title: Experiences with recombinant activated factor VII in the treatment of severe refractory thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Approximately 5% of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) manifests itself as symptomatic, severe thrombocytopenia requiring splenectomy. The surgical procedure increases the risk of serious hemorrhage, especially in patients refractory to platelet transfusions. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been found to enhance thrombin generation on activated platelets and may be a promising agent in preventing life-threatening bleedings. The administration of rFVIIa in two patients with severe refractory ITP, who underwent splenectomy, is presented. Combined therapy with agents of different mechanisms of action could be useful in cases with the highest probability of bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland. gw@pedhemat.am.wroc.pl
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wróbel
authors.forename: Grzegorz
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dobaczewski
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Patkowski
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sokół
authors.forename: Elzbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grotthus
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015942:Factor VIIa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013156:Splenectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D015942:Factor VIIa