Recombinant factor VIIa for the treatment of severe postoperative and traumatic hemorrhage

Background The aim of this study was to determine the dose of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) that has been used in our institution to successfully control hemorrhage in trauma and postoperative patients. Methods This was an 8-month retrospective cohort study of 13 patients with acute hemorrhage and no known history of coagulopathic disorders. Results Administration of factor VIIa resulted in the cessation of life-threatening hemorrhage at dosages approximately one half those recommended for the management of hemophilia. After administration, there was a significant decrease in the total blood-product transfusion requirement (P <0.05). Conclusions The use of factor VIIa in patients with life-threatening hemorrhage is a safe and effective therapeutic modality when used as an adjunct to standard interventions for control of severe hemorrhage. Lower-dose regimens were as successful as higher-dose regimens previously reported. The results of this respective study of 13 patients suggests that recombinant factor VIIa therapy for control of life-threatening hemorrhage as an adjunct to standard interventions can be successful at doses <90 mg/kg.