A Tertiary Academic Medical Center Blood Bank's Experience With Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate

Am J Clin Pathol. 2021 Jul 6;156(2):246-252. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa226.

Abstract

Objectives: The role of transfusion medicine consultative services in prospectively auditing (PA) orders for four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) was evaluated at an academic medical center.

Methods: Data from 4 years of 4F-PCC orders were obtained from the laboratory information system, and electronic health records of patients receiving concentrate were reviewed.

Results: 4F-PCC was ordered for 427 patients with warfarin-, apixaban-, or rivaroxaban-associated hemorrhage. Turnaround time (TAT) to prepare 4F-PCC was longer when PA-recommended dose adjustments were needed (85 vs 66 minutes, P = .03). There was no difference in TAT between patients who died and those who were ultimately discharged (60 vs 70, P = .22). TAT was shortest for orders originating in the emergency department (ED) compared with other locations (64 vs 85, P < .001), and ED TAT was not associated with patient outcomes in ED patients. PA and dose adjustments reduced amounts of concentrate issued by 27 IU per dose (P = .01). Median international normalized ratio less than 1.3 after 4F-PCC transfusion was achieved for all anticoagulants after dose adjustments. PA did not affect order cancellation or product wastage rates.

Conclusions: PA can ensure 4F-PCC is dosed appropriately without affecting patient outcomes.

Keywords: Blood banks; CP coagulation; CP transfusion medicine; Emergency service; Factor IX complex; Factor Xa inhibitors; Hospital; Intracranial hemorrhages; Pharmacy; Quality; Warfarin.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Banking* / methods
  • Blood Banks* / standards
  • Blood Coagulation Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pathology, Clinical / methods*
  • Tertiary Care Centers / standards

Substances

  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • prothrombin complex concentrates