Successful use of recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven) in children with compartment syndrome: two case reports

Compartment syndrome (CS) is an uncommon bleeding manifestation in patients with liver failure and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although prompt intervention is paramount in preventing the tissue necrosis and the permanent functional deficits that may be associated with untreated CS, the indications for initiating therapies for children with CS are not standardized. In this report, we present 2 children, one with ESRD and the other with liver failure, who have CS related to life-threatening bleeding complications and were treated with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). In conclusion, treatment decisions for patients with CS should be made on a case-by-case basis. The use of rFVIIa is an effective and safe treatment in children with liver failure and ESRD. Surgical treatment should be preferred in patients with CS. However, in patients who have a coagulation defect, the first priority is to correct the clotting deficiency. The use of rFVIIa is a treatment option in children with CS due to a coagulation defect.