Prothrombin complex concentrate for oral factor Xa inhibitor-associated intracerebral hemorrhage
Research article published in Research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis (2026)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Factor Xa inhibitor-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) requires rapid anticoagulation reversal. Although andexanet alfa, a specific FXaI antidote, demonstrated efficacy in andexenet alfa for acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ANNEXA-I) trial, it was associated with a high thromboembolic rate. Consequently, 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is widely used, though real-world data remain limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess the hemostatic effectiveness and safety of 4F-PCC for reversal of oral factor Xa inhibitors in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with FXaI-associated ICH treated with 4F-PCC between January 2017 and May 2025. The primary endpoint was hemostatic efficacy according to ANNEXA-I criteria: hematoma expansion < 35%, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score increase of <7 points, and absence of rescue therapy within 12 hours. The secondary endpoint was a stable neurological status (no worsening of the NIHSS score) at 48 hours. Safety outcomes included 30-day thromboembolic events and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (median age, 81 years; IQR, 75-87; 61.5% male) were included. Apixaban was the most frequent FXaI (86.6%), with atrial fibrillation as the main indication (94.3%). The median baseline hematoma volume was 5.45 mL (IQR, 2-21), and the NIHSS score was 4.5 (IQR, 1-6). The primary endpoint was achieved in 39 patients (75.0%; 95% CI, 61.1%-86.0%). Stable neurological status at 48 hours occurred in 37 patients (71.2%; 95% CI, 56.9%-82.9%). One thromboembolic event (deep vein thrombosis) occurred (1.9%; 95% CI, 0.0%-10.3%), and 12 patients (23.1%; 95% CI, 12.5%-36.8%) died within 30 days. CONCLUSION: 4F-PCC achieved high hemostatic efficacy and low thromboembolic risk in FXaI-associated ICH. Mortality was comparable to ANNEXA-I, but thrombotic events were markedly lower, supporting current guideline recommendations for 4F-PCC use in this setting.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Factor Xa inhibitor-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) requires rapid anticoagulation reversal. Although andexanet alfa, a specific FXaI antidote, demonstrated efficacy in andexenet alfa for acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ANNEXA-I) trial, it was associated with a high thromboembolic rate.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro de 52 pacientes evaluó el concentrado de complejo protrombínico de cuatro factores (4F-PCC) para revertir la hemorragia intracerebral asociada a inhibidores del factor Xa, informando la eficacia hemostática según los criterios ANNEXA-I en el 75,0% de los pacientes con un evento tromboembólico (1,9%) y una mortalidad a los 30 días del 23,1%. La relevancia para la ASH es indirecta pero real en el panorama de la evidencia antitrombótica: ilustra la tensión clínica central -- sangrado versus coagulación -- que define toda la terapia anticoagulante, incluido el secretoma de la sanguijuela medicinal, y destaca que cualquier anticoagulante potente plantea el problema paralelo de la reversión segura, una consideración que el campo pondera al discutir agentes derivados de sanguijuelas. Advertencia honesta: este es un pequeño estudio observacional retrospectivo de un solo centro de un agente farmacéutico de reversión en la hemorragia por inhibidor farmacéutico del factor Xa; no implica sanguijuelas ni hirudoterapia y no debe citarse como evidencia sobre el tratamiento basado en sanguijuelas.
Citación
Prothrombin complex concentrate for oral factor Xa inhibitor-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.
Shamiea M et al. · Research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis, 2026
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026