title: A retrospective audit of the use of Prothrombinex-HT for refractory bleeding following adult cardiac surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the frequency of use, possible efficacy and safety profile of Prothrombinex-HT (CSL Bioplasma, Melbourne, VIC) in treatment of patients with microvascular bleeding refractory to standard measures after cardiothoracic surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed of 60 consecutive cardiothoracic surgical patients who received Prothrombinex-HT between February and August 2003. Data collected included baseline demographic information, nature and complexity of surgery, preoperative medications, baseline haematological parameters and evidence of clinically significant prothrombotic complications. Consumption of blood products, haematological parameters and mediastinal bleeding rates before and after administration of Prothrombinex-HT were documented in 22 patients who received Prothrombinex-HT in the ICU.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No major prothrombotic complications were noted in the series of 60 patients. Two patients had superficial thrombophlebitis. Blood product consumption and haematological parameters were markedly reduced after administering Prothrombinex-HT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of Prothrombinex-HT was not associated with significant prothrombotic complications. Limited evidence of its efficacy suggests that it should be further evaluated in the setting of cardiothoracic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Geelong Hospital, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Todd A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: Charlie F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Corke
authors.forename: Morteza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohajeri
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stevenson
authors.forename: Philip J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D006490:Hemostatics; C025667:prothrombin complex concentrates