagasic patients.

Emergency reversal of anticoagulation with a three-factor prothrombin complex concentrate in patients with intracranial haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intracranial haemorrhage is a serious and potentially fatal complication of oral anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin complex concentrates can substantially shorten the time needed to reverse the effects of oral anticoagulants. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a prothrombin complex concentrate for rapid reversal of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with intracranial haemorrhage.

METHODS

Patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy and suffering from acute intracranial haemorrhage were eligible for this prospective cohort study if their International Normalised Ratio (INR) was higher than or equal to 2.0. The prothrombin complex concentrate was infused at doses of 35-50 IU/kg, stratified according to the initial INR.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (25 males; mean age: 75 years; range 38-92 years) were enrolled. The median INR at presentation was 3.5 (range, 2-9). At 30 minutes after administration of the prothrombin complex concentrate, the median INR was 1.3 (range, 0.9-3), and the INR then declined to less than or equal to 1.5 in 75% of patients. The benefit of the prothrombin complex concentrate was maintained for a long time, since the median INR remained lower than or equal to 1.5 (median, 1.16; range, 0.9-2.2) at 96% of all post-infusion time-points up to 96 hours. No thrombotic complications or significant adverse events were observed during hospitalisation; six patients (13%) died, but none of these deaths was judged to be related to administration of the prothrombin complex concentrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Prothrombin complex concentrates are an effective, rapid and safe treatment for the urgent reversal of oral anticoagulation in patients with intracranial haemorrhage. Broader use of prothrombin complex concentrates in this clinical setting appears to be appropriate.