RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most important complication associated with acetylsalicylic acid therapy. Patients with preexisting haemostatic disorders are at the higher risk and may experience life-threatening hemorrhagic syndrome. Platelet transfusions and desmopressin administration commonly successfully arrest bleeding. However, in clinical situations with profound bleeding and haemorrhagic shock, these therapeutic approaches may fail. CASE OUTLINE: We report a 24-year old female patient with previously undetected acquired platelet dysfunction, who underwent reconstructive surgical intervention. On the 20th postoperative day, acetylsalicylic acid was introduced due to reactive thrombocytosis (platelet count 1480x10(9)/L) with daily dose of 100 mg tablets. On the 12th day of the acetylsalicylic acid treatment, massive gastrointestinal bleeding with haemorrhagic shock suddenly occurred. Attempts to control massive haemorrhage by resuscitation, blood products and haemostatics (desmopressin, tranexamic acid) failed. Two bolus doses of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) (100 microg/kg and 60 microg/kg respectively) in 90 minutes interval were given. Bleeding was successfully controlled with no requirements for further haemoproducts and haemostatic remedies treatment. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that the use of rFVIIa may be a specific treatment option in patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal bleeding associated with acetylsalicylic acid treatment.
