title: Effect of recombinant FVIIa in hypothermic, coagulopathic pigs with liver injuries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous experiments with diverse pig models to evaluate the ability of rFVIIa to reduce hemorrhage have provided divergent results. The current study was conducted to address concerns related to previous work by using larger sample sizes, and an extended observational period of 4 hours post-injury. The objectives were to evaluate further the hemostatic efficacy and safety of rFVIIa administration after traumatic, uncontrolled hemorrhage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anesthetized, splenectomized pigs (36.6 +/- 0.3 kg; n = 18/group) underwent an approximately 50% isovolemic blood exchange with 33 degrees C 6% hetastarch, and body temperature was adjusted to 32.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Subsequently, a Grade V liver injury was inflicted. After 30 seconds, either vehicle or treatment (180 microg/kg or 720 microg/kg rFVIIa) was administered intravenously as a bolus. Concomitantly, laparotomy pads were packed around the liver. Resuscitation with 33 degrees C lactated Ringer's solution (260 mL/min) was initiated and pigs were monitored for 4 hour post-injury or until death. Tissues were collected and examined histologically to assess the presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Liver injuries were comparable among all groups (p = 0.89). Measures associated with in vitro coagulation (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thromboelastographic split-point and R times) were enhanced by rFVIIa administration (p < 0.05). However, neither percent survival (p = 0.82), survival time (p = 0.56), nor blood loss (p = 0.63) were affected by treatment. DIC was not evident in lung or kidney tissue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data indicate an inability of rFVIIa at these doses to reduce blood loss, or to increase survival time or percent survival in this pig model. Absence of DIC provides evidence for safe use of rFVIIa under conditions specific to this study.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6315, USA. harold.klemcke@amedd.army.mil
authors.forename: Harold G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Klemcke
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Holcomb
authors.forename: Kathy L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Allen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: Rodolpho
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: DeGuzman
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scherer
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cortez
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Uscilowicz
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Macaitis
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bliss
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wojtaszczyk
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Currier
authors.forename: Anthony E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Pusateri
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D005167:Factor VII / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015942:Factor VIIa; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries*; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005167:Factor VII; C103587:recombinant FVIIa; D015942:Factor VIIa