Recombinant activated factor VII: its mechanism of action and role in the control of hemorrhage.

This is an overview on the mechanism of action of rFVIIa and its role in hemostasis. rFVIIa directly activates FX, increases thrombin activation on activated platelets, and leads to generation of strong fibrin clot which is more resistant to fibrinolysis. rFVIIa exerts its action by interacting with tissue factor, but this group showed that high doses of rFVIIa exerts its action on activated platelets idependent of tissue factor. High doses of rFVIIa also leads to inhibition of fibrinolysis by activating Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI). The local action of rFVIIa explains its safety and low incidence of systemic side effects.

– Maadh Aldouri