Recombinant activated clotting factor VII (rFVIIa) in the treatment of surgical and spontaneous bleeding episodes in hemophilic patients

Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2006;2(4):433-40. doi: 10.2147/vhrm.2006.2.4.433.

Abstract

Inhibitors against replacement clotting factors occur in approximately 30%-40% of patients with hemophilia A and 1.5%-3% of patients with hemophilia B. In this group of patients, bleeding events are best treated with bypassing agents. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has become the first-line agent in treating surgical and non-surgical bleeding in many centres with efficacy at standard 90 microg/kg doses approaching 90%. The greater efficacy is associated with early initiation of treatment, as well as, possibly larger doses of rFVIIa. A higher concentration appears to be essential in initiating an adequate thrombin burst, which results in a stable clot. Higher dosage regimens, home therapy and continuous infusion regimens are continuously evolving as we strive to define optimal dosing strategies in hemophilia patients. rFVIIa has been a remarkably safe agent for hemophiliacs but with high dosages being advocated and older patients being given such doses outside a trial setting, thromboembolic events remain a concern.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Coagulants / administration & dosage
  • Coagulants / adverse effects
  • Coagulants / immunology
  • Coagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Factor VII / administration & dosage
  • Factor VII / adverse effects
  • Factor VII / immunology
  • Factor VII / therapeutic use*
  • Factor VIIa
  • Hemophilia A / complications*
  • Hemorrhage / blood
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / adverse effects
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Surgical Procedures, Operative / adverse effects*
  • Thromboembolism / chemically induced
  • Thrombosis / chemically induced
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Coagulants
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Factor VII
  • recombinant FVIIa
  • Factor VIIa