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

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

Acquired Isolated Factor VII Deficiency in Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: A Brief Presentation of Two Plasma-Cell-Leukemia-Related Cases and Review of Literature

Acquired isolated factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare but important discovery in patients with plasma cell disorders with significant therapeutic and prognostic implications. The present analysis and review of cases reported in the literature is intended to highlight disease-related characteristics associated with this rare clotting defect, clinical manifestations and outcome, and potential underlying mechanisms, and to provide guidance on how to manage these patients in terms of prophylactic and therapeutic measures. The discovery of acquired FVII deficiency in a patient with multiple myeloma (MM) or monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) should prompt an evaluation for AL amyloidosis, particularly for amyloid hepatosplenic involvement, whenever not previously documented. Acquired FVII deficiency in patients with MM and AL amyloidosis is frequently associated with severe bleeding diathesis, also related to a number of concomitant predisposing factors, adversely affecting the outcome. The prompt institution of a rapidly acting therapy is crucial to prevent severe bleeding complications and positively impact outcome. Recombinant activated factor VII (rVIIa) may represent a useful supportive care measure, both in treating active bleeding and in the peri-procedural setting. However, further clinical experience is needed to optimize the therapeutic management of this rare disorder.

Economic Evaluation of Immune Tolerance Induction in Children With Severe Hemophilia A and High-Responding Inhibitors: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Prophylaxis With Emicizumab

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to measure the cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis with emicizumab in PsHAhri on ITI in Brazil.

METHODS

A cost-effectiveness modeling analysis was used to estimate the costs per PsHAhri on ITI and the number of prevented bleedings from undertaking one intervention (prophylaxis with BpA) over another (prophylaxis with emicizumab), based on the Brazilian Ministry of Health perspective. Costs of ITI with recombinant FVIII, prophylaxis with BpA or emicizumab, and treated bleeding episodes with BpA costs were evaluated for PsHAhri who had ITI success or failure. This study was conducted with the perspective of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (payer).

RESULTS

During ITI, prophylaxis with BpA cost US $924 666/PsHAhri/ITI, whereas prophylaxis with emicizumab cost US $488 785/PsHAhri/ITI. During ITI, there was an average of 9.32 bleeding episodes/PsHAhri/ITI when BpA were used as prophylaxis and 0.67 bleeding/PsHAhri/ITI when emicizumab was used. By univariate deterministic sensitivity analysis, emicizumab remained dominant whichever variable was modified.

CONCLUSION

In this study, prophylaxis with emicizumab during ITI is a dominant option compared with prophylaxis with BpA during ITI.

Recombinant activated factor VII for hemostasis in patients undergoing complex ascending aortic surgery: A single-center, single-surgeon retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) to achieve hemostasis during cardiac surgery continues to be debated, as support for its efficacy and safety has not been consistent. We examined our experience with rFVIIa for achieving hemostasis in high-risk patients undergoing complex ascending aortic surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed patients who underwent complex ascending aortic surgery performed by a single surgeon (C. K. R.) from August 2014 to February 2019. Outcomes of patients who received rFVIIa were compared with those who did not.

RESULTS

Of 59 consecutive patients, 20 patients (33.9%) received rFVIIa, whereas 39 (66.1%) did not. Median dose was 45.4 mcg/kg. rFVIIa was administered intraoperatively to 95% of patients who received it. Most patients underwent combined aortic valve, ascending aorta, and aortic arch surgery (80.0% vs. 64.1%, p = .52). Patients receiving rFVIIa had longer mean cross clamp times (212 vs. 173 min, p = .03) and received a greater median number of intraoperative blood products (18.5 vs. 12.0, p < .001). The number of patients who needed postoperative products (75.0% vs. 60.5%, p = .39), the median number of blood products transfused postoperatively (2 vs. 2, p = .40), and chest tube output (1138 vs. 805 ml, p = .17) were similar between groups. In-hospital mortality was similar between groups (10.0% vs. 10.3%, p = 1.00). Incidences of postoperative stroke (10.0% vs. 13.5%, p = 1.00) and thromboembolic events (10.0% vs. 13.5%, p = 1.00) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of rFVIIa intraoperatively for refractory bleeding during complex ascending aortic surgery provided hemostasis without greater in-hospital mortality or a higher risk of stroke and thromboembolic events.

Clinical Strategies Against Early Hematoma Expansion Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Hematoma volume is the strongest predictor of morbidity and mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage. Protection against early hematoma growth is therefore the mainstay of therapeutic intervention for acute intracerebral hemorrhage, but the current armamentarium is restricted to early blood pressure lowering and emergent reversal for anticoagulant agents. Although intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure to <140 mmHg appears likely to prevent hematoma growth, two recent randomized trials, INTERACT-2 and ATACH-2, demonstrated non-significant trends of reduced hematoma enlargement by intensive blood pressure control, with only a small magnitude of benefit or no benefit for clinical outcomes. While oral anticoagulants can be immediately reversed by prothrombin complex concentrate, or the newly developed idarucizumab for direct thrombin inhibitor or andexanet for factor Xa inhibitors, the situation regarding reversal of antiplatelet agents is not yet quite as advanced. However, considering at most the approximately 10% rate of anticoagulant use among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, what is most essential for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage in general is early hemostatic therapy. Tranexamic acid may safely reduce hematoma expansion, but its hemostatic effect was insufficient to be translated into improved functional outcomes in the TICH-2 randomized trial with 2,325 participants. In this context, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a candidate to be added to the armory against hematoma enlargement. The FAST, a phase 3 trial that compared doses of 80 and 20 μg/kg rFVIIa with placebo in 841 patients within 4 h after the stroke onset, showed a significant reduction in hematoma growth with rFVIIa treatment, but demonstrated no significant difference in the proportion of patients with severe disability or death. However, a post hoc analysis of the FAST trial suggested a benefit of rFVIIa in a target subgroup of younger patients without extensive bleeding at baseline when treated earlier after stroke onset. The FASTEST trial is now being prepared to determine this potential benefit of rFVIIa, reflecting the pressing need to develop therapeutic strategies against hematoma enlargement, a powerful but modifiable prognostic factor in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

[Local application of recombinant activated factor VII for massive surgical bleeding]

The authors report resection of anaplastic convexital meningioma in a middle-aged woman complicated by expected massive blood loss. The most intense bleeding occurred at the final stage of resection and it was impossible to stop it with traditional approaches. The surgeon pressed a standard tachocomb plate moistened with a diluted solution of recombinant activated factor VII (coagil, Russia) to the most bleeding area for 5 minutes. Subsequently, surgeon replaced finger pressure with a permanent napkin. Hemostatic effect of recombinant activated factor VII following its systemic administration is well known and convincingly proven in many surgical areas including neurosurgery. However, we do not know any descriptions of its local application in neurosurgical patients.

Disease Burden in Patients with Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia: Perspectives from the Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Patient/Caregiver Questionnaire

Purpose

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by a mutation in the αIIbβ3 integrin essential for optimal platelet function and hemostasis. The aim of this study was to identify the burden of GT on patients and caregivers through better understanding of the management and psychosocial impact of this disorder.

Patients and Methods

Participants for this online survey were recruited using a rare disease specialty recruiter from Comprehensive Health Education Services. Data were collected from January 31 through March 12, 2019. The questionnaire was designed to collect information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial impact.

Results

Of the 45 respondents (24 patients and 21 caregivers), the majority were female (58%), white (64%), and employed full-time (53%) and had no family history of GT (64%). Many patients reported significant bruising at birth (76%), and the mean age at diagnosis was 2.6 years. About half of the patients experienced 1 bleed per day, and 13% had over 500 bleeds of any severity per year. Most bleeds were skin bruising or mouth bleeds, but patients also reported joint/muscle and gastrointestinal bleeds. Most patients reported receiving a platelet transfusion (82%), and some had developed platelet refractoriness (38%) or antibodies (32%). Common treatments were antifibrinolytics (82%) and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) (42%), likely due to the presence of antibodies. Many (58%) patients experienced issues with excessive bleeding at school; 38% reported missing school as a result. Female patients struggled to find a gynecologist with knowledge of the management of GT. Most patients were satisfied with the support they receive from their current partner (65%) and their friends (76%).

Conclusion

Most patients with GT are diagnosed early. Patients experience considerable psychosocial impact. Patient and physician education concerning treatment alternatives and the support of the GT community are critical.

Psychosocial Impact and Disease Management in Patients with Congenital Factor VII Deficiency

Purpose

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder of variable phenotype with predominantly mucocutaneous bleeding. The aim of this study was to identify the burden of FVII deficiency on patients and caregivers through a better understanding of the management and psychosocial impact of this disease.

Materials and Methods

A rare disease specialty recruiter from Comprehensive Health Education Services recruited participants for this online survey, which was conducted from January 31 to March 12, 2019. A moderator-assisted questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial impact.

Results

Of the 45 respondents (25 patients and 20 caregivers), the majority were female (56%). Respondents reported a wide variety of initial bleeding symptoms, including bruising (58%), epistaxis (56%), and menorrhagia (36% of females). Because symptoms varied between individuals and were not always severe, diagnosis was often delayed. Mean time to obtain a diagnosis was 6.5 years and mean age at first diagnosis was 12.9 years. One-quarter (24%) of the respondents reported more than 100 bleeds of any severity over the previous year. When treating bleeds, 44% of patients reported using antifibrinolytics, and 42% reported using recombinant activated factor VII. Almost 31% of respondents reported missing schooldays as children, and 16% reported losing or resigning from a job in adulthood as a direct result of their disease. Notably, 29% of caregivers and 10% of their partners had also experienced issues with employment. Forty percent of respondents reported not participating in contact sports during childhood, and 22% continued to avoid contact sports in adulthood.

Conclusion

Overall, FVII deficiency has a substantial psychosocial impact, but most patients are satisfied with their disease management and are optimistic about their future. Patients desire additional educational, social, and financial support.

Adequacy of hemostatic resuscitation improves therapeutic efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII and reduces reexploration rate for bleeding in postoperative cardiac surgery patients with refractory hemorrhage

Background:

Excessive bleeding and surgical reexploration are common complications that increase the risk of multi-organ failure and prolonged hospitalization after cardiac surgery. Off-label use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a recommended treatment for refractory bleeding.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to determine if the adequacy of hemostatic resuscitation enhances the efficacy of rFVIIa.

Methods:

This retrospective, observational, cohort study included patients who received rFVIIa for refractory postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adequate coagulation resuscitation before rFVIIa administration, defined as international ratio (INR) ≤1.5, platelet count ≥100 K/mL, and fibrinogen ≥200 mg/dL. The failure of rFVIIa treatment was defined as surgical reexploration within 24 h, thoracostomy drainage >400 mL/h within 6 h or transfusion of additional blood products or another rFVIIa dose within 6 h after initial rFVIIa dose.

Results:

Of the 3833 patients, screened who underwent cardiothoracic surgery procedures, 58 patients received rFVIIa for refractory postoperative bleeding. Successful hemostasis with rFVIIa was more likely in patients who were adequately resuscitated compared with those who were not (20 [71.4%] vs. 10 [33.3%], respectively; P = 0.0046). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that patients who were adequately resuscitated before rFVIIa were less likely to fail treatment (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval [0.04–0.62]; P = 0.007).

Conclusions:

The therapeutic efficacy of rFVIIa is dependent on the adequacy of hemostatic resuscitation; restoration of normal serum fibrinogen, INR, and platelet counts >100 K/mL may provide an adequate substrate for rFVIIa to be effective in managing refractory postoperative cardiac surgical bleeding.

Acquired haemophilia A imitating uterine tumour in a patient with de novo diagnosis of hepatitis C

AHA is an extremely rare disorder, with annual incidence of 1.5 cases per million population. This clinical entity is caused by autoantibodies directed against coagulation factor VIII, what leads to decreased serum activity of thereof, and is characterized by spontaneous or induced by trauma, or invasive procedure bleeding. Approximately 50% of cases are idiopathic in origin, affecting both sexes, with median age at diagnosis of 74 years. We present a case report of a patient diagnosed with acquired haemophilia A (AHA) in the perioperative period.

The International Prospective Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Registry: Pediatric Treatment and Outcomes

Background  Standard treatment for Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT), a severe inherited bleeding disorder, is platelet transfusion. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is reported to be effective in GT with platelet antibodies and/or refractoriness to platelet transfusions.

Methods  We evaluated rFVIIa effectiveness and safety for the treatment and prevention of surgical and nonsurgical bleeding in children <18 years old, with or without platelet antibodies and/or refractoriness, as reported in the GT Registry (GTR). Data were used from the GTR, an international, multicenter, observational, postmarketing study of rFVIIa that prospectively collected data on the treatment and outcomes of bleeds in patients with GT. Only patients with a diagnosis of congenital GT were included in the registry.

Results  Between 2007 and 2011, 27 children were treated for 44 surgical procedures (minor: 36; major: 8); nonsurgical bleeds occurred in 104 patients (599 episodes: severe, 145; moderate, 454; spontaneous, 423; posttraumatic, 176). The effectiveness of treatment for minor procedures, major procedures, nonsurgical bleeds was 6/6, 1/1, and 75/84 for rFVIIa, 6/6, 2/2, and 64/76 for rFVIIa + antifibrinolytics (AF), 11/12, 1/1, and 162/214 for platelets ± AF, and 5/6, 0/3, and 33/45 for rFVIIa + platelets ± AF. In all, 25 adverse events were reported in children; no thromboembolic events were reported.

Conclusion  For all patients, regardless of platelet antibody or refractoriness status, rFVIIa, administered with or without platelets (± AF), provided effective hemostasis with a low frequency of adverse events in surgical, as well as nonsurgical, bleeding in patients with GT.

clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01476423.

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

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

Surgery in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency - a single center study

INTRODUCTION

Congenital factor VII deficiency is a rare hemorrhagic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Surgical treatment with insufficient diathesis correction is burdened with high risk of bleeding complications. The aim of the study was evaluation of the surgical outcome in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency and assessment of the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) used for perioperative hemostatic coverage in our two schemas of substitutive therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the years 2002-2017 a total of 22 patients with congenital factor VII deficiency were subjected to surgery. Substitution therapy relied on rFVIIa used in two schemas. One involved 15 patients with factor VII activity of&lt;10% of normal value who were injected rFVIIa at a dose of 30 μg/kg b.w. every12 hours on surgery day, 15 μg/kg b.w. every 12 hours on the first postoperative day and 15 μg/kg b.w. every 24 hours on the following days. The second schema involved 7 patients with factor VII activity of 10-25% of normal value who were given rFVIIa at a dose of 15 μg/kg b.w. every 12 hours on surgery day and the first postoperative day; then the same dose was administered every 24 hours on consecutive days. The treatment continued for 4-10 days.

RESULTS

In the 22 patients a total of 26 surgeries were performed; 17 surgeries in 15 patients with factor VII&lt;10% of normal and 9 in 7 patients with factor VII deficiency of 10-25% of normal. The surgeries included: 9 cholecystectomies (8 laparoscopic,1 open), 7 thyroidectomy procedures, 2 exploratory laparotomies, 1 left hemicolectomy, 1 total proctocolectomy, 3 inguinal hernia repairs and 3 excisions of varicose veins. One patient with factor VII activity of 9% required an additional dose of rFVIIa in the intraoperative period due to diathesis bleeding. Intraoperative hemostasis was normal for all other patients; no postoperative hemorrhagic complications were reported. In patients with FVII activity&lt;10% average daily dose of rFVIIa was 31.3(range 20-56) μg/kg b.w., total daily dose 186(136-303) µg/kg b.w., total dose of rFVIIa-15.2(12-112) mg. In patients with FVII activity 10-25% the doses were 21.2(15-31), 117(46-271) µg/kg b.w. and 9.1(6-17) mg respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery in patients with congenital factor VII deficiency can be safely and efficiently performed with rFVIIa as substitutive treatment securing perioperative hemostasis.

Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Eptacog Alfa Activated, NovoSeven®) in Patients with Rare Congenital Bleeding Disorders. A Systematic Review on its Use in Surgical Procedures

In the absence of definite guidelines in the area, we have carried a systemic review to provide a thorough overview concerning the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark) in patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) and FVII deficiency, undergoing surgical procedures. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases was employed for the search. Three multicenter registries were identified: the Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Registry (GTR), the Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry (STER), and a German post-marketing surveillance registry (the WIRK study). In addition, data from 10 case-series and/or single-center experiences have been summarized. We have found that the following; perioperatively, the hemostatic effectiveness of rFVIIa was high in GT patients and in those with FVII deficiency undergoing both minor and major surgical procedures. Moreover, in all studies, rFVIIa was well tolerated. Thus, the current evidence shows an optimal perioperative safety/efficacy profile of rFVIIa in the setting of these rare bleeding disorders, and provides the rationale for further studies aimed at evaluating the optimal perioperative anti-hemorrhagic prophylaxis with rFVIIa in GT and in FVII deficient patients.

Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in a newborn with congenital factor VII deficiency and successful treatment with recombinant activated factor VII

İnce Z, Bulut Ö, Tuğrul-Aksakal M, Ünüvar A, Devecioğlu Ö, Çoban A. Asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in a newborn with congenital factor VII deficiency and successful treatment with recombinant activated factor VII. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 562-565. Intracranial hemorrhage is considered the most common cause of death in newborns with congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency. Recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa) provides specific replacement therapy, however there is limited experience with its neonatal use. We describe our experience about the treatment of intracranial hemorrhage in a newborn with congenital FVII deficiency and emphasize the importance of imaging in asymptomatic patients. She presented with ecchymoses on her skin, no other pathological clinical signs, prolonged PT, normal PTT and FVII activity of 2%. Intracranial hemorrhage was diagnosed while screening for internal bleedings. Treatment with rFVIIa resulted in stabilization and regression of the hematoma.

Safety and dose-dependency of eptacog beta (activated) in a dose escalation study of non-bleeding congenital haemophilia A or B patients, with or without inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Varying initial doses of activated eptacog beta (recombinant human FVIIa, rhFVIIa) may provide therapeutic options when treating bleeding in patients with congenital haemophilia who have developed inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX). This study evaluated escalated doses of a new rhFVIIa product as a prelude to selecting the doses for clinical efficacy evaluation in haemophilia patients.

AIM

To assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and laboratory pharmacodynamics of 3 doses of rhFVIIa in non-bleeding patients with congenital haemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors.

METHODS

Adult male patients (18-75 years old) with congenital haemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) received infusions of rhFVIIa at doses of 25, 75 or 225 μg/kg body weight. Ten patients were treated at each dose level, and each patient received 2 different dose levels. Descriptive methods were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Administration of rhFVIIa at all doses was well tolerated. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that peak FVIIa plasma levels (C_max ) were approximately proportional to dose and correlated well with peak thrombin generation. Total AUC_0-inf also was approximately dose proportional. Clot formation and duration correlated with FVIIa activity. Repeat doses did not produce an immunological response.

CONCLUSION

In the first dose-escalation study of rhFVIIa to support product registration, eptacog beta at doses of 25, 75, and 225 μg/kg was pharmacodynamically active and well tolerated in non-bleeding patients with congenital haemophilia A or B.

Recombinant porcine factor VIII for high-risk surgery in paediatric congenital haemophilia A with high-titre inhibitor

INTRODUCTION

High-titre factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors complicate peri-operative haemostasis. Recombinant porcine FVIII (r-pFVIII) may provide an alternative haemostatic agent for high-risk procedures and allow FVIII activity monitoring.

AIM

Devise an effective haemostatic plan for repair of a progressively symptomatic aortic coarctation in a 5-year-old male with immune tolerance induction (ITI) refractory high-titre FVIII inhibitors.

METHODS

Preprocedure human FVIII inhibitor titre was 58 Bethesda Units mL^-1 (BU) and cross-reacted to neutralize porcine FVIII at 30 BU. Daily ITI with plasma-derived FVIII concentrate was supplemented with anti-B-cell and anti-plasma cell immunotherapy to reduce FVIII inhibitor titres. Potential haemostatic agents were evaluated in comparative ex vivo thrombin generation assays (TGA).

RESULTS

Four weeks after immunosuppression, human and porcine inhibitor titres declined to 16 and 2 BU respectively. TGA with r-pFVIII was less robust than with activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC); however, r-pFVIII was selected for cardiac surgery to secure the ability to assay FVIII levels throughout this high-bleeding risk procedure. Haemostasis with r-pFVIII was excellent; initial trough FVIII activity levels ranged from 0.81-1.17 IU mL^-1 . On postoperative day 3, peak and trough levels markedly declined suggesting a rising porcine inhibitor titre. Postprocedure prophylaxis was transitioned to aPCC, informed by TGA.

CONCLUSIONS

R-pFVIII provided effective peri-procedural haemostasis with no adverse events. Rapid neutralization of r-pFVIII after the first 60 hours, despite intensive immune suppression, accentuates the importance of careful monitoring. Use of TGA can support bypassing agent selection for convalescence. The comparative cost of r-pFVIII may limit its use to high morbidity clinical scenarios.

Treatment of bleeding in acquired hemophilia A with the proper administration of recombinant activated factor VII: single-center study of 7 cases

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is the bypassing agent used in the first-line hemostatic therapy for acquired hemophilia A (AHA); however, the occurrence of thrombotic complications in rFVIIa-treated AHA patients was recently reported to be 2.9–6.5%. Therefore, the investigation of the proper administration of rFVIIa for AHA is needed. In the present study, we retrospectively investigated the clinical features of AHA with regards to the use of rFVIIa (presence or absence of use and total amount) in 7 AHA patients encountered in our department for 7 years between January 2008 and December 2014. Ages were 63–89 years old (median: 79 years old), and there were 5 male and 2 female patients. The coexistence of cardiovascular risk factors and arteriosclerotic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cerebral infarction were present in 6 patients. Anemia progressed to less than 7 g/dL of hemoglobin and required red blood cell transfusion in 5 patients, showing “severe” hemorrhage. Factor VIII inhibitors were removed by immunological treatments in 6 patients. As a hemostatic therapy, rFVIIa was used in 4 patients. rFVIIa was not administered or was administered at a very low dose (20 mg) to 3 and 1 patient, respectively, and bleeding stopped as inhibitor titers decreased and disappeared in these patients. Inhibitors did not disappear in 1 patient and the control of hemostasis became poor and was accompanied by intestinal hemorrhage. Although a large amount of rFVIIa (265 mg in total) was administered, the patient bled to death. Therefore, bleeding may be stopped without the administration of rFVIIa in some AHA cases, while the dose of rFVIIa is not necessarily related to hemostatic effects in other cases. Since the main aim of AHA treatments is the removal of inhibitors, caution is needed to ensure that more than the necessary amount of rFVIIa is not administered.

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.

NovoSeven (recombinant factor VIIa) for the treatment of bleeding episodes and perioperative management in patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorder caused by qualitative or quantitative defects of the platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. The ensuing lack of platelet aggregation is frequently associated with mucocutaneous bleeding that may be variable in both frequency and intensity, ranging from minimal bruising to severe and life-threatening hemorrhages. A number of treatment modalities have been proposed to manage the bleeding episodes, which include local measures, antifibrinolytic agents, platelet transfusions and recombinant activated factor VII. The role of this bypassing hemostatic agent for treatment or prevention of bleeding episodes in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia patients is critically analyzed in this review.

Recombinant activated factor VII in the management of acute fatty liver of pregnancy: A case report

A 20-year-old woman, primigravida at 36(+4) weeks' gestation presented with malaise, vomiting for 1 week, yellowish discoloration of the eyes for 3 days and loss of fetal movements. A clinical diagnosis of acute fatty liver with intrauterine fetal demise was made. Labor was induced with prostaglandin E2 gel and delivered vaginally. The post-partum period was complicated by atonic post-partum hemorrhage, an episode of seizure, recurrent hypoglycemic attack, hypokalemia and continuing coagulopathy. Supportive management in the intensive care unit using blood and blood products and injection recombinant activated factor VIIa to arrest the bleeding resulted in a successful outcome.

Successful Treatment of Intracranial Hemorrhage with Recombinant Activated Factor VII in a Patient with Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a common complication in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with an incidence rate of 6.3% (1). Bleeding disorders related to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are common complications in AML cases (2). Recombinant activated Factor VII [rFVIIa (NovoSeven(®))] is approved for the treatment of bleeding complications with FVIII or FIX inhibitors in patients with congenital FVII deficiency. Use of rFVIIa for the treatment of acute hemorrhage in patients without hemophilia has been successful (3, 4). Herein, we describe the successful use of rFVIIa in a patient with acute ICH in the setting of newly diagnosed AML.

Advances in bypassing agent therapy for hemophilia patients with inhibitors to close care gaps and improve outcomes

In the past, patients with hemophilia and inhibitors have had less-than-optimal treatment and have experienced more orthopedic complications than patients without inhibitors. Bypassing agents offer the potential to close treatment gaps between inhibitor and noninhibitor patients by helping the former better attain key treatment goals, including: facilitating early initiation of treatment and hemostatic control in hemarthroses; providing effective treatment in serious hemorrhagic episodes; and performance of major surgery. Effective treatment with a bypassing agent minimizes joint and/or muscle damage and potentially can serve as an effective prophylactic agent to minimize the number of hemarthroses experienced per year, thereby mitigating the development of arthropathy. The reported efficacy of the currently available bypassing agents ranges from approximately 50-80% (50-64% in controlled studies) for plasma-derived activated prothrombin complex concentrate (pd-aPCC) and 81-91% (in controlled studies) for recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa), including use in major orthopedic surgery. Both bypassing agents have undergone key improvements in their formulation and/or properties in recent years. The nanofiltered, vapor-heated formulation of pd-aPCC has diminished the risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections and the room temperature stable formulation of rFVIIa allows more convenient storage, increased ease to dissolve and inject, and smaller volumes, thereby increasing overall ease of administration. Use of recommended dosing has been demonstrated to provide effective hemostasis with a minimal number of injections for both agents. In this paper, we review the individual characteristics of pd-aPCC and rFVIIa and discuss clinical data from studies conducted in inhibitor patients that demonstrate the potential benefits of these bypassing agents in this difficult-to-treat population, and underscore the potential opportunities to close the gap in care between inhibitor and noninhibitor hemophilic patients.

The effects of recombinant activated factor VII dose on the incidence of thromboembolic events in patients with coagulopathic bleeding

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have suggested the used of off-label recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) increases the risk of thromboembolic events, but the effect of the dose of rFVIIa is not well described in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All adult patients that received off-label rFVIIa from 2005-2012 were included in this single-center, retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was the incidence of a thromboembolic event in the low dose (<50 mcg/kg) compared to the high dose (≥50 mcg/kg) cohort. Secondary endpoints compared time to thromboembolic event, incidence of arterial compared to venous events, and mortality.

RESULTS

There were 152 patients that received rFVIIa during the study period with 66 in the low dose cohort and 86 in the high dose cohort. Mean total dose of rFVIIa was 30.2 mcg/kg (SD ± 9.5 mcg/kg) in the low dose and 99.8 mcg/kg (SD ± 64.7 mcg/kg) in the high dose cohort (p=0.0001). The overall incidence of thromboembolic events was 12.5%. There were 12 (14%) events in the low dose cohort and seven (10.6%) in the high dose cohort, RR=0.76 (95% CI 0.31-1.82). There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes. A higher incidence of thromboembolic events in cardiothoracic surgery (20.8%) and penetrating trauma patients (21.4%) was seen compared to the remaining cohort (6.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in the incidence of thromboembolic events was seen between low dose versus high dose rFVIIa over a seven year period at our institution. However, due to the relatively low overall incidence and a small sample size, type II error may be present.

Acquired hemophilia complicated by cardiorenal syndrome type 3

Development of autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) leads to a rare condition defined as acquired hemophilia (AH). If not diagnosed and treated early, AH may be associated with high mortality and morbidity. A 65-year-old woman presented with history of macrohematuria, acute renal failure, cardiogenic shock, and acute respiratory failure. Blood investigation revealed azotemia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), coagulation FVIII level of <1%, and presence of FVIII inhibitor. Echocardiography showed global hypokinesia and ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. The final diagnosis was acquired hemophilia A, complicated by acute obstructive renal failure and cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 3. Patient was managed with mechanical ventilation, heparin-free hemodialysis, negative fluid balance, recombinant activated factor VII, and prednisolone. Hematuria was relieved, renal function improved, and cardiac function showed improvement on repeat echocardiography. Patient was discharged on prednisolone with subsequent follow ups.

Utilization management in the blood transfusion service

The scope of activity of the Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) makes it unique among the clinical laboratories. The combination of therapeutic and diagnostic roles necessitates a multi-faceted approach to utilization management in the BTS. We present our experience in utilization management in large academic medical center.

Prophylactic administration of recombinant activated factor VII in coronary revascularization surgery

Objective:

The objective of this clinical trial is to study the effectiveness of administering recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in reducing the amount of bleeding and the need for homologous blood and products transfusion in cardiac surgical coronary revascularization procedures done under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods:

In a randomized controlled prospective observational study, 30 patients were scheduled for elective cardiac revascularization under CPB. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In Group I (Control group), no rFVIIa was administered following CPB. In Group II (Study group), a dose of 90 ug/Kg of rFVIIa was administered following weaning off CPB. The total amount of chest tube drain during the 1^st 24 h following surgery was recorded as well as the qualitative and quantitative assessments of homologous blood and products transfusion. Serial analysis of hematological parameters including hemoglobin level and coagulation test in a definite data points was done. T0=baseline readings prior to CPB, T1=off CPB after protamine administration and before administration of the study drug, T2=on Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) admission, T3=12 h post-CICU admission, and T4=24 h post-CICU admission.

Results:

Considering the total chest tube drainage, mean values showed statistically significant results with a P value of 0.001. Homologous blood and products transfusion were statistically lower in the study group. Regarding the mean values for hematological assessment, results showed statistically lower International Normalized Ratio values at CICU admission and 12 h post-CICU admission with a P value of 0.018 and 0.004, respectively. Also, the Partial Thromboplastin Time mean values were statistically lower at same timings with estimated P values of 0.04 and 0.001, respectively.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the prophylactic use of rFVIIa in patients undergoing coronary revascularization surgery under the management of CPB had a remarkable significant results on both the amount of post-operative bleeding and the amount of blood and products transfusion.

Recombinant activated factor VII in patients with acute liver failure with UNOS Status 1A: a single tertiary academic centre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is often used in off-label indications, including many situations in which the patients are at risk of thrombosis. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of rFVIIa in patients with acute liver failure - UNOS Status 1A (ALF-1A) to determine its efficacy and safety profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the transplantation records, all adult patients with ALF-1A were identified from 6/2001 to 3/2009. From patients' medical charts, rFVIIa dose, blood component usage, short-term outcomes [length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, ability to undergo orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) and in-hospital survival rate] and adverse events were examined.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with ALF-1A were identified. Fifteen patients received rFVIIa with doses ranging between 24·4 μg/kg and 126·8 μg/kg. Three patients received two doses of rFVIIa. The age, baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and platelet (PLT) count were not statistically different between the group receiving rFVIIa versus the group that did not. However, the prothrombin time (PT) was significantly higher in the rFVIIa group. Although the rFVIIa group stayed in the ICU longer and required significant more blood products during admission, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay, ability to undergo OLT and survival rate. There was no increase in complications, including thrombosis, after receiving rFVIIa.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) appears to be safe in patients with ALF-1A, but to elucidate its full role, a randomized controlled trial would be ideal.

Newly diagnosed congenital factor VII deficiency and utilization of recombinant activated factor VII (NovoSeven(®))

This case report presents a newly diagnosed congenital factor VII deficiency treated with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). Congenital factor VII deficiency is a rare autosomal-recessive bleeding disorder that occurs in fewer than 1/500,000 persons. Its presentation can vary from epistaxis to hemarthroses and severe central nervous system bleeding, and correlates poorly with factor VII levels. Our patient had not had a significant hemostatic challenge prior to his presentation and therefore never had any symptomatology suggestive of this disease. He was treated with rFVIIa, and was able to undergo repair of his fractures without bleeding.

Capturing daily assessments and home treatment of congenital hemophilia with inhibitors: design, disposition, and implications of the Dosing Observational Study in Hemophilia (DOSE)

OBJECTIVE

The daily recordings of treatment by patients with congenital hemophilia with inhibitors and their caregivers were assessed as part of the Dosing Observational Study in Hemophilia (DOSE) to understand the patterns of bypassing agent use and health-related quality of life.

METHODS

Frequently bleeding patients prescribed recombinant activated factor VII as first-line therapy were eligible. Participants recorded daily paper diaries for at least 90 days and until at least four bleeding episodes had occurred. Web-based entry was optional. Assessment included bleeding status, work or school day status, bleeding episode, treatment, impact on planned activities, and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Diaries were completed by 18 adults and 19 caregivers (21 children). A total of 4063 diary days and 194 bleeding episodes over 491 bleed days were recorded. A small proportion of diary days were bleed days (8.2%) or treatment days (8.2%). Half the bleed days were not planned work or school days for patients (53%) or caregivers (48%). An exact agreement was observed between electronic and paper records for 93% of the reviewed health-related quality of life measurements.

CONCLUSION

Daily diary completion by patients and caregivers is feasible and provides insight into the impact of congenital hemophilia with inhibitors on daily activities and overall quality of life. Positive participation and completion rates were supported by frequent patient contact made by independent patient support liaison personnel.