Risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with acquired hypofibrinogenemia in patients administered hemocoagulase batroxobin for hemoptysis.

BACKGROUND

Hemocoagulase batroxobin is used to prevent hemostasis or bleeding in surgical and trauma patients; however, the role of batroxobin in patients with hemoptysis is not well understood. We evaluated the risk factors and prognosis of acquired hypofibrinogenemia in hemoptysis patients treated systemically with batroxobin.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of hospitalized patients who were administered batroxobin for hemoptysis. Acquired hypofibrinogenemia was defined as a plasma fibrinogen level >150 mg/dL at baseline, decreasing to <150 mg/dL after batroxobin administration.

RESULTS

Overall, 183 patients were enrolled, of whom 75 had acquired hypofibrinogenemia after the administration of batroxobin. There was no statistical difference in the median age of the patients in the non-hypofibrinogenemia and hypofibrinogenemia groups (72.0 74.0 years, respectively). The patients in the hypofibrinogenemia group showed a higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (11.1% 22.7%; P=0.041) and tended to have more massive hemoptysis than those in the non-hyperfibrinogenemia group (23.1% 36.0%; P=0.068). The patients in the hypofibrinogenemia group further showed a higher requirement for transfusion (10.2% 38.7%; P<0.000) than those in the non-hyperfibrinogenemia group. Low levels of baseline plasma fibrinogen and a prolonged and higher total dose of batroxobin were associated with the development of acquired hypofibrinogenemia. Acquired hypofibrinogenemia was associated with increased 30-day mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 4.164; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.318-13.157].

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma fibrinogen levels in patients who were administered batroxobin for hemoptysis should be monitored, and batroxobin should be discontinued if hypofibrinogenemia occurs.