Prophylactic Activated Recombinant Factor VII in Liver Resection and Liver Transplantation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
2011

Prophylactic Activated Factor VII in Liver Surgery

Sample size: 671 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Chavez-Tapia Norberto C., Alfaro-Lara Roberto, Tellez-Avila Felix, Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh, González-Chon Octavio, Mendez-Sanchez Nahum, Uribe Misael

Primary Institution: Obesity and Digestive Diseases Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico

Hypothesis

Does prophylactic use of recombinant activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) reduce mortality and bleeding in hepatobiliary surgery?

Conclusion

Prophylactic rFVIIa did not significantly affect mortality or bleeding outcomes in liver surgery.

Supporting Evidence

  • Four randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis.
  • No significant differences were found in mortality rates between rFVIIa and placebo.
  • The requirement for red blood cell transfusions did not show significant benefits.
  • An unexpected trend towards more serious adverse events was observed in liver transplantation patients treated with rFVIIa.

Takeaway

The study looked at whether a special medicine could help stop bleeding during liver surgery, but it didn't really work.

Methodology

The study included a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing rFVIIa to placebo in liver surgery.

Potential Biases

All trials were at risk of bias due to unclear sequence generation and allocation concealment, and all were sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.

Limitations

The number of trials included was small, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Participant Demographics

Participants were adults aged 18 and older undergoing liver resection or transplantation, with most being cirrhotic patients.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.35–2.63 for mortality

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022581

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