The Potential Role of Recombinant Activated Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in Military Pre-Hospital Setting
Abstract
Hemorrhage is a major cause of death of combat casualties in the battlefield. Coagulopathy may develop soon after trauma and plays an important role in the development of uncontrolled bleeding. Thus, introduction of potent hemostatic agents that can overcome the complex coagulopathy of trauma may decrease mortality from exsanguinations. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been shown to overcome a variety of coagulation and platelet disorders including trauma-related coagulopathy. Controlled animal trials, small case series and anecdotal case reports have suggested that the use of rFVIIa may slow down and even control massive bleeding in trauma and hence prolong survival and reduce mortality. In most cases rFVIIa was used as an adjunct treatment to surgical hemostasis. However, in some, cessation of bleeding with reduction of early mortality was achieved by administration of rFVIIa alone. The accumulating efficacy data together with the high safety of rFVIIa suggest that "fielding" of rFVIIa to the combat setting should be considered with the aim of widening the "survival window" of exsanguinating casualties. As controlled trials in the combat setting are not feasible further assessments will have to be based on data from civilian trauma.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA444852
Entities
People
- Amir Blumenfeld
- Giora Martonovits
- Menashe Zaarur
- Uri Martinowitz
- Yaron Bar-lavie
- Yeheskel Levy