Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Inverse Propensity Score-Weighted Analysis

We compare the effect of intraoperative administration of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) versus fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on major bleeding, transfusions, and complications. Out of 138 patients undergoing left ventricle assist device (LVAD) implantation, 32 received PCCs as first-line hemostatic agents and 102 FFP (standard group). The crude treatment estimates indicated that, compared with the standard group, the PCC group required more FFP units (odds ratio [OR]4.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.58–11; p = 0.004) intraoperatively, whereas a greater number of patients received FFP at 24 hours (OR3.01, 95% CI1.19–7.59; p = 0.021) and less packed red blood cells (RBC) at 48 hours (OR0.61, 95% CI0.01–1.21; p = 0.046). After the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted analyses, in the PCC group there was still a higher number of patients who required FFP (OR2.9, 95% CI1.02–8.25; p = 0.048) or RBC (OR6.23, 95% CI1.67–23.14; p = 0.007] at 24 hours and RBC at 48 hours (OR3.09, 95% CI0.89–10.76; p = 0.007). Adverse events and survival were similar before and after the ITPW adjustment. In conclusion, the PCCs, although relatively safe with respect to thrombotic events, were not associated with a reduction of major bleeding and blood product transfusions.