Recombinant activated factor VII for non-hemophiliac bleeding patients

THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the safety and efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII in diverse clinical settings based on recent published anecdotal experiences and early results from prospective trials. RECENT FINDINGS: Recombinant activated factor VII is increasingly being used for off-label treatment and prophylaxis of bleeding in non-hemophiliac patients. Case reports would suggest that recombinant activated factor VII is an efficacious and safe "universal hemostatic agent". To date, results of several randomized control trials investigating recombinant activated factor VII in non-hemophiliacs have been published as abstracts, supporting recombinant activated factor VII safety, but not its efficacy. SUMMARY: Until the results of additional prospective trials are available, clinicians, who manage patients with challenging hemostatic complications, and transfusion medicine specialists should collaborate to develop local policies for off-label utilization of recombinant activated factor VII.