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- Title
Prothrombin complex concentrates: a brief review.
- Authors
Samama, C M
- Abstract
Prothrombin complex concentrates are haemostatic blood products containing four vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX and X). They are a useful, reliable and fast alternative to fresh frozen plasma for the reversal of the effects of oral anticoagulant treatments (vitamin K antagonists). They are sometimes used for factor II or factor X replacement in patients with congenital or acquired deficiencies. They are widely prescribed in Europe. Several retrospective and prospective studies have demonstrated their efficacy in normalizing coagulation and in helping to control life-threatening bleeding. Few side-effects, mainly thromboembolic events, have been reported. The link between these events and prothrombin complex concentrate infusion has, however, often been brought into question. The use of prothrombin complex concentrates in new promising indications such as the management of massive bleeding requires prospective studies providing a high level of evidence in a high-risk setting.
- Publication
European journal of anaesthesiology, 2008, Vol 25, Issue 10, p784
- ISSN
1365-2346
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1017/S0265021508004675