Successful management of intra-abdominal hemorrhage in the presence of severe alcoholic liver disease with activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven): a case report and review of the literature on approved and off-label use of rFVIIa.

A 37-year-old male with history of alcohol abuse presented to us with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain with ascites. He was diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease with coagulopathy and pancreatitis. During hospitalization, the patient developed intra-abdominal hemorrhage. He was treated with platelets, packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma without any improvement. Following this he was treated with activated recombinant factor VII (90 microg/kg), which resulted in normalization of the prothrombin time and the activated partial thromboplastin time and stabilization of hematocrit within a few hours. We review the current literature on the approved and off-label use of activated recombinant factor VII.     

Cryosurgical treatment of gingival melanin pigmentation with tetrafluoroethane.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane (TFE), as a new material for cryosurgery of gingival melanin pigmentation (GMP). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one patients with GMP were treated using a TFE-cooled cotton swab. Standard digital images of pigmented areas were measured preoperatively and postoperatively with image-analyzing software. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Keratinization was completed 3 to 4 weeks after application, without any trace of pigmentation. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements of pigmented areas (P < .05). During the follow-up period, no side effects were observed and improved esthetics were maintained up to month 30. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of cryosurgery with TFE for treatment of GMP are very satisfactory. The use of TFE for cryosurgical treatment of GMP is practical and inexpensive. Moreover, unlike other cryosurgery methods no special equipment is required, and it is safe to store in the dental clinic.