Effects of recombinant human activated protein C on the coagulation system: a study with rotational thromboelastometry.
BACKGROUND
Recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) is an anticoagulant that can be used for treatment of patients with severe sepsis. The use of rhAPC is accompanied by an increased risk of severe bleeding. Rotational thromboelastometry is a method for measuring the status of the coagulation. The aim of the study was to investigate whether rotational thromboelastometry could be used for monitoring the effects of rhAPC on the coagulation.


METHODS
Whole blood was mixed in vitro with concentrations of rhAPC ranging from 0 to 75 ng/ml and analysed with rotational thromboelastometry.


RESULTS
The parameter Coagulation Time was significantly prolonged by increasing the concentrations of rhAPC (P=0.002). Other parameters were not significantly affected.


CONCLUSIONS
rhAPC dose dependently affects the early humoral parts of the coagulation, while platelet function and fibrinogen to fibrin conversion seem virtually unaffected.
Nilsson
C U
CU
Lund University Medical School, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Hellkvist
P D
PD
Engström
M
M
D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D011486:Protein C / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013916:Thrombelastography
D011486:Protein C; D011994:Recombinant Proteins