Recombinant activated coagulation factor VII and prothrombin complex concentrates are equally effective in reducing hematoma volume in experimental warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Based on an experimental model of warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage, we investigated whether the rapid reversal of anticoagulation using prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) or recombinant activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) reduces hematoma volume.

METHODS

Mice were orally pretreated with warfarin (2 mg/kg). Intracerebral hemorrhage was induced by collagenase injection into the right striatum. Forty-five minutes later, PCC (100 IE/kg), rFVIIa (1 mg/kg), or an equal volume of saline was administered intravenously. Hematoma volume after 24 hours was quantified using a photometric hemoglobin assay.

RESULTS

International normalized ratio was 4.3±0.4 in saline-treated mice, 0.9±0.1 in rFVIIa mice, and 1.4±0.2 in PCC mice. Intracerebral hemorrhage volume was 29.0±19.7 μL in the saline group (n=7), 8.6±4.3 μL in the rFVIIa group (n=6), and 6.1±1.8 μL in the PCC group (n=7; analysis of variance between-group differences P=0.004; post hoc rFVIIa versus saline P=0.021; PCC versus saline P=0.007). No significant difference was found between PCC- and rFVIIa-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PCC and rFVIIa are equally effective in restoring coagulation and preventing excessive hematoma growth in acute warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.