Recombinant factor VIIa in major abdominal surgery and liver transplantation

The author reviewed the literature regarding recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) in major abdominal surgery and liver transplantation and concluded that, on the basis of evidence-based medicine, there is no evidence to support an extensive use of rFVIIa. Nevertheless, various case reports suggest the usefulness of rFVIIa to treat life-threatening bleeding after failure of conventional therapies. It appears that there is a consensus that rFVIIa can be used with good results as a rescue therapy in extremely severe situations. Economic cost and potential thrombosis risk remain arguments against more widespread use of rFVIIa. Doses from 5 to 120 kg/kg in each administration have been reported without clear evidence to support a specific protocol. Efficacy of 15 to 20 kg/kg in surgical settings has been reported, but higher doses are more frequently used. The majority of the reviewed investigators accepted the use of rFVIIa after or simultaneously with the use of aprotinin; no data refute the safety of this association.