Recombinant activated factor VII for refractory bleeding after cardiac surgery--a retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy

Objective: Analysis of safety and efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) used as the last resort for refractory bleeding after cardiac surgery. Design: Retrospective cohort analysis and matched pairs analysis with historic controls were performed. In the rFVIIa group, which also received conventional hemostatic therapy, data were collected for a median of 14 hrs from admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) to the administration of rFVIIa and for the following 24 hrs. In the control group, which received only conventional hemostatic therapy, data were collected for 14 and then for 24 hrs after admission to the ICU. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Twenty-four patients matched with historic controls. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: No thromboembolic complications were observed in the rFVIIa group. Blood loss and transfusion requirements were significantly reduced in the period after the administration of rFVIIa. However, in the 24-hr period after rFVIIa administration, blood loss (p = .140) and transfusion of packed red blood cells (p = .442) and fresh frozen plasma (p = .063) were not different between the rFVIIa and control groups. Platelet concentrates (p = .004) were transfused less in the control group. Mortality and 6-month survival rates were not different between the groups. Conclusions: When used as a last resort, rFVIIa was safe but not incrementally efficacious over conventional hemostatic therapy.