PRO: Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Should Be Used in Preference to Fresh Frozen Plasma for Hemostasis in Cardiac Surgical Patients

WARFARIN AND VITAMIN K antagonists (VKA) are used widely for a number of conditions, including a history of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, mechanical heart valves, poor left ventricular function, and hypercoagulable states. Spontaneous bleeding is a known complication of VKA therapy and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.1 –3 Major bleeding from a supra-therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) with warfarin therapy can occur in up to 6.5% of patients annually; the risks of major bleeding complications, including intracranial and gastrointestinal sources, are increased by more than 2-fold, especially in elder ly patients with INR prolongation.

Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - January 11, 2018 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Himani V. Bhatt, Kathirvel Subramaniam Tags: Pro and Con Source Type: research