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Safety of vapour heated prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) Prothromplex S-TIM 4
D U Preiss1, B Eberspächer, D Abdullah
1Department of Anesthesia, Benedikt Kreutz Rehabilitation Center, Bad Krozingen, FRG.
Vapour heated prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) significantly reduced infection risk in cardiovascular surgery patients. This viral inactivation method appears effective in preventing hepatitis NANB, hepatitis B, and HIV-1 transmission.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Virology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is used in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.
- Viral transmission is a potential risk associated with blood products.
- Vapour heating is a method used for viral inactivation in blood products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of viral infections after administration of vapour heated PCC (PROTHROMPLEX S-TIM 4).
- To assess the safety of PCC in patients requiring additional blood products during cardiovascular surgery.
Main Methods:
- Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery received vapour heated PCC.
- Infection risk was evaluated by monitoring for hepatitis NANB (ALT levels), anti-HCV, hepatitis B, and HIV-1.
- Study followed International Committee on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ICTH) recommendations where applicable.
Main Results:
- No signs of hepatitis NANB, hepatitis B, or HIV-1 infection were observed in the evaluated patients.
- ALT levels and anti-HCV screening did not indicate new viral infections.
- A total of 21 patients were assessed for hepatitis NANB, 12 for anti-HCV, 20 for hepatitis B, and 67 for HIV-1.
Conclusions:
- Vapour heating of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) appears to considerably lower the risk of transmitting viral diseases.
- The use of vapour heated PCC is a safe practice in cardiovascular surgery patients, even when other blood products are administered.
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