Volume 114, Issue 1 pp. 174-176

Successful treatment of severe intra-abdominal bleeding associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation using recombinant activated factor VII

Federico Moscardó

Federico Moscardó

Departments of Haematology,

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Francisca Pérez

Francisca Pérez

Intensive Care,

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Javier De La Rubia

Javier De La Rubia

Departments of Haematology,

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Begoña Balerdi

Begoña Balerdi

Intensive Care,

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José I. Lorenzo

José I. Lorenzo

Congenital Coagulopathy,

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Maria L. Senent

Maria L. Senent

Departments of Haematology,

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Ismael Aznar

Ismael Aznar

Gynaecology and

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Soledad Carceller

Soledad Carceller

Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain

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Miguel A. Sanz

Miguel A. Sanz

Departments of Haematology,

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First published: 12 January 2002
Citations: 118
Miguel A. Sanz, Haematology Department, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Av. Campanar 21, 46009 Valencia, Spain. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is indicated mainly for the treatment of patients with haemophilia and inhibitors. However, little information is available on the use of rFVIIa in the treatment of the severe bleeding associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). We report a pregnant woman with DIC, who developed severe intra-abdominal bleeding after caesarean section. Despite treatment with fresh-frozen plasma, fibrinogen, platelet transfusions and surgery, the abdominal bleeding persisted and intravenous treatment with rFVIIa was initiated. The response to treatment was rapid, with control of the bleeding and resolution of the coagulopathy. No side-effects related to rFVIIa were noted. This case suggests a potential role for rFVIIa in the treatment of severe and refractory bleeding associated with DIC.

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