ABSTRACT
Polymorphism A1/A2 in the ß3 subunit of integrins αIIb/ß3 and αV/ß3 is implicated in the risk of development of embryonic and fetal recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In 191 women with RPL, polymorphism A1/A2 was statistically significantly associated with RPL at <10 weeks of gestation (29.3% versus 16.4% in controls), but it was much more pronounced in 67 women with RPL between 10 and 20 weeks of gestation (41.8%), illustrating its role in recurrent fetal loss.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Habitual/genetics , Embryo Implantation/genetics , Integrin beta3/genetics , Placentation/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Abortion, Habitual/pathology , Adult , Alleles , Antigens, Surface/genetics , Antigens, Surface/metabolism , Antigens, Surface/physiology , Case-Control Studies , Embryo Loss/genetics , Embryo Loss/pathology , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Gestational Age , Humans , Infertility, Female/genetics , Infertility, Female/pathology , Integrin beta3/metabolism , Integrin beta3/physiology , Polymorphism, Genetic/physiology , Pregnancy , Protein Subunits/genetics , Protein Subunits/metabolism , Protein Subunits/physiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This paper presents an analysis of 25 patient cases in which recombinant factor VIIa was used in the management of postpartum hemorrhage, including severe and/or life-threatening bleeds. Anecdotal experiences in the empirical use of this agent are described and dosing regimens, effects on bleeding, and safety data are presented. METHODS: Data were extracted from the international, internet-based, voluntary registry, haemostasis.com. Search results were manually cross-checked against monthly summary reports and cases of confirmed postpartum hemorrhage were analyzed by the authors. Case providers were contacted individually to approve the use of their cases, supply any missing data, and validate the data already held. RESULTS: Of 43 reported gynecological admissions for hemorrhage, 13 were excluded as they did not relate to childbirth, and 5 due to insufficient data. The remaining 25 records, all associated with postpartum hemorrhage, were submitted by 14 doctors from 5 countries. Following administration of recombinant factor VIIa, bleeding stopped in 18 cases (72%), markedly decreased in 2 (8%), and decreased in 4 (16%). Bleeding increased following recombinant factor VIIa administration in only 1 patient (4%). Requirements for replacement blood products and crystalloids/colloids were also greatly curtailed. A full recovery was achieved by most patients (22/25, 88%) with few complications, even when recombinant factor VIIa was administered as salvage therapy. There were no thrombotic complications associated with recombinant factor VIIa administration. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides the largest aggregate of cases in which recombinant factor VIIa has been used to control obstetrical bleeding. A review of these cases suggests that this agent may be a useful and safe adjunctive therapy in the management of postpartum hemorrhage.
