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Research Article

Use of recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven®) in 8 patients with ongoing life-threatening bleeding treated with fondaparinux

Pharmacology

, , , , , , , , , , & show all
Pages 93-98 | Received 09 Nov 2010, Accepted 13 Feb 2011, Published online: 25 Apr 2011
 

Abstract

Background: Fondaparinux has a favourable efficacy-safety profile but if major bleeding occurs, reversal of antithrombotic treatment is challenging. We present clinical and biological observations from patients treated with rFVIIa for bleeding under fondaparinux.

Methods: Fondaparinux-treated patients with bleeding (>10% haematocrit decrease) and cardiovascular collapse were eligible. Patients received a single 90 μg/kg bolus rFVIIa. Clinical success was defined as clinical bleeding control without thrombotic complication. A biological criterion of successful antagonization was defined as a >100% increase in peak thrombin generation (Cmax).

Results: 8 patients were treated (5 ACS, 3 VTE). Patients received aspirin and clopidogrel (n = 5), eptifibatide (n = 2), fluindione (n = 5). In addition to standard haemostatic methods, all patients received rFVIIa and transfusion. Clinical progression was favourable in 4, with bleeding clinically controlled in <6 h. 1 patient died. Biological success was observed in 4 patients with lowest baseline anti-Xa (0.67–0.92 U/L); ¾ had clinical success. In patients with baseline anti-Xa >1.0 U/L (1.14–1.62 U/L), increase in Cmax was low; ¾ had no clinical bleeding control.

Conclusion: This series is the largest describing rFVIIa use to control bleeding in patients under fondaparinux. rVFIIa was considered efficient in 50%, suggesting inefficacy in the context of elevated anti-Xa.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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