Prothrombin complex concentrate

Abstract

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are purifi ed drug products with hemostatic activity derived from a plasma pool. PCCs are recommended as an alternative to FFP and recombinant factor VIIa for the treatment of serious or life-threatening bleeding related to vitamin K antagonist therapy. They may be considered as safe preparations if they are used for their approved indications at the recommended dosage with adequate precautions for administration, and have been shown to be effective for reversing the effect of VKAs. The aim of this paper is to present the general characteristics of the CCP, its main indications for use and areas of opportunity in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine.