Use of Recombinant, Activated Factor VII in the Treatment of Congenital Factor VII Deficiencies

Background and Objectives: Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare coagulation disorder, historically treated with prothrombin complex concentrates or plasma-derived FVII concentrates. We treated such patients (n=17) with a recombinant, activated FVII preparation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven spontaneous bleeding episodes were treated and 7 major and 13 minor surgical interventions were carried out. The dosages employed ranged from 8.08 to 70.5 μg/kg body weight. Results: A mean dose between 22 and 26 μg/kg was sufficient to normalise the prothrombin time. Fifteen haemarthroses were treated with single doses and results were excellent in 13 cases. In 5/6 bleeding episodes of other types, the treatment gave either excellent or at least effective results. Haemostasis was secured in the 7 major and 13 minor surgical interventions. One patient developed antibodies 4–5 weeks after an extremely high dose. Otherwise, there were no side effects and no evidence of a thrombotic tendency. Conclusion: This recombinant concentrate is efficacious in FVII-deficient patients. It is safe since any risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses is eliminated.