ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Evaluation of andexanet alfa and four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC) for reversal of rivaroxaban‐ and apixaban‐associated intracranial hemorrhages

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Abstract

Background/Objective

Before approval of andexanet alfa, off‐label treatment with 4‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC) was often utilized for the management of life‐threatening hemorrhages associated with oral factor Xa inhibitors. We evaluated the operational processes and outcomes of patients with oral factor Xa inhibitor‐associated intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) treated with andexanet alfa or 4F‐PCC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, single‐center case series of rivaroxaban or apixaban‐associated ICH between 2016‐2019 treated with andexanet alfa or 4F‐PCC. Good or excellent hemostatic effectiveness, good functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Score [GOS]> 3) at hospital discharge, and incidence of thrombosis within 30 days were reported.

Results

Eighteen patients were included in the andexanet alfa cohort and 11 in the 4F‐PCC cohort. Excellent or good hemostasis occurred in 88.9% of andexanet alfa‐treated patients and 60% of 4F‐PCC‐treated patients. Good functional outcome on discharge occurred in 55.6% of andexanet alfa‐treated patients and 9.1% of 4F‐PCC‐treated patients. Thrombotic complications occurred in 16.7% of andexanet alfa‐treated patients and 9.1% of 4F‐PCC‐treated patients. Median order‐to‐administration time was 1.1 hours [0.8‐1.4] versus 0.5 hours [0.1‐0.8] in the andexanet alfa and 4F‐PCC group, respectively. The median cost of therapy was $29970/patient versus $6925/patient in the andexanet alfa and 4F‐PCC group, respectively.

Conclusions

We observed higher rates of occurrence of good or excellent hemostasis and GOS > 3 on hospital discharge and increased incidence of thrombosis in patients who received andexanet alfa compared to 4F‐PCC for oral factor Xa inhibitor reversal. However, patients receiving 4F‐PCC had lower pre‐reversal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)score and larger pre‐reversal ICH volume.

Keywords

antithrombotic drugs
hemostasis
intracranial hemorrhage
thrombosis

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Received: 06 February 2020

Manuscript handled by: Willem Lijfering

Final decision: Willem Lijfering, 08 April 2020

Institution where work performed: Massachusetts General Hospital