Recombinant factor VIIa for intraoperative bleeding in a child with hepatoblastoma and review of recombinant activated factor VIIa use in children undergoing surgery

We report a case of a child with a large liver mass who underwent an open liver biopsy and had massive bleeding intraoperatively. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) given intraoperatively was successful in stopping the bleeding. We also reviewed the literature on the use of rFVIIa in pediatric surgery.     

Prophylactic recombinant factor VIIa administration to an infant with congenital systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma

We report the case of an infant affected with congenital systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma scheduled for central venous access system implantation (Port-a-Cath) and a liver and bone marrow biopsy. The patient had impaired liver function, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy which was refractory to daily fresh-frozen plasma and platelet infusions: 80 microg x kg(-1) dose(-1) of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was administered i.v. every 2 h starting 30 min before the procedure and ending 6 h afterwards. Very minor bleeding was observed during the procedure. In conclusion, rFVIIa therapy was effective as prophylaxis for both invasive procedures in this patient with a coagulopathy which was refractory to other different therapies.     

Use of recombinant factor VIIa for uncontrolled bleeding in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass

Background:  Increasingly, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is used adjunctively in nonhemophiliacs to control hemorrhage unresponsive to conventional therapy in a variety of settings including postcardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Studies examining rFVIIa administration to neonates after CPB are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcomes of neonates treated at our institution with rFVIIa for uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding.
Methods:  We retrospectively identified eight neonates undergoing complex congenital cardiac surgery who received rFVIIa, either intraoperatively or postoperatively, for uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding. Transfusion trends and prothrombin times (PT) were assessed both pre- and post-rFVIIa administration. Chest tube drainage volumes were recorded pre- and post-rFVIIa administration in those neonates receiving rFVIIa postoperatively in the intensive care unit. We documented such adverse events as thrombosis, dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and in-hospital mortality.
Results:  The mean amount of transfused packed red blood cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma decreased significantly after the administration of rFVIIa. Transfusion of cryoprecipitate trended towards a decrease but did not reach statistical significance. PT values also decreased significantly after the administration of rFVIIa. A high mortality was found in neonates exposed to both rFVIIa and ECMO; however, this was not significantly different from the mortality of neonates exposed to ECMO alone.
Conclusions:  Administration of rFVIIa to neonates for the treatment of uncontrolled post-CPB bleeding significantly reduced transfusion requirements and normalized PT values. Future randomized, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the potential hemostatic benefit and adverse effects of rFVIIa administration to neonates following CPB.     

Recombinant factor VIIa for life-threatening post-partum haemorrhage

The treatment of life-threatening post-partum haemorrhage (PPH)still remains challenging, and hysterectomy may be requiredto control the bleeding. We present 12 cases of severe PPH treatedwith recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). We briefly describe thecauses of the haemorrhage and the medical and surgical interventionsbefore rVIIa administration. In 11 women there was a partialor good response to rFVIIa administration, while in one therewas no response. In the four women undergoing a subsequent selectivearterial embolization, the bleeding was significantly reducedalthough not completely stopped. From our experience with these12 cases, and from previously reported cases, the use of rFVIIamay be of benefit in life-threatening PPH. However, treatmentwith rFVIIa, in addition to standard surgical and medical interventions,may not be definitive in every patient and a selective arterialembolization may be needed.      

Recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven RT) use in high risk cardiac surgery

Objective: The use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (NovoSeven RT^®) to establish hemostasis during massive perioperative bleeding in cardiac surgery has been explored in several retrospective studies. While early results are promising, a paucity of data leaves many questions about its safety profile. We sought to further define its use and associated outcomes in a large cohort study at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was used, in which 236 patients received rFVIIa for bleeding after cardiac surgery. These patients were matched with a cohort of 213 subjects, who had similar operations during the same period of time. Primary end points included thrombo-embolic events, mortality, incidence of re-operation, use of blood products, and patient disposition at 30 days. Statistical significance was assessed at p < 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of stroke (3.4%, 1.9%; p = 0.32), renal failure (8.5%, 7.0%; p = 0.57), or 30-day mortality (7.7%, 4.3%; p = 0.14) between the rFVIIa and the control groups, respectively. The rFVIIa group did experience a higher rate of re-operation for bleeding (11.0%, 1.9%; p = 0.0001) and had a two-fold increase in the use of each of the following: cryoprecipitate, fresh-frozen plasma, platelets, and packed red blood cells, relative to the control group (p < 0.00001). Conclusions: rFVIIa is an effective hemostatic agent for intractable bleeding in high-risk cardiac surgery with an acceptable safety profile. rFVIIa does not appear to be associated with increased postoperative complications, including thrombo-embolic events and death.     

Brain injury in children with congenital heart disease

The incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with congenital heart disease is high. Its aetiology is multiple and complex. Prevention and treatment must start during the preoperative period and continue through the intra- and postoperative periods. Research has resulted in a clearer understanding of the relationship between congenital heart disease and the brain, and of the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia and circulatory arrest. This has led to modifications in management which may improve neurological outcome in the future.     

Lactate clearance in infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease

Measurement of lactate concentrations during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a reliable monitoring tool for the assessment of the adequacy of perfusion, and a predictor of poor outcome. However, increased lactate production, which is multifactorial (anaerobic metabolism, hyperglycemia), increased lactate load by packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions, and decreased lactate clearance may all result in hyperlactatemia. The aim of this study was to estimate the clearance of lactate in infants undergoing surgery with CPB, using the lactate load from the PRBCs transfusions received during CPB. Retrospective cohort of infants <1 year of age with repeated lactate measurements during CPB, and a known lactate concentration in the PRBCs used during CPB were evaluated. All patients received PRBCs in the prime and during CPB to maintain hematocrit >35% and venous saturation >70%. Lactate kinetics were estimated across several time intervals between two lactate measurements, using a single compartment model. The lactate load was calculated as the product: PRBC‐lactate concentration * volume. The rate of endogenous lactate production was assumed to be unchanged (maintenance of high oxygen deliveries and normoglycemia throughout CPB). Overall, 87 calculations were performed in 27 patients, then averaged per patient. The mean lactate half‐life was 12.36 min [10.67–14.06], the mean clearance was 0.09 L/min [0.06–0.11], the indexed lactate clearance was 0.36 L/min/m² [0.28–0.44]. Lactate clearance increased significantly with age. The half‐life of lactate in infants is comparable with that reported in adults with CPB, and lactate clearance is higher. Knowing the high lactate content of PRBCs, lactate clearance rather than absolute concentration is potentially a better indicator of the adequacy of perfusion during CPB in infants.     

婴幼儿先天性心脏病体外循环前后丙二醛的变化及意义

目的研究婴幼儿心脏手术CPB前后丙二醛（MDA）的改变及其意义。方法30例室间隔缺损（VSD）患儿，按有无肺动脉高压（pH）分为无pH组（A组）15例，pH组（B组）15例。于CPB前和CPB结束后0,1，3，24h分别抽取桡动脉血3ml，测定血清MDA和cTnI的浓度变化。结果两组患儿血清MDA和cTnI浓度均于CPB后明显升高（P〈0．01）；在CPB后，B组血清MDA和cTnI浓度高于A组（P〈O．01）；B组血清cTnI和MDA浓度呈显著正相关（氏0．01）。结论先心伴pH患儿CPB后血清MDA和cTnI浓度明显高于先心不伴pH的患儿。氧自由基在CPB后心肌缺廓再灌注损伤中起重要作用。     

Comparative study on cerebral injury after open heart surgery in patients with congenital and rheumatic heart disease

Alongwiththedevelopmentofscienceandtechnology,intracardiacoperationsbecomemuchsaferthanever.Althoughthemortalityrateofthepatientsreceivingintracardiacoperationwith helpofcardiopulmonarybypass(CPB)hasdecreased butneurologicalcomplicationsoccurfrequently.Neurologicalcomplicationshavebeenidentifiedsince theearlydayswhenemployingcardiacsurgery.1And neurologicalcomplicationsaftertheemploymentofCPB areimportantfatalcomplicationsofnon cardiovascular originatpresent.2Theincidenceofneuropsychologica…     

不同年龄发绀型先心病患儿围体外循环期凝血功能的比较

Objective To investigate the changes in blood coagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children of different ages undergoing open heart surgery for cyanotic congenital heart disease.Methods Sixty children with cyanotic congenital heart disease undergoing open heart surgery under CPB were divided into 3 age groups: Group A(age≤12 mort, n=25), Group B (12mon＜age≤24 mon, n= 17) and Group C (24 mon＜ age＜4 yr, n=18). Venous blood samples were taken immediately after induction of anesthesia(T1) and at 10 min after protamine administration (T2)for determination of activated coagulation time (SonACT), clot rate and platelet function (PF) using Sonoclot coagulation and platelet function analyzer-type DP2951 (Sieuco Co., USA).Results There was significant difference in SonACT, clot rate and PF at T1 among the 3 groups: the SonACT was significantly shorter in Groups B and C than in Group A, the clot rate was significantly higher in Group B than in Group C, and the PF was significantly lower in Group C than in Group A. At T2 , the SonACT was significantly prolonged in all 3 groups, the clot rate was significantly decreased in Groups A and B, and the PF was significantly decreased in Group A.Conclusion There are significant differences in blood coagulation and PF among the 3 different age groups of children with cyanotic congenital heart disease after induction of anesthesia and CPB has different effects on their blood coagulation and PF.     

Anaesthetic implications of congenital heart disease for children undergoing non-cardiac surgery

A diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) increases perioperative risk for children having surgical procedures. Some will require anaesthesia at a specialist cardiac centre, while for others it is safe and appropriate to have their procedure in a local district general hospital (DGH). Children with complex CHD and poor physiological status carry the highest risk of cardiac arrest and mortality. Clinical features of cardiomyopathy, cyanosis, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmia and cardiac failure are most likely to require specialist input and tertiary referral, whereas those with a preoperative stay of less than 10 days undergoing elective, minor surgery, who are older than 2 years of age and physiologically well may be safely anaesthetized in a DGH. In order to maximize safety, the anaesthetist must carry out a thorough preoperative assessment, have an understanding of the patient's individual physiology and be prepared for the potential effects of general anaesthesia. Systemic vascular resistance is reduced by most induction agents and volatile anaesthetics, pulmonary vascular resistance is affected by changes in ventilation and gas exchange. The anaesthetist should be alert to particular potential complications, such as arrhythmias, hypoxia, bleeding and cardiac arrest.