The use of recombinant activated factor VII in three patients with central nervous system hemorrhages associated with factor VII deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is being tested to improve hemostasis in a variety of bleeding disorders. Clinical indications and efficacy are still being evaluated for this product. CASE REPORT: Over a 17-month period, rFVIIa was used to treat central nervous system hemorrhage in three patients who were found to have isolated FVII deficiency (21%, 40%, 27%). Patient A fell 30 feet, Patient B suffered a motor vehicle accident, and Patient C had a spinal cord hematoma. None of the patients had a history of bleeding diathesis. All three patients received rFVIIa after failing initial treatment with fresh-frozen plasma. RESULTS: Patient A was treated with 11 doses (initial dose 95 microg/kg; subsequent doses 8-38 microg/kg) over 10 days; Patient B received 13 doses (45-60 microg/kg) over 13 days; and Patient C received 5 doses (12-24 microg/kg) over 4 days. The prothrombin time corrected from 16.2 +/- 1.8 (mean +/- SD) to 11.2 +/- 1.6 seconds after infusion of rFVIIa, but returned to pretreatment level in 14 +/- 4 hours. At the cessation of therapy, all patients showed neurologic improvement. No complications related to the infusion of rFVIIa occurred. CONCLUSION: The use of rFVIIa may be of value both for its general effect on hemostasis, and specifically in the setting where there is a documented reduction in FVII. Doses lower than those used in patients with FVIII inhibitors appear to be effective in the setting of central nervous system hemorrhage.

Duke Scholars

Author Beth H. Shaz Pathology