The use of FEIBA® in the correction of coagulation abnormalities induced by dabigatran

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown dabigatran to be an effective anticoagulant with an acceptable bleeding profile. None the less, these patients do suffer from bleeding complications. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct reversal agents to dabigatran or established guidelines on the management of bleeding in these circumstances. Methods: We examined the effects on thrombin generation parameters, after ex-vivo spiking the plasma of patients on dabigatran (n = 8) with FEIBA®. These parameters were measured using the calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) machine. Results: In our study, we showed the ability of FEIBA® to improve the abnormal thrombin generation parameters caused by dabigatran in these patients. Conclusion: This provides evidence, lacking in the literature, that this agent may be able to provide haemostatic support in situations where dabigatran induced coagulopathy exists. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.