Use of recombinant activated factor VII for treatment and prophylaxis of major bleeding

Introduction - Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a protein produced by genetic engineering, the structure is very similar to the structure of intrinsic activated factor VII (FVII). Its action is based on knowledge of the coagulation mechanism in vivo by acting in direct activation of factor X independent resulting in formation of thrombin at the injury site and thereby contributing to the formation of stable fibrin clots without the action of factor VIII and factor IX. Methods - Was conducted extensive review of the literature in order to determine the new findings related to the use of recombinant activated factor VII in patients with severe bleeding. Results - It was found that the use of rFVIIa started in the 80' s for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding in patients with a history of hemophilia A or B with inhibitors to factor VIII and IX, factor VII deficiency and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia refractory to replacement platelet. In 1999 its use was expanded to other clinical situations and thus began to be published several studies showing the efficacy of rFVIIa as a pro-hemostatic agent in patients with bleeding disorders or other previously healthy patients with a history of acute bleeding of major consequence. Trauma is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and uncontrolled bleeding the main challenge in caring for these patients. It is common for the association of trauma with coagulopathy, requiring in some cases specific therapy to treat it. At this point in adjuvant therapy with rFVIIa should be considered. Other common causes of bleeding are the heart, gynecologic/obstetric surgeries and diseases involving the liver. The coagulopathy in these cases is deficiency of factors dependent on vitamin K, and the FVII factor with smaller half life. Conclusion - The use of rFVIIa has been suggested as a promising therapeutic option for these patients. Thus, the recent increase in the use of rFVIIa in situations not approved has led to growing questions about efficacy and safety of this specific medication in such situations.