Control of bleeding associated with hemophagocytic syndrome in children: an audit of the clinical use of recombinant activated factor VII.

This paper presents 2 cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in whom recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was used for the management of hemorrhage. Both patients were diagnosed as HLH and were bleeding from the gut, which could not be controlled. Patients received rFVIIa at total doses of between 90 and 180 microg/kg body weight. Hemostatic affect was achieved in both of the patients but lasted only a short time. The response was achieved after 1 h of administration of rFVIIa, lasting for 24 h. The use of rFVIIa was well tolerated. These 2 patients suggest that rFVIIa is a beneficial agent in the management of hemorrhage in patients with HLH, although for a permanent homeostasis the control of primary disease is essential.