Continuous infusion of recombinant factor VIIa in hemophilic patients withinhibitors: Safety, monitoring, and cost effectiveness

The continuous infusion of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) was fi rst described in 1996, Because of the significant benefits in convenience a nd cost that can be achieved with this mode of administration compared with bolus doses, the method was quickly adopted, albeit with many local variat ions. Some of those have been less favorable, resulting in hemorrhagic comp lications. The potential pitfalls and experiences from a large number of ca ses collected in an international registry of continuous infusion with rFVI Ia are reviewed. The only indications discussed here are hemophilia A or B with inhibitors or acquired hemophilia, Different recommendations may apply for other indications.