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Gas-chromatographic determination of an antifibrinolytic drug, epsilon-aminocaproic acid.

We describe a modified method for assay of epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Serum or cerebrospinal fluid is deproteinized, followed by cation-exchange column-chromatography, and N-trifluoroacetyl-n-butyl derivatives of amino acids are formed and separated by gas chromatography. Tranexamic acid, a nonprotein amino acid, was used as an internal standard. The assay is sensitive and precise, and results correlate adequately with those obtained with an automated amino acid analyzer (ion-exchange chromatography).

Amino Acids↗

Retinoic acid enhances fibrinolytic activity in-vivo by enhancing tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity and inhibits venous thrombosis.

We studied the profibrinolytic effect and the anti-thrombotic potential of retinoic acid in-vivo. Male Wistar rats were treated with retinoic acid either acutely or twice daily for a period of 5 consecutive days in a dose range of 0.01 to 3.0 mg/kg. Fibrinolytic activity was measured ex-vivo using the diluted blood clot lysis test and net t-PA activity in tissue extracts was measured in a spectrophotometric rate assay. Clot lysis was dose dependently increased by retinoic acid up to about 170% (relative to vehicle treated rats) at a dose of 3 mg/kg. No tachyphylaxis could be detected. Ex-vivo measured fibrinolytic activity after single administration of 1 mg/kg of retinoic acid peaked at 3 h after ingestion. Even after 18 h a significantly higher clot lysis rate was measured. Lysis of blood clots from vehicle and retinoic acid treated rats could be completely blocked by addition of tranexamic acid or antibodies against rat t-PA before clot formation. t-PA activity in plasma was slightly increased after retinoic acid treatment; no effects were measured on plasma PAI-1, u-PA, plasminogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin levels. t-PA activity in lung and kidney was marginally enhanced by retinoic acid but in heart and aortic tissue extracts t-PA activity was increased by about 50%. We confirmed this potential anti-thrombotic property in an in-vivo venous thrombosis model. A reduced clot size was observed after retinoic acid administration (35% reduction at a dose of 1 mg/kg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Topography of the high-affinity lysine binding site of plasminogen as defined with a specific antibody probe.

An antibody population that reacted with the high-affinity lysine binding site of human plasminogen was elicited by immunizing rabbits with an elastase degradation product containing kringles 1-3 (EDP I). This antibody was immunopurified by affinity chromatography on plasminogen-Sepharose and elution with 0.2 M 6-aminohexanoic acid. The eluted antibodies bound [125I]EDP I, [125I]Glu-plasminogen, and [125I]Lys-plasminogen in radioimmunoassays, and binding of each ligand was at least 99% inhibited by 0.2 M 6-aminohexanoic acid. The concentrations for 50% inhibition of [125I]EDP I binding by tranexamic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, and lysine were 2.6, 46, and 1730 microM, respectively. Similar values were obtained with plasminogen and suggested that an unoccupied high-affinity lysine binding site was required for antibody recognition. The antiserum reacted exclusively with plasminogen derivatives containing the EDP I region (EDP I, Glu-plasminogen, Lys-plasminogen, and the plasmin heavy chain) and did not react with those lacking an EDP I region [miniplasminogen, the plasmin light chain or EDP II (kringle 4)] or with tissue plasminogen activator or prothrombin, which also contain kringles. By immunoblotting analyses, a chymotryptic degradation product of Mr 20,000 was derived from EDP I that retained reactivity with the antibody. The high-affinity lysine binding site was equally available to the antibody probe in Glu- and Lys-plasminogen and also appeared to be unoccupied in the plasmin-alpha 2-antiplasmin complex. alpha 2-Antiplasmin inhibited the binding of radiolabeled EDP I, Glu-plasminogen, or Lys-plasminogen by the antiserum, suggesting that the recognized site is involved in the noncovalent interaction of the inhibitor with plasminogen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibodies↗

Fatal thromboembolism in acute promyelocytic leukemia during all-trans retinoic acid therapy combined with antifibrinolytic therapy for prophylaxis of hemorrhage.

In contrast to patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) due to other causes, patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) receiving standard cytotoxic chemotherapy can be treated safely with antifibrinolytic drugs for prophylaxis of hemorrhage, without the occurrence of thromboembolic complications. However, such drugs should be used cautiously in APL patients who are receiving all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) differentiation therapy. We report here a patient with APL who had fatal thromboembolism after receiving ATRA and tranexamic acid therapy.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Different amino acid replacements in CAAX-tetrapeptide based peptidomimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitors.

In a series of CAAX-tetrapeptide based farnesyltransferase inhibitors it has been shown that the central AA-dipeptide can be replaced by tranexamic acid, 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid, and 3-amino-N-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)benzenesulfonamide, respectively, yielding inhibitors active in the low micromolar range. Lipophilic derivatives of these compounds showed moderate anti-proliferative activity against different tumor cell lines. A promising class of peptidomimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitors was discovered through the replacement of the terminal AAX motif of the CAAX-tetrapeptide by 2-acylamino-5-aminobenzophenones.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Transfusion medicine : support of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

There is still no alternative that is as effective or as well tolerated as blood; nevertheless, the search for ways to conserve, and even eliminate blood transfusion, continues. Based on hemoglobin levels, practice guidelines for the use of perioperative transfusion of red blood cells in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting have been formulated by the National Institutes of Health and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. However, it has been argued that more physiologic indicators of adequacy of oxygen delivery should be used to assess the need for blood transfusion. Methods used for conserving blood during surgery include autologous blood donation, acute normovolemic hemodilution and intra- and postoperative blood recovery and reinfusion. The guidelines for the use of autologous blood transfusion are controversial and it does not appear to be cost effective compared with allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Similarly, the cost effectiveness of intra- and postoperative blood recovery and reinfusion need further evaluation. Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) remains unapproved in the US for patients undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery, but it is a valuable adjunct in Jehovah's Witness patients, for whom blood is unacceptable. The characterization of darbepoetin alfa, a novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein with a 3-fold greater plasma elimination half-life compared with rhEPO, is an important advance in this field. Darbepoetin alfa appears to be effective in treating the anemia in patients with renal failure or cancer and trials in patients with surgical anemia are planned. Desmopressin has been used to effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss. Topical agents to prevent blood loss, such as fibrin glue and fibrin gel, and agents that alter platelet function, such as aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or dipyridamole, need further evaluation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Aprotinin has been shown to preserve hemostasis and reduce allogeneic blood exposure to a greater extent than the antifibrinolytic agents tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid. Controlled clinical trials comparing the costs of these agents with clinical outcomes, along with tolerability profiles in patients at risk for substantial perioperative bleeding are needed.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

Measurement of urinary fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products by latex photometric immunoassay.

Intraglomerular coagulation and fibrinolysis could be involved in the exacerbation of renal diseases, and urinary fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) may be applicable as an index. Although the urinary FDP can be estimated by the latex agglutination method, this technique has disadvantages such as a poor sensitivity and is of the semiassay type. Recently, a new method of measurement which improves on these disadvantages, termed the latex photometric immunoassay (LPIA) method, has been developed. However, since FDP measurement by LPIA was designed for the purpose of serum FDP estimation, a measurement technique for urinary FDP has not yet been established. The purpose of the present study was to devise a measurement procedure for urinary FDP employing the LPIA method, and to obtain data on the normal levels of urinary FDP in healthy subjects. The results obtained may be summarized as follows. (1) The urinary pH and coexistent substances such as bovine serum albumin, glucose, urea, bilirubin, ascorbic acid, and hemoglobin, did not influence the urinary FDP measurement. (2) No changes in urinary FDP were observed after 28-day storage at -20 degrees C or -80 degrees C in the presence or absence of tranexamic acid. (3) The coefficient of variation was 5.3%. (4) The normal level of FDP excretion was 3.33 +/- 7.95 micrograms/day. The present data demonstrated that the LPIA method enables the urinary FDP to be measured quantitatively with a good sensitivity.

Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products↗

Tissue fibrinolysis in experimental gastric ulcer: a study in the rat.

Gastric mucosal lesions were induced in rats by pyloric ligature and intragastric instillation of hydrochloric acid. Within 4 h all rats developed focal mucosal lesions. Early regeneration was observed 72 h after release of the pyloric ligature and replacement of the hydrochloric acid by a phosphate buffer. A significantly increased gastric mucosal fibrinolytic activity was found 4 h after pylorus ligation. The submucosal vascular fibrinolysis remained unchanged. Following release of the pyloric ligature the increased mucosal fibrinolysis returned to normal values after 72 h. Intravenous administration of tranexamic acid significantly decreased the mucosal and vascular fibrinolytic activity without influencing the formation of induced gastric lesions. Increased mucosal fibrinolysis is probably not involved in the development of mucosal lesions.

Animals↗

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding: Part I.

OBJECTIVE: To review the management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in the critically ill patient in a two part presentation. DATA SOURCES: Articles and a review of studies reported from 1991 to 2001 and identified through a MEDLINE search of the English language literature on acute gastrointestinal bleeding. SUMMARY OF REVIEW: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a relatively frequent problem in the critically ill patient. Common causes include acute stress ulceration (ASU), peptic ulceration and bleeding oesophageal varices. Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding requires resuscitation and correction of coagulation disturbances before endoscopy is performed. If a bleeding ulcer is detected it is often managed by an adrenaline injection or electrocautery into the base of the lesion and a proton pump inhibitor (e.g. omeprazole 80 mg i.v. followed by 8 mg/hr for 72 hr then 20 mg orally for 8 weeks). Surgery is considered for all patients in whom bleeding persists despite endoscopic or medical therapy. While H(2) receptor antagonists have been used for the management of ASU, proton pump inhibitors are currently prescribed due to their greater gastric acid suppressant effect (e.g. omeprazole 40 mg i.v. daily for ASU prophylaxis, 40 mg daily or 12-hourly for ASU with mild blood loss and 80 mg i.v. followed by 8 mg/hr for 72 hrs for ASU with severe haemorrhage). With severe haemorrhage, fibrinolytic inhibitors (e.g. tranexamic acid 3-6 g i.v. daily) may also be of benefit. For lower gastrointestinal bleeding or if there is no obvious upper gastrointestinal lesion during endoscopy, then selective mesenteric angiography with embolisation of the bleeding point (if the bleeding is brisk, e.g. > 0.5-2.0 mL/min) or colonoscopy with electrocautery or adrenaline injection (for diverticular haemorrhage) may be considered as an alternative to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is often managed by intravenous proton pump inhibitors and endoscopy with electrocautery or adrenaline injection when a bleeding at the base of an ulcer is found. For lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage, selective mesenteric angiography with embolisation of the bleeding point is an alternative to surgery in critically ill patients. Fibrinolytic inhibitors may have added benefit.

Journal Article↗

Induction therapy with all-trans retinoic acid for acute promyelocytic leukemia: a clinical study of 10 cases, including a fatal [correction of fetal] case with thromboembolism.

Ten patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Eight of 10 patients achieved complete remission (CR), and among the 8 newly diagnosed cases, 7 achieved CR. Five of 8 CR cases remained in CR after 8 to 30 months. Except for hypotension and a large gastric ulcer resulting from hyperhistaminemia, the adverse effects of ATRA were generally mild. Severe thrombotic tendency occurred in a patient treated with ATRA combined with tranexamic acid. Intensive chemotherapy consisting of daunorubicin (DNR) and other agents was scheduled for the patients who achieved CR with ATRA.

Adult↗

Plasminogen activation by t-PA on the surface of human melanoma cells in the presence of alpha 2-macroglobulin secretion.

Several human melanoma cell lines produced tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), as detected by zymography and immunocapture assay of culture media and cell lysates. Urokinase (u-PA) was found at only less than or equal to 1% the level of t-PA. Acid eluates of the cell surface indicated that the melanoma cells had t-PA bound on their surface, but no u-PA, and also had a very low capacity to bind exogenous u-PA. After incubation of the melanoma cells with 10% plasminogen-depleted fetal calf serum and human plasminogen, bound plasmin activity could be eluted from the cell surface with tranexamic acid, an analogue of lysine. This indicated that plasminogen was activated on the cell surface. The cell-surface plasmin formation was inhibited by an anti-catalytic monoclonal antibody to human t-PA, and not by an anti-catalytic antibody to u-PA. The melanoma cells also synthesized and secreted alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), as shown by alpha 2M-specific mRNA in Northern blotting and detection of alpha 2M protein in conditioned cell culture media. The media were found to inhibit u-PA but not t-PA. This inhibition was related to their alpha 2M content, and immunoabsorption of alpha 2M removed the inhibitory activity. These studies suggest that t-PA can bind to the surface of melanoma cells and generate surface-bound plasmin. Because t-PA and cell-bound plasmin are unaffected by alpha 2M, t-PA may, in the case of melanoma cells, serve an analogous function to u-PA in supporting tumor cell invasion.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Abnormal cutaneous reactions in dermatitis herpetiformis.

In 94% of the patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, a locally applied ointment with an ester of nicotinic acid (Trafuril) induced an abnormal reaction with erythema, edema, papules, and often vesicles. The appearance of the reaction to Trafuril is similar to DH lesions. It differs markedly from the reactions to iodide where, as a rule, only one large blister results. The reaction is most pronounced 12-24 hours after application of Trafuril. The reactivity is strongest in the predilection areas for dermatitis herpetiformis. Strongly increased reactivity to Trafuril in DH is induced by pretreatment with streptokinase, streptokinase-streptodornase, or urokinase. Diminished reactivity to Trafuril is seen after pretreatment with injections of Compound 48/80, tranexamic acid, cromoglycate, or application of fluocinolone-acetonide, as well as after stroking the skin.

Adult↗

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for heavy bleeding or pain associated with intrauterine-device use.

BACKGROUND: Heavy bleeding and pain are the most common reasons why women discontinue IUDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, have been shown to be effective in reducing menstrual bleeding and pain in women without IUDs. OBJECTIVES: This review summarizes all randomized controlled trials studying use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of bleeding or pain associated with IUD use. Trials of prophylactic use of these drugs around the time of IUD insertion were also included. SEARCH STRATEGY: We performed searches of PubMed, CENTRAL, POPLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL for relevant trials. We also wrote to the authors of all trials identified to seek other published or unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized controlled trials in any language that tested one or more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment or prevention of bleeding or pain associated with IUD insertion or use. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently abstracted data from relevant trials, and we entered data into RevMan for analysis. MAIN RESULTS: We found 15 trials from 10 countries; the total number of participants was 2702. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen, suprofen, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, flufenamic acid, alclofenac, and diclofenac) were effective in reducing menstrual blood loss associated with IUD use. This held true for women with and without complaints of heavy bleeding. Similarly, these drugs were effective in reducing pain associated with IUD use. In contrast, prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had mixed results; studies with ibuprofen found no effect on pain after insertion on IUD discontinuation. No important differences emerged in the one trial comparing the effect of different NSAIDs on bleeding. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce bleeding and pain associated with IUD use. NSAIDs should be considered first-line therapy; if NSAIDs are ineffective, tranexamic acid may be considered as second-line therapy. Prophylactic ibuprofen administration with the first six menses after insertion appears unwarranted.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Water channel AQP-1 in the primary cell culture of rat peritoneum.

To analyze the regulation of water channels in the peritoneum, we tried to establish a primary mesothelial cell culture system. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 250 g were anesthetized, and 10 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.25% trypsin and 1 mmol/L ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was infused into the peritoneal cavity for 15 minutes. Sediments from the recovered fluid were cultured in medium M199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The culture was succeeded 4-6 times before experiments commenced. After exposure to the test medium, RNA was extracted and subjected to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for 10-19 cycles, then was measured by Southern blot analysis with a digoxin-labeled probe. Cultured cells were positively stained with mouse monoclonal anti-cytokeratin antibody, confirming their characteristics as mesothelial cells. Aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) message in the cultured cells increased with increases in glucose and mannitol concentrations when beta-actin message was used as an internal control. Tranexamic acid effected no change in AQP-1 message in the cultured mesothelial cells. This system offers potential as a simple approach to test the effects of osmolytes, cytokines, and vasoactive hormones on aquaporin expression and water transport in the peritoneum.

Animals↗

Peptic ulcer bleeding today: risk factors and characteristics of the disease.

This study was undertaken to ascertain whether the modern effective anti-ulcer drugs have had any influence on the natural history of hemorrhagic peptic ulcer disease and other acid-related gastroduodenal bleeding disorders. In the prospective part of the study the anamnestic data of all 73 patients admitted to our hospital with a bleeding ulcer or related disease during the year 1989 were compared with the data of 73 patients subjected to elective upper GI tract endoscopy for abdominal symptoms other than bleeding, paying special attention to potential risk factors. There were no differences in previous ulcer history or operations for ulcer disease between these two groups. Cigarette smoking and coffee consumption were not different, but the bleeders consumed alcohol more often, and, in particular, they used ulcerogenic drugs or other hemorrhagic diathesis-provoking agents significantly more frequently than controls. In the retrospective part of the study these 73 patients were compared with the medical records of all 87 patients admitted to our hospital in 1976 for a bleeding peptic ulcer disease, to ascertain whether introduction of H2-blocking agents had had any influence on the nature of the patient population, characteristics of the disease, and severity of bleeding. The patients had become slightly older, and male preponderance was seen in both groups. The proportion of gastric ulcer had decreased, and duodenal ulcer had increased. In general, the bleeding seemed to become less severe but was more severe among women in both groups. In 1989 almost all patients were treated with H2 antagonists, and seven patients received additional medical therapy (vasopressin, somatostatin, or tranexamic acid).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Danazol for heavy menstrual bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is an important cause of ill health in pre menopausal women. Medical therapy, with the avoidance of possibly unnecessary surgery is an attractive treatment option, but there is considerable variation in practice and uncertainty about the most effective therapy. Danazol is a synthetic steroid with anti-oestrogenic and anti progestogenic activity, and weak androgenic properties. Danazol suppresses oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the endometrium, leading to endometrial atrophy (thinning of the lining of the uterus) and reduced menstrual loss and to amenorrhoea in some women. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and tolerability of danazol when used for heavy menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive years. SEARCH STRATEGY: All studies which might describe randomised controlled trials of danazol for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding were obtained by electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, CINAHL, National Research Register and the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's Specialist Register of controlled trials (on 6 November 2001). Attempts were also made to identify trials from citation lists of included trials and relevant review articles. In most cases the first author of each included trial was contacted for unpublished additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of danazol versus placebo, any other medical (non-surgical) therapy or danazol in different dosages for heavy menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age with regular HMB measured either subjectively or objectively. Trials that included women with post menopausal bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding and pathological causes of heavy menstrual bleeding were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Nine RCTs, with 353 women, were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The main outcomes were menstrual blood loss, the number of women experiencing adverse effects, weight gain, withdrawals due to adverse effects and dysmenorrhoea. If data could not be extracted in a form suitable for meta-analysis, they were presented in a descriptive format. MAIN RESULTS: Most data were not in a form suitable for meta analysis, and the results are based on a small number of trials, all of which are under-powered. Danazol appears to be more effective than placebo, progestogens, NSAIDs and the OCP at reducing MBL, but confidence intervals were wide. Treatment with danazol caused more adverse events than NSAIDs (OR 7.0; 95% CI 1.7, 28.2) and progestogens (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.6, 10.2), but this did not appear to affect adherence to treatment. Danazol was shown to significantly lower the duration of menses when compared with NSAIDs (WMD -1.0; 95% CI -1.8, -0.3) and a progesterone releasing IUD (WMD -6.0; 95% CI -7.3, -4.8). There were no randomised trials comparing danazol with tranexamic acid or the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Danazol appears to be an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding compared to other medical treatments, though it is uncertain whether it is acceptable to women. The use of danazol may be limited by its side effect profile, its acceptability to women and the need for continuing treatment. Overall no strong recommendations can be made due to the small number of trials, and the small sample sizes of the included trials.

Danazol↗

Antifibrinolytic drugs for acute traumatic injury.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled bleeding is an important cause of death in trauma victims. Antifibrinolytic treatment has been shown to reduce blood loss following surgery and may also be effective in reducing blood loss following trauma. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effect of antifibrinolytic drugs in reducing blood loss, transfusion requirement and mortality after acute traumatic injury. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, National Research Register, Zetoc, SIGLE, Global Health, LILACS, and Current Controlled Trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials of antifibrinolytic agents (aprotinin, tranexamic acid [TXA] and epsilon-aminocaproic acid) following acute traumatic injury. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The titles and abstracts identified in the electronic searches were screened by two independent reviewers to identify studies that had the potential to meet the inclusion criteria. The full reports of all such studies were obtained. From the results of the screened electronic searches, bibliographic searches, and contacts with experts, two reviewers independently selected trials meeting the inclusion criteria, with any disagreements resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS: Two studies met the inclusion criteria. The study by Auer (1979), with 20 randomised patients, provided no useable outcome data. The study by McMichan (1982), with 77 randomised patients, was reported in four separate reports. Outcome data were reported for death, the proportion undergoing surgical intervention and the volume of blood transfused. Because of the small number of randomised participants, the estimates for each of these outcomes were highly imprecise. Data on the proportion undergoing re-operation and the proportion receiving blood transfusion were not reported. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials of antifibrinolytic agents in trauma to either support or refute a clinically important treatment effect. Further randomised controlled trials of antifibrinolytic agents in trauma are required.

Antifibrinolytic Agents↗

Successful treatment with recombinant factor VIIa of therapy-resistant severe bleeding in a patient with acquired von Willebrand disease.

We describe an elderly man who presented with life-threatening hematuria and gastrointestinal bleeding caused by acquired von Willebrand disease associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Standard therapy with desmopressin, von Willebrand factor-containing factor VIII concentrate, tranexamic acid, and immunoglobulin failed to achieve adequate hemostasis. However, treatment with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) arrested the bleeding completely. Since acquired von Willebrand disease can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage, clinicians should consider rFVIIa as an effective treatment option if standard therapy fails.

Aged↗