Patients requiring non-emergent reversal of warfarin can often be treated with vitamin K or by discontinuing the warfarin therapy. Prothrombin complex concentrates should only be used for patients with serious bleeding or for those who need urgent surgery. Plasma should only be used in this setting if prothrombin complex concentrates are not available or are contraindicated.
Conditions: Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA), Warfarin, Coumadin
Treatments: Plasma, Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), Prothrombin Complex Concentrates (PCCs)
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Sources
- Holbrook A, Schulman S, Witt DM et al. Evidence-Based Management of Anticoagulant Therapy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012; 141(2_suppl):e152S-e184S. (PubMed)
- Keeling D, Baglin T, Tait C et al. for the British Committee for Standards in Haematology. Guidelines on oral anticoagulation with warfarin - fourth edition. Br. J. Haematol. 2011; 154:311-324. (PubMed)
- National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products (NAC). [cited 2014 May 16]. NAC PCC Working Group. Recommendations for Use of Prothrombin Complex Concentrates in Canada. (NAC)
- Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Antithrombotics: indications and management. Edinburgh (UK): 2012. 75 p. Report No. 129. (PDF)