Futility Assessment of Recombinant Factor VII Activated for the Treatment of Hemorrhagic Shock Requiring Massive Transfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Recombinant human factor VII activated (rFVIIa) is an adjuvant therapy in patients receiving massive transfusion for hemorrhagic shock. We compared patient characteristics and outcomes to determine futility criteria for the administration of rFVIIa in patients receiving massive transfusion for hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who received both massive transfusion and rFVIIa. Consecutive trauma patients were allocated to 1 of 2 cohorts: survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: Seventy-two subjects comprised the study: 27 were survivors and 45 were nonsurvivors. A univariate analysis revealed that nonsurvivors were older and had a more profound coagulopathy as measured by prothrombin time. A stepwise logistic regression revealed an increased odds of death in those patients who were older (odds ratio [OR], 1.048; 95% CI, 1.008 -1.091), had a higher admission prothrombin time (OR, 1.561; 95% CI, 1.152-2.116), and received more fresh frozen plasma (OR, 1.098; 95% CI 1.023-1.179). In addition we saw a protective effect with increased platelet administration (OR, 0.645; 95% CI, 0.446-0.932). CONCLUSION: The use of rFVIIa for massive transfusion in middle-aged patients with moderate coagulopathy experiencing hemorrhagic shock may be considered futile. However, if rFVIIa is to be used as part of a massive transfusion protocol, adequate administration of platelets should be ensured.

Pharmacy student knowledge retention after completing either a simulated or written patient case.

OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacy students' knowledge retention from and comfort level with a patient-case simulation compared with a written patient case. DESIGN: Pharmacy students were randomly assigned to participate in either a written patient case or a simulated patient case in which a high-fidelity mannequin was used to portray a patient experiencing a narcotic and acetaminophen overdose. ASSESSMENT: Participants' responses on a multiple-choice test and a survey instrument administered before the case, immediately after the case, and 25 days later indicated that participation in the simulated patient case did not result in greater knowledge retention or comfort level than participation in the written patient case. Students' knowledge improved post-intervention regardless of which teaching method was used. CONCLUSIONS: Although further research is needed to determine whether the use of simulation in the PharmD curriculum is equivalent or superior to other teaching methods, students' enthusiasm for learning in a simulated environment where they can safely apply patient care skills make this technology worth exploring.