Factor IX Complex for the Treatment of Severe Bleeding After Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Previous reports have been published on the use of recombinant Factor VIIa for intractable bleeding after cardiac surgery; however, there is limited information on the use of Factor IX Complex in this population. A retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and experienced severe postoperative bleeding, defined as a mean chest tube output ≥300 mL/h. Primary outcomes were changes in chest tube output and blood product usage pre- and post-Factor IX Complex administration. Eleven patients received Factor IX Complex for severe postoperative bleeding. The mean dose of Factor IX Complex was 35 (13-52) units/kg. Chest tube output was significantly reduced after Factor IX Complex administration (mean pre-Factor IX Complex 381 ± 49 mL/h, mean post-Factor IX Complex 151 ± 38 mL/h; P = 0.003). Blood product usage decreased after Factor IX Complex but was not statistically significant (mean pre-Factor IX Complex 373 ± 81 mL/h, mean post-Factor IX Complex 212 ± 48 mL/h; P = 0.669). Adverse events included 1 pulmonary embolism (postoperative day 43) and 2 episodes of acute renal failure requiring dialysis (postoperative days 2 and 5). In this small group of patients, Factor IX Complex effectively controlled severe bleeding after cardiac surgery preventing the need for re-exploration.