In Vitro Effect of Activated Recombinant Factor VII (rFVIIa) on Coagulation Properties of Human Blood at Hypothermic Temperatures

Abstract

Mild to moderate hypothermia delayed the initial clot reaction and reduced clot formation rate without affecting ultimate clot strength. FVIIa effectively compensated for the adverse effects of hypothermia except in severe cases. These results suggest that administration of FVIIa should be beneficial in enhancing hemostasis in hypothermic trauma patients without the need for prior correction of the patient's body temperature.