• A D Clark, W C Gordon, I D Walker, and R C Tait.
• Haematology Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. campbell.tait@nothglasgow.scot.nhs.uk
• Vox Sang. 2004 Feb 1; 86 (2): 120-4.

Background And ObjectivesThe aim of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) on the natural history of massive transfusion episodes.Materials And MethodsDuring 2002, outcome parameters were assessed in 50 patients transfused with more than 10 units of packed red cells. The effect of the addition of rFVIIa in 10 patients, with intractable bleeding, was then observed.ResultsOverall mortality was 20% at 24 h and 34% at 7 days. Severe coagulopathy was confirmed as a serious negative prognostic factor and occurred in 42% of patients overall, but in 70% of rFVIIa-treated patients. Transient cessation or reduction of bleeding was noted in 60% of patients following rFVIIa infusion. However, 24-h and 7-day mortality rates were 40% and 70%, respectively, in this group.ConclusionsLast-ditch rFVIIa therapy in patients resistant to conventional treatment did not rescue these patients or significantly alter outcomes.

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