Thromboembolic safety and efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrates in the emergency reversal of warfarin coagulopathy

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty regarding the efficacy and incidence of thromboembolic events in patients treated with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) for the emergency reversal of warfarin effect. METHODS: During 2002 to 2010 we prospectively included 160 patients treated with PCC for emergency reversal of warfarin either for bleeding or because of the need of emergency surgery. A possible relationship to PCC was considered if objectively verified thromboembolism occurred within 7days of PCC administration. Efficacy was adjudicated as good if the bleeding was controlled promptly or if the surgeon did not report excessive perioperative bleeding. RESULTS: We included 160 patients; 72% received PCC for bleeding. The median international normalized ratio (INR) before and after treatment with PCC was 3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.6-5.4) and 1.4 (IQR 1.2-1.6). The mean dose of PCC was 1800IU (IQR 1200-2000). In addition to PCC, 74% of the patients received vitamin K and 34% received plasma. Six patients (3.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-8.0%) developed thromboembolic events (3 strokes, 1 myocardial infarction, 1 deep vein thrombosis, 1 splenic infarction), possibly related to PCC. The clinical efficacy was good in 146 (91%), moderate in 6 (4%), poor in 4 (2.5%) and non-evaluable in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: The administration of PCC for the emergency reversal of warfarin may be associated with a low risk of thromboembolism. The contribution of an unmasked thrombotic process by cessation of anticoagulation or of activation of coagulation by the hemorrhagic event should also be considered.