Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Oct 2011
Review Meta AnalysisRecombinant activated factor VII increases stroke in cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis.
Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is used in various surgical procedures to reduce the incidence of major blood loss and the need for re-exploration. Few clinical trials have investigated rFVIIa in cardiac surgery. The authors performed a meta-analysis focusing on the rate of stroke and surgical re-exploration. ⋯ The administration of rFVIIa in cardiac surgery patients could result in a significant increase of stroke with a trend toward a reduction of the need for surgical re-exploration. The authors do not recommend routine use in cardiac surgery patients. rFVIIa may be considered with caution in patients with refractory life-threatening bleeding.