Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate: An Indispensable Adjunct in Coagulopathy of Trauma Management – A Comparative Review of the Literature over 2 Decades

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Damage control resuscitation forms the cornerstone of management in trauma surgery. Several blood products have been widely used for preoperative transfusions prior to emergency surgeries and for hemorrhage control in trauma. Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is now being introduced as an essential component of damage control resuscitation. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> We did a comparative descriptive analysis of several single and multi-institutional clinical trials and retrospective cohort studies. The primary focus of these studies was a comparison between PCC and other transfusion modalities including recombinant factor VIIa, fresh-frozen plasma, and fibrinogen based on several vital parameters. The parameters included rapid international normalized ratio reversal, hospital length of stay, cost-effectiveness, mortality rate, and rate of thromboembolic complications. <b><i>Key Points:</i></b> Although still awaiting its approval from the FDA for use in traumatic coagulopathy, 4-factor PCC has shown far more convincing results in contrast to former transfusion modalities, even 3-factor PCC. However, more prospective extensive clinical trials on national levels are needed to compare its effectiveness to 3-factor PCC and gather promising recognition in the trauma care fraternity.