Use of recombinant factor VIIa in the management of severe bleeding episodes in patients with Bernard–Soulier syndrome

Bernard–Soulier syndrome (BSS) is a rare congenital platelet disorder characterized by defective platelet adhesion and manifested by spontaneous and often profuse bleeding. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is a haemostatic agent licensed for the treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors, which may represent a low-risk alternative to existing therapies in the management of patients with BSS. Here, we describe the use of rFVIIa for the treatment of three severe bleeding episodes in two patients with BSS. Data were extracted by automated searching of the international, Internet-based registry http://www.haemostasis.com. Patient 1, a 24-year-old woman, was admitted with severe epistaxis and hypotension. The diagnosis of BSS was confirmed by macrothrombocytopenia, absence of ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination (RIPA) and absence of glycoprotein (GP) Ibα and IX on the platelet surface. Epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA; two 50-mg/kg doses), packed red blood cells (PRBCs, 2 U) and platelets (30 U) failed to control the bleeding and, after 13 h, three bolus doses of rFVIIa (90 μg/kg body weight) and a third dose of EACA were administered; bleeding stopped after the third dose of rFVIIa. Patient 2, a 15-year-old girl, initially presented with severe menorrhagia. A lack of RIPA and severe deficiency of GPIbα on the platelet surface confirmed the diagnosis of BSS. EACA and fresh-frozen plasma did not control the haemorrhage, but two bolus doses of rFVIIa (98 μg/kg body weight) resulted in a marked decrease in bleeding. On second admission, patient 2 had severe epistaxis and mild menorrhagia. Two rFVIIa doses (98 and 122.5 μg/kg body weight) were given, and the bleeding stopped. No adverse events were reported in these cases. These three admissions highlight the potential of rFVIIa for the treatment of severe bleeds in patients with BSS.