NoBlood

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 2003; 25(6):499-502

Novel Applications of Recombinant Factor VIIa for the Management of Pediatric Coagulopathic Diseases

Prasad Mathew, M.D.; Stuart S. Winter, M.D.; Jami D. Frost, M.D.; Jeffrey Hanrahan, M.D.; Marcia Schwartz, R.N.; Jane E. Jones, R.N.

Summary:
Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was envisioned for the treatment of bleeding in hemophilia patients with inhibitors. In response to tissue factor expressed upon vessel wall injury, rFVIIa amplifies the thrombin burst primarily on membrane surfaces, including activated platelets. Because it is functional at a key point in the clotting cascade, rFVIIa shows promise as a therapeutic option for various bleeding situations. The prothrombin time (PT) is often used as a surrogate to monitor rFVIIa therapy. Using laboratory and clinical measures of outcome, the use of rVIIa as a therapeutic option in treating several different pediatric coagulopathic conditions is described.


From the University of New Mexico, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Presented in part as abstracts at the ASH meetings 2000 and 2001.

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