title: The use of prothrombin complex concentrates in the treatment of hemorrhages induced by oral anticoagulation.
abstract: Bleeding events are a common adverse effect in oral anticoagulation that frequently depend on the duration and intensity of treatment. Major bleeding events, particularly intracerebral hemorrhages, are a serious complication in cases that require the rapid reversal of anticoagulation. Urgent correction of the coagulation defect is also indicated when major emergency surgery is necessary. In addition to vitamin K supplementation, the administration of prothrombin complex concentrates is the most effective measure for the rapid reversal of anticoagulation. Due to the time-consuming administration and increased risk of volume overload, the administration of fresh frozen plasma is less advisable in such instances. The application of prothrombin complex concentrates requires a precautious risk-benefit evaluation, including an estimation of contraindications and repeated laboratory monitoring for dose adjustment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Haemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany. htgpin@med-rz.uni-sb.de
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pindur
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mörsdorf
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D011516:Prothrombin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; C025667:prothrombin complex concentrates; D011516:Prothrombin