Emergency reversal of anticoagulation: The real use of prothrombin complex concentrates

Optimal Dosage and Administration Practices for Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal With 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate

Expert consensus and international guidelines recommend urgent co-administration of vitamin K and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4F-PCCs) to rapidly reverse VKA-related bleeding. This narrative review examined real-world evidence and strategies to optimize international normalized ratio (INR) reversal, hemostasis, and outcomes in patients receiving 4F-PCC in this setting. Key determinants for success include the appropriate use of alternative dosing and administration strategies, such as fixed dosing and increased infusion speed, adherence to institutional guidelines, and removing significant institutional barriers to reduce time to treatment. In the opinion of authors, minimizing the time to treatment with 4F-PCCs is of paramount importance when treating patients with VKA-related bleeding. Practices that safely and feasibly shorten the time to administration should be included in guidelines for institutions responsible for anticoagulant care, and adhered to in centers that perform invasive procedures on patients receiving VKA therapy. Further studies are required to optimize use of 4F-PCC, particularly in relation to the ideal dosing strategy and the role of INR.

Prevention and Treatment of Bleeding with Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Anticoagulant-related bleeding carries considerable morbidity and mortality. Major or life-threatening bleeding is among the most severe of these complications. As the number of patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) continues to increase, so does the number of DOAC-related bleeding events. The incidence of CRNM bleeding related to DOAC therapy ranges from 15 to 18% per 100-year patients, while the incidence of major bleeding ranges from 2.71 to 3.6%. Many of these bleeding events can be prevented with tailored dosing regimens or proper peri-procedural management. When unable to be prevented, DOAC-related bleeding can lead to significant long-term disability or death. Management with newer reversal agents such as andexanet alfa and idarucizumab, as well as prothrombin complex concentrates, may improve outcomes for patients with DOAC-related bleeding. The purpose of this review is to explore strategies for preventing and treating bleeding in patients receiving DOACs for anticoagulant therapy.

Reversal strategies and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage

PURPOSE

Evaluate reversal strategies in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in clinical care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational cohort of AF patients with warfarin-associated ICH at two referral hospitals (2007-2010), with patient features, reversal agents, and outcomes collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Among 498 ICH patients 403 received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) without 3-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) or recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), 65 received PCCs or rFVIIa, mostly with FFP, and 30 received no acute reversal agents. Median time from presentation to reversal agent administration was 3.4 h (IQR 2.3-5.3). INR was reversed to ≤1.4 by 6 h post-presentation in 46% of patients receiving PCCs/rFVIIa versus 15% receiving FFP alone (p<0.0001). Among PCCs/rFVIIa recipients, 31% died in-hospital vs. 24% receiving FFP alone (p=0.27). Adjusted OR for death accounting for age and Glasgow Coma Score was 0.78 (0.36-1.69) for PCCs/rFVIIa vs FFP only and 1.16 (0.59-2.27) comparing those reaching vs. not reaching INR ≤ 1.4 at 6 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with PCCs/rFVIIa led to faster INR reversal than treatment with FFP alone. Neither treatment with PCCs/rFVIIa nor rapid INR reversal was associated with improved survival. Delays receiving PCCs may largely eliminate the benefit of treatment.

A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Early Thromboembolic Event Analysis of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate vs Fresh Frozen Plasma for Warfarin Reversal Prior to Emergency Neurosurgical Procedures

BACKGROUND

Reversal of therapeutic anticoagulation prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures is required in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage. Multifactor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) promises rapid efficacy but may increase the probability of thrombotic complications compared to fresh frozen plasma (FFP).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rate of thrombotic complications in patients treated with PCC or FFP to reverse therapeutic anticoagulation prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage at a level I trauma center.

METHODS

Sixty-three consecutive patients on warfarin therapy presenting with intracranial hemorrhage who received anticoagulation reversal prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures were retrospectively identified between 2007 and 2016. They were divided into 2 cohorts based on reversal agent, either PCC (n = 28) or FFP (n = 35). The thrombotic complications rates within 72 h of reversal were compared using the χ2 test. A multivariate propensity score matching analysis was used to limit the threat to interval validity from selection bias arising from differences in demographics, laboratory values, history, and clinical status.

RESULTS

Thrombotic complications were uncommon in this neurosurgical population, occurring in 1.59% (1/63) of treated patients. There was no significant difference in the thrombotic complication rate between groups, 3.57% (1/28; PCC group) vs 0% (0/35; FFP group). Propensity score matching analysis validated this finding after controlling for any selection bias.

CONCLUSION

In this limited sample, thrombotic complication rates were similar between use of PCC and FFP for anticoagulation reversal in the management of intracranial hemorrhage prior to emergency neurosurgical procedures.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrates for Perioperative Vitamin K Antagonist and Non-vitamin K Anticoagulant Reversal

Vitamin K antagonist therapy is associated with an increased bleeding risk, and clinicians often reverse anticoagulation in patients who require emergency surgical procedures. Current guidelines for rapid anticoagulation reversal for emergency surgery recommend four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate and vitamin K coadministration. The authors reviewed the current evidence on prothrombin complex concentrate treatment for vitamin K antagonist reversal in the perioperative setting, focusing on comparative studies and in the context of intracranial hemorrhage and cardiac surgery. The authors searched Cochrane Library and PubMed between January 2008 and December 2017 and retrieved 423 English-language papers, which they then screened for relevance to the perioperative setting; they identified 36 papers to include in this review. Prothrombin complex concentrate therapy was consistently shown to reduce international normalized ratio rapidly and control bleeding effectively. In comparative studies with plasma, prothrombin complex concentrate use was associated with a greater proportion of patients achieving target international normalized ratios rapidly, with improved hemostasis. No differences in thromboembolic event rates were seen between prothrombin complex concentrate and plasma, with prothrombin complex concentrate also demonstrating a lower risk of fluid overload events. Overall, the studies the authors reviewed support current recommendations favoring prothrombin complex concentrate therapy in patients requiring vitamin K antagonist reversal before emergency surgery.

Prothrombin complex concentrate for vitamin K antagonist reversal in acute bleeding settings: efficacy and safety

Introduction: Current guidelines recommend the administration of prothrombin complex concentrate in combination with vitamin K for normalization of coagulation in patients presenting with vitamin K antagonist-associated major bleeding, but until recently no adequately powered comparative trials had been conducted to support these recommendations. In this article, the authors review the evidence from studies assessing prothrombin complex concentrate treatment in these patients. Areas covered: A PubMed search (spanning January 1900 to September 2018) was conducted using the following search terms: prothrombin complex concentrate* AND (warfarin or (vitamin K antagonist*)), and papers relevant to major hemorrhagic events were identified; results from studies that used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or a prospective design are presented here. Overall, the identified studies support the current guideline recommendations and indicate that prothrombin complex concentrates have at least similar safety profiles to other treatment options, such as fresh frozen plasma and recombinant activated factor VII. Expert opinion: It is hoped that the results from studies discussed here will inform future guideline updates; however, local clinical practice may also occasionally act as a barrier to adoption of guideline recommendations. There is an urgent need for further RCTs/prospective trials directly comparing PCC and plasma administration in acute bleeding settings.

Benefits and harms of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for reversal of vitamin K antagonist associated bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is used for reversal of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with bleeding complications. This study aims to assess benefits and harms of 4-factor PCC compared to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or no treatment in VKA associated bleeding. PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched from 1945 to August 2015. Studies reporting 4-factor PCC use for VKA associated bleeding and providing data on INR normalization, mortality or thromboembolic (TE) complications were eligible. Two authors screened titles and full articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Mortality data were pooled using Mantel–Haenszel random effects meta-analysis. Nineteen studies were included (N = 2878); 18 cohort studies and one RCT. Six studies had good methodological quality, 9 moderate and 4 poor. Baseline INR values ranged from 2.2 to >20. The INR within 1 h after PCC administration ranged from 1.4 to 1.9, and after FFP administration from 2.2 to 12. PCC reduced the time to reach INR correction in comparison with FFP or no treatment. The observed mortality rate ranged from 0 to 43% (mean 17%) in the PCC, 4.8–54% (mean 16%) in the FFP and 23–69% (mean 51%) in the no treatment group. Meta-analysis of mortality data resulted in an OR of 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–1.5) for PCC versus FFP and an OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.13–1.3) for PCC versus no treatment. TE complications were observed in 0–18% (mean 2.5%) of PCC and in 6.4% of FFP recipients. Four-factor PCC is an effective and safe option in reversal of VKA bleeding events.

Current evidence of oral anticoagulant reversal: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 4-6% of patients treated with oral anticoagulants (OAC) will suffer from major hemorrhage or be in need of urgent surgery necessitating anticoagulant reversal therapy. Several new oral anticoagulants and reversal agents have been introduced that make it difficult for physicians to stay updated on the current evidence of reversal management. This study aims to review the recent literature on oral anticoagulation reversal therapy and to present the current evidence in an easily approachable manner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE to identify the latest publications on both vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) reversal strategies. All studies on humans who received any acute reversal management of VKA treatment were included, except case studies. Since only two studies on acute reversal of DOAC treatment have been published, clinical trials on healthy volunteers were also included.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies with a total of 4783 VKA treated patients, and 12 studies with a total of 529 DOAC treated patients were included. Elevated INR values due to VKA treatment could be reversed (INR≤1.5) in 63.1% (95% CI: 61.0-65.2) of study subjects after treatment with 4F-PCC, as compared with 12.2% (95% CI: 8.2-16.2) after treatment with fresh frozen plasma (FFP), (p<0.001). Thromboembolism occurred in 1.6% (95% CI: 1.2-2.1) of VKA-patients treated with 4F-PCC, and in 4.5% (95% CI: 2.3-6.7) of FFP-treated patients. To date, reversal of laboratory parameters has been demonstrated for two reversal agents specific to DOACs: idarucizumab for dabigatran reversal and andexanet-alfa for factor Xa-inhibitor reversal.

CONCLUSIONS

This review supports the use of PCC for VKA reversal, specifically for 4F-PCC over FFP for laboratory reversal. There are no studies on clinical efficacy of non-specific agents for DOAC reversal and the evidence for laboratory reversal is not consistent.

Fixed Versus Variable Dosing of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Vitamin K Antagonist-Related Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Millions of patients receive vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy worldwide. Annually 0.2-1 % of all VKA users develops an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is administered to restore the INR ≤ 1.5 in an attempt to limit hematoma growth. In order to facilitate PCC dosing, our hospital recently changed from a variable dose based on bodyweight, baseline- and target-INR, to a fixed 1000 IU fIX PCC dosing protocol for ICH.

METHODS

In a before and after design, we compared successful achievement of an INR ≤ 1.5 with a fixed dosing strategy versus the variable dosing strategy of PCC in patients presenting with intracranial bleeding complications of VKA. Data of the two cohorts of patients were retrospectively collected from medical records.

RESULTS

A median dosage of 1750 IU was given per patient in the variable dose group (n = 25) versus 1000 IU in the fixed dose group (n = 28). In the intention-to-treat analysis, 96 % achieved an INR ≤ 1.5 after an initial dose in the variable dose cohort compared to 68 % in the fixed dose cohort (p = 0.01). An additional dose was given in 2 (8 %) versus 9 (32 %) patients, respectively (p = 0.04). The median door-to-PCC-order time was 42 versus 32 min (p = 0.37) and the door-to-needle time was 81, respectively 60 min (p = 0.42).

CONCLUSION

The fixed dose protocol necessitates additional PCC infusions more frequently to achieve a target INR ≤ 1.5. Door-to-order and door-to-needle time were shorter but, in this small cohort, not significantly so. The effect on clinical outcome remains unknown.

Indications and Methods of Anticoagulation Reversal

The use of anticoagulation in the prevention of strokes due to atrial fibrillation or the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease has been on the rise. With the advent and proliferation of direct oral anticoagulation medications, the management of anticoagulation reversal has become increasingly complex, especially when urgent or emergent reversal is required. This review details the commonly used parenteral and oral anticoagulants, the treatment strategies necessary for their reversal, and therapies still in development.

Risk of gastrointestinal bleeding during anticoagulant treatment

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a major problem in patients on oral anticoagulation therapy. This issue has become even more pressing since the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in 2009. Areas covered: Here we review current evidence related to GIB associated with oral anticoagulants, focusing on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and post-marketing observational studies. Dabigatran 150 mg twice daily and rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily increase the risk of GIB compared to warfarin. The risk increase with edoxaban is dose-dependent, while apixaban shows apparently, no increased risk. We summarize what is known about GIB risk factors for individual anticoagulants, the location of GIB in patients taking these compounds, and prevention strategies that lower the risk of GIB. Expert opinion: Recently there has been an important shift in the clinical presentation of GIB. Specifically, upper GIB has decreased with the decreased incidence of peptic ulcers due to the broad use of proton pump inhibitors and the decreased prevalence of H. pylori infections. In contrast, the incidence of lower GIB has increased, due in part to colonic diverticular bleeding and angiodysplasia in the elderly. In this population, the addition of oral anticoagulation therapy, especially DOACs, seems to increase the risk of lower GIB.

Emergent reversal of vitamin K antagonists: addressing all the factors

BACKGROUND

Reversal of warfarin-induced coagulopathy after traumatic injury may be done exclusively with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs). No direct comparisons between different PCC regimens exist to guide clinical decision-making. Our institution has used 2 distinct PCC strategies for warfarin reversal; a 3-Factor PCC (Profilnine) combined with activated Factor VII (3F-PCC+rVIIa), and a 4-Factor PCC (Kcentra) given without additional factor supplementation.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all PCC administrations to trauma patients with acute bleeding who were taking warfarin before injury. Primary endpoints were international normalized ratio (INR) reduction, in-hospital mortality, and diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were identified from 2011 to 2015. Fifty-three were treated with 3F-PCC+rVIIa and 34 with 4F-PCC. Patient demographics, injury severity, and presenting laboratory data were similar. The 3F-PCC+rVIIa produced a lower median (IQR) INR postreversal compared with 4F-PCC (.75 (.69, 1.00) vs 1.28 (1.13, 1.36), P<.001). Both regimens were able to obtain an INR lower than 1.5 immediately after administration (3F+rVIIA 93.9% vs 4F 97.1%, P =.51). In the 4F-PCC group, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of DVT (2.9% vs 22.6%), P < .01), and a nonsignificant reduction in mortality (2.9% vs 17.0%, P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal after traumatic hemorrhage is associated with a less severe decrease in INR, a significant reduction in DVT rates and a trend toward reduced mortality when compared with similar patients treated with 3F-PCC+rVIIa.

Thromboembolic outcomes after use of a four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for vitamin K antagonist reversal in a real-world setting

BACKGROUND

A four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) was recently licensed in the United States for urgent vitamin K antagonist (VKA) reversal based on two randomized clinical trials. These studies excluded patients at high risk of thrombosis; therefore, the risk of thrombotic complications in unselected patients remains a concern.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study retrospectively evaluated the incidence of thromboembolic events (TEEs) and death in patients who received 4F-PCC for VKA reversal. The study included 113 consecutive patients who were 18 years of age and older and were administered 4F-PCC for VKA reversal. The incidence of TEE and deaths was evaluated for up to 60 days after PCC administration or until the end of hospitalization, whichever came later.

RESULTS

Seven (6.2%) patients developed TEEs and 17 (15%) patients died. PCC administration was probably related to TEE and subsequent death in two (1.8%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that a diagnosis of Factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid syndrome was predictive of TEE, and active malignancy was predictive of death.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the safety of 4F-PCC for urgent VKA reversal even in unselected patients. The underlying type of hypercoagulable state and the dose of PCC may influence the incidence of TEE.

Use of prothrombin complex concentrate in warfarin anticoagulation reversal in the emergency department: a quality improvement study of administration delays

BACKGROUND

Quick reversal of warfarin anticoagulation is important in life threatening bleeding. The aim of this study is to improve the administration delay when using Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) for the emergent reversal of warfarin anticoagulation in the emergency department.

METHODS

An audit and feedback quality improvement project was conducted in three phases: a retrospective audit phase, an analysis and feedback phase and prospective evaluation phase. The charts of all eligible patients in a single Emergency Department (ED) in Québec, Canada, who received PCC since the introduction of this product in 2009 until October 31, 2011, were retrospectively audited. The administration delay of PCC was calculated from the time of prescription to the time of administration. With the data, we determined where improvements could be attained, and jointly with all stakeholders in the ED and the blood bank, we created an action plan to ensure the timely administration of PCC. The action plan was then implemented and a six-month prospective evaluation study was conducted to determine any improvement.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven charts were reviewed in the retrospective chart audit. The mean administration delay was 73.6 minutes (STD [34.1]) with a median of 70.0 minutes (25-75% IQR [45.0-95.0]). We found that this delay was principally due to the following barriers: communication problems between the ED and the blood bank as well as delivery inefficiencies. An action plan that involved a flowchart to remind all clinicians how to order PCC and a new delivery method from the blood bank to the ED were developed. During the 6 months following the implementation of our action plan, 39 patients received PCC and the mean administration time decreased to 33.2 minutes (STD [14.2])(p < .0001) with a median of 30.0 minutes (25-75% IQR [24.3-38.8]).

CONCLUSION

By implementing an action plan comprising of a flowchart and a new delivery process, this audit and feedback quality improvement project reduced the administration time of PCC by more than half. Future studies to measure the impact of a similar audit and feedback process involving an action plan in other centers should be conducted before this type of quality improvement process is implemented on wider scale.

Biochemical characterization of prothrombin complex concentrates in China

Despite increasing use of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), there is little knowledge about the biochemical characterization of Chinese PCCs. Six Chinese PCCs were investigated and compared with PCCs (Octaplex®) from Europe. The levels of coagulation factors and inhibitors were detected. The presence of activated coagulation factors was assessed. Furthermore, their thrombin inhibitory capacities, specific activity and purity were assayed. All above parameters of biochemical properties were statistically analyzed. Chinese PCCs contained FⅡ, Ⅶ, Ⅸ and Ⅹ, protein C, S and Z, heparin and extremely low level antithrombin, as well as Octaplex®. The measured FⅨ activities were similar to those declared, however the measured potency of FⅡ, Ⅶ and Ⅹ greatly exceeded the labeled. Though all preparations were negative for activated coagulation factors in non-activated partial thromboplastin time test, the activated coagulation factor Ⅶ (FⅦa) remained in all PCCs and its content differed greatly. Overall, FⅦa content of Chinese PCCs was higher than that of Octaplex®. Further, Chinese PCCs were inferior to Octaplex® in the thrombin inhibitory capacities, specific activity and purity. In summary, compared with Octaplex®, Chinese PCCs' errors about the labeled activity of coagulation factors and probably high risks of thrombosis should be considered.

Management of acute stroke in patients taking novel oral anticoagulants

Each year, 1·0–2·0% of individuals with atrial fibrillation and 0·1–0·2% of those with venous thromboembolism who are receiving one of the novel oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) can be expected to experience an acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, 0·2–0·5% of individuals with atrial fibrillation who are receiving one of the novel oral anticoagulants can be expected to experience an intracranial hemorrhage. This opinion piece addresses the current literature and offers practical approaches to the management of patients receiving novel oral anticoagulants who present with an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Specifically, we discuss the role of thrombolysis in anticoagulated patients with acute ischemic stroke and factors to consider concerning restarting anticoagulation after acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Guideline-concordant administration of prothrombin complex concentrate and vitamin K is associated with decreased mortality in patients with severe bleeding under vitamin K antagonist treatment (EPAHK study)

Introduction

In vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-treated patients with severe hemorrhage, guidelines recommend prompt VKA reversal with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and vitamin K. The aim of this observational cohort study was to evaluate the impact of guideline concordant administration of PCC and vitamin K on seven-day mortality.

Methods

Data from consecutive patients treated with PCC were prospectively collected in 44 emergency departments. Type of hemorrhage, coagulation parameters, type of treatment and seven-day mortality mortality were recorded. Guideline-concordant administration of PCC and vitamin K (GC-PCC-K) were defined by at least 20 IU/kg factor IX equivalent PCC and at least 5 mg of vitamin K performed within a predefined time frame of eight hours after admission. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of appropriate reversal on seven-day mortality in all patients and in those with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

Results

Data from 822 VKA-treated patients with severe hemorrhage were collected over 14 months. Bleeding was gastrointestinal (32%), intracranial (32%), muscular (13%), and “other” (23%). In the whole cohort, seven-day mortality was 13% and 33% in patients with ICH. GC-PCC-K was performed in 38% of all patients and 44% of ICH patients. Multivariate analysis showed a two-fold decrease in seven-day mortality in patients with GC-PCC-K (odds ratio (OR) = 2.15 (1.20 to 3.88); P = 0.011); this mortality reduction was also observed when only ICH was considered (OR = 3.23 (1.53 to 6.79); P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Guideline-concordant VKA reversal with PCC and vitamin K within eight hours after admission was associated with a significant decrease in seven-day mortality.

Prothrombin complex concentrate facilitates emergency spinal surgery in anticoagulated patients

BACKGROUND

Oral anticoagulants are commonly used in the ageing population and therefore, spine surgeons are increasingly confronted with anticoagulated patients requiring surgical therapy. 'Bridging therapies' with heparins are established in elective settings, but the time frame for haemostasis restoration may be too long for patients presenting with acute spinal pathology and impending disability. The goal of this study was to analyse the feasibility of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) administration to facilitate emergency spinal surgery in anticoagulated patients.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of the institutional database of neurosurgical patients receiving PCC from February 2007 to December 2013 (n = 485) identified 18 patients who received PCC prior to emergency spinal surgery. Clinical characteristics, as well as modalities of PCC administration and parameters of haemostasis were analysed. Furthermore, haemorrhagic complications and thromboembolic events in the further course were evaluated.

RESULTS

Spinal pathologies requiring urgent neurosurgical decompression were spinal haematoma (n = 9), spinal metastasis (n = 5), vertebral body fracture (n = 2), and disc herniation (n = 2). The mean international normalized ratio (INR) on admission was 2.27 ± 1.20 and after administration of PCC (mean: 1,944 ± 953 I.U.), INR significantly decreased to 1.12 ± 0.10 (p < 0.001). Emergency surgery was initiated within 4.4 h after PCC administration (range: 0-16.6 h). Postoperatively, symptoms improved in 12 patients (66.7 %). There were two deaths (11 %), one caused by acute myocardial infarction on the fourth postoperative day. Bleeding complications occurred in two patients (epidural haemorrhage n = 1, rectal tumour haemorrhage n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of PCC facilitates emergency spinal surgery in anticoagulated patients who present with acute spinal pathology requiring urgent neurosurgical decompression. The risk of PCC-associated thromboembolic events seems to be low and justifies the use of PCC in order to avoid permanent disablement resulting from delayed surgery or non-operation.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Accelerates International Normalized Ratio Reversal and Diminishes the Extension of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Geriatric Trauma Patients

Warfarin therapy increases the incidence intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), especially in the geriatric population. Timely reversal of international normalized ratio (INR) is integral in the management of these patients for whom fresh frozen plasma (FFP) with vitamin K is the standard of treatment. We hypothesized that implementing a protocol that used prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) would reverse INR values more swiftly and decrease the amount of FFP administered. In November 2011, a protocol was implemented for administering PCC to the geriatric population on warfarin admitted for life-threatening bleeds. These patients received 25 IU/kg ideal body weight of a three-factor PCC (Profilnine SD) if their INR was over 1.5 or greater. FFP was given if follow-up INR revealed an INR of 1.5 or greater. Retrospectively the data from 29 patients who received PCC were compared with a historical control group of 34 patients. Protocol use resulted in a significantly faster INR reversal (PCC: 151.6 ± 84.3 minutes vs control: 485.0 ± 321 minutes; P < 0.001), time to achieve an INR less than 1.5 (PCC: 484 ± 242 minutes vs control: 971 ± 1208 minutes; P = 0.036), and less FFP administered (PCC: 1.3 ± 1.0 vs control:3.3 ± 1.5; P < 0.001). PCC patients had a decreased incidence of progression of their ICH (PCC: 17.2% vs control: 44.2%; P = 0.031). Rapid reversal of coagulopathy in geriatric patients on warfarin is vital to limit the extent of ICH. PCC allows a much more rapid reversal than standard treatment with only FFP and vitamin K. Adopting such a protocol is associated not only with a more rapid reversal and less FFP use, but also less patients went on to extend their head bleeds.

Rivaroxaban and hemostasis in emergency care

Rivaroxaban is an oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor, approved for the prevention and treatment of several thromboembolic disorders. Rivaroxaban does not require routine coagulation monitoring and has a short half-life. However, confirmation of rivaroxaban levels may be required in circumstances such as life-threatening bleeding or perioperative management. Here, we explore the management strategies in patients receiving rivaroxaban who have a bleeding emergency or require emergency surgery. Rivaroxaban plasma concentrations can be assessed quantitatively using anti-Factor Xa chromogenic assays, or qualitatively using prothrombin time assays (using rivaroxaban-sensitive reagents). In patients receiving long-term rivaroxaban therapy who require elective surgery, discontinuation of rivaroxaban 20–30 hours beforehand is normally sufficient to minimize bleeding risk. For emergency surgery, we advise against prophylactic use of hemostatic blood products, even with high rivaroxaban concentrations. Temporary rivaroxaban discontinuation is recommended if minor bleeding occurs; for severe bleeding, rivaroxaban withdrawal may be necessary, along with compression or appropriate surgical treatment. Supportive measures such as blood product administration might be beneficial. Life-threatening bleeding demands comprehensive hemostasis management, including potential use of agents such as prothrombin complex concentrate. Patients taking rivaroxaban who require emergency care for bleeding or surgery can be managed using established protocols and individualized assessment.

Stroke prenotification is associated with shorter treatment times for warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (WAICH) is a devastating disease with increasing incidence. In this setting, treatment with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) is essential to correct coagulopathy. Yet despite the availability of coagulopathy correction strategies, significant treatment delays can occur in emergency departments (EDs), which may be overcome using stroke prenotification strategies. To explore this, we compared arrival-to-treatment times with PCC for WAICH between two different stroke response systems that used the same international normalized ratio (INR) correction protocol.

METHODS

We established a registry of consecutive patients presenting with WAICH and treated with PCC presenting to two Canadian tertiary-care academic stroke centers: one with a stroke prenotification system, and one with a traditional ED assessment, treatment and referral system. In this comparative cohort design, we defined the WAICH diagnosis time as the earliest time point where both INR and CT were available. We compared median times from arrival to treatment, as well as arrival to diagnosis, and diagnosis to treatment.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2010, we collected data from 123 consecutive patients with intracranial hemorrhage who received PCC for INR correction (79 from ED referral, and 44 prenotification). Onset-to-arrival times, demographics, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and baseline INR were similar between the two systems. Arrival-to-treatment times were significantly shorter in the prenotification system as compared to the traditional ED referral system (135 vs. 267 min; p = 0.001), which was driven by both decreased arrival-to-diagnosis time (49 vs. 117 min; p = 0.006), as well as decreased diagnosis-to-treatment time (56 vs. 112 min; p < 0.001). Arrival-to-scan times and arrival-to-INR times were similarly shorter in the prenotification system (68 vs. 118 min and 20.5 vs. 47 min, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Stroke prenotification was associated with shorter arrival-to-treatment times for emergent INR correction in patients with WAICH, which was driven by both faster diagnosis and treatment. Our results are consistent with those seen in ischemic stroke, suggesting that prenotification systems present an opportunity to optimize acute intracerebral hemorrhage therapy.

Rapid reversal of warfarin-associated hemorrhage in the emergency department by prothrombin complex concentrates

Life-threatening warfarin-associated hemorrhage is common, with a high mortality. In the United States, the most commonly used therapies--fresh frozen plasma and vitamin K--are slow and unpredictable and can result in volume overload. Outside of the United States, prothrombin complex concentrates are often used instead; these pooled plasma products reverse warfarin anticoagulation in minutes rather than hours. This article reviews the literature relating to warfarin reversal with fresh frozen plasma, prothrombin complex concentrates, and recombinant factor VIIa and provides elements for a management protocol based on this literature.

Outcomes of urgent warfarin reversal with frozen plasma versus prothrombin complex concentrate in the emergency department

BACKGROUND

Physicians reverse patients' warfarin anticoagulation with frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate. Our objective was to determine adverse event frequency after urgent reversal with frozen plasma versus the prothrombin complex concentrate Octaplex.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This natural before-after retrospective cohort study in 2 tertiary care emergency departments compared anticoagulation reversal with frozen plasma (September 2006-August 2008) and with Octaplex (September 2008-August 2010), without other system changes. We included adult patients on warfarin with an international normalized ratio ≥1.5 who received frozen plasma or Octaplex. Our primary outcome was serious adverse events (death, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, venous thromboembolism, or peripheral arterial thromboembolism) within 7 days. Secondary outcomes included time to international normalized ratio reversal, hospital length of stay, and red blood cells transfused within 48 hours. We included 149 patients receiving frozen plasma and 165 receiving Octaplex. The incidence of serious adverse events for the frozen plasma group was 19.5% compared with 9.7% for the Octaplex group (P=0.014; relative risk, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.5). This remained significant after adjustment for baseline history and reason for treatment (P=0.038; adjusted relative risk, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.3) in multivariable regression analysis. Median international normalized ratio reversal was 11.8 hours with frozen plasma and 5.7 hours with Octaplex (P<0.0001). Mean red cell transfusion was 3.2 with frozen plasma and 1.4 with Octaplex (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Octaplex for urgent reversal of warfarin resulted in faster reversal and lower red cell transfusion requirement with fewer adverse events than frozen plasma.

Long-term safety and efficacy of a pasteurized nanofiltrated prothrombin complex concentrate (Beriplex P/N): a pharmacovigilance study

Background

The rapid reversal of the effects of vitamin K antagonists is often required in cases of emergency surgery and life-threatening bleeding, or during bleeding associated with high morbidity and mortality such as intracranial haemorrhage. Increasingly, four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) containing high and well-balanced concentrations of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors are recommended for emergency oral anticoagulation reversal. Both the safety and efficacy of such products are currently in focus, and their administration is now expanding into the critical care setting for the treatment of life-threatening bleeding and coagulopathy resulting either perioperatively or in cases of acute trauma.

Methods

After 15 yr of clinical use, findings of a pharmacovigilance report (February 1996–March 2012) relating to the four-factor PCC Beriplex P/N (CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany) were analysed and are presented here. Furthermore, a review of the literature with regard to the efficacy and safety of four-factor PCCs was performed.

Results

Since receiving marketing authorization (February 21, 1996), ∼647 250 standard applications of Beriplex P/N have taken place. During this time, 21 thromboembolic events judged to be possibly related to Beriplex P/N administration have been reported, while no incidences of viral transmission or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia were documented. The low risk of thromboembolic events reported during the observation period (one in ∼31 000) is in line with the incidence observed with other four-factor PCCs.

Conclusions

In general, four-factor PCCs have proven to be well tolerated and highly effective in the rapid reversal of vitamin K antagonists.

Reversal of Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) effect in patients with severe bleeding: a French multicenter observational study (Optiplex) assessing the use of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) in current clinical practice

Introduction

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) is a key treatment in the management of bleeding related to Vitamin K antagonists (VKA). This study aimed to evaluate prospectively PCC use in patients with VKA-related bleeding in view of the French guidelines published in 2008.

Methods

All consecutive patients with VKA-related bleeding treated with a 4-factor PCC (Octaplex^®) were selected in 33 French hospitals. Collected data included demographics, site and severity of bleeding, modalities of PCC administration, International Normalized Ratio (INR) values before and after PCC administration, outcomes and survival rate 15 days after infusion.

Results

Of 825 patients who received PCC between August 2008 and December 2010, 646 had severe bleeding. The main haemorrhage sites were intracranial (43.7%) and abdominal (24.3%). Mean INR before PCC was 4.4 ± 1.9; INR was unavailable in 12.5% of patients. The proportions of patients who received a PCC dose according to guidelines were 15.8% in patients with initial INR 2-2.5, 41.5% in patients with INR 2.5-3, 40.8% in patients with INR 3-3.5, 26.9% in patients with INR > 3.5, and 63.5% of patients with unknown INR. Vitamin K was administered in 84.7% of patients. The infused dose of PCC did not vary with initial INR; the mean dose was 25.3 ± 9.8 IU/Kg. Rates of controlled bleeding and target INR achievement were similar, regardless of whether or not patients were receiving PCC doses as per the guidelines. No differences in INR after PCC treatment were observed, regardless of whether or not vitamin K was administered. INR was first monitored after a mean time frame of 4.5 ± 5.6 hours post PCC. The overall survival rate at 15 days after PCC infusion was 75.4% (65.1% in patients with intracranial haemorrhage). A better prognosis was observed in patients reaching the target INR.

Conclusions

Severe bleeding related to VKA needs to be better managed, particularly regarding the PCC infused dose, INR monitoring and administration of vitamin K. A dose of 25 IU/kg PCC appears to be efficacious in achieving a target INR of 1.5. Further studies are required to assess whether adjusting PCC dose and/or better management of INR would improve outcomes.