Summary
Cardiac surgery carries the risk of significant blood loss requiring the transfusion
of blood products. In addition to such blood loss, international studies have shown
that severe bleeding necessitating re-operation occurs in 3–5% of patients. Morbidity
and mortality are significantly increased, so effective and safe haemostatic measures
will decisively improve outcome of patients.
Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has been approved for the treatment of patients
with inhibitor haemophilia, as well as with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia and factor
VII deficiency. Many publications have appeared in the last few years which report
the successful and reliable use of rFVIIa for the treatment of refractory bleeding
after cardiac surgery. This review presents the pathophysiological changes in the
coagulation system which occur when a heart-lung machine is used and which have been
blamed for an increased risk of bleeding in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery.
Published experience with rFVIIa in paediatric and adult cardiac surgery is presented
and discussed critically with regard to the efficacy and safety of its use.
Keywords
Cardiac surgery - cardiopulmonary bypass - factor VIIa - rFVIIa - postoperative bleeding