Efficacy and safety of prothrombin complex concentrate for vitamin K antagonist-associated intracranial hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#anticoagulants #blood-coagulation-factors #humans #intracranial-hemorrhages #vitamin-k

Efficacy and safety of prothrombin complex concentrate for vitamin K antagonist-associated intracranial hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pan et al., 2019 | Neurol Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Pan Rui, Cheng Jinping, ... Tang Yamei. Efficacy and safety of prothrombin complex concentrate for vitamin K antagonist-associated intracranial hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurol Sci. 2019-Apr;40(4):813-827. doi:10.1007/s10072-019-3726-x

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is the treatment of choice in vitamin K antagonist-associated intracranial hemorrhage (VKA-ICH). However, the efficiency and safety associated with their use remain unclear. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the current evidence of the clinical outcomes in patients with VKA-ICH treated with or without PCC. A meta-analysis was conducted. Two randomized controlled trials and 19 observational studies were included. PCC use demonstrated a significant increased likelihood of international normalized ratio (INR) normalization (OR = 3.76; 95% CI 1.74-8.12), shortened time to INR correction (MD = - 1.30; 95% CI - 2.08 to - 0.53) and reduction of hematoma expansion (HE) rate (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.23-0.60). Although PCC use revealed a statistical reduction at 30-day mortality (OR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50-0.78), the result was inconsistent with mortality at discharge (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.68-1.57) and 90-day follow-up (OR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.24-1.07), both of which yielded no significant difference. When subgroup analyses were performed focus on PCC only treatment with FFP, no statistically significant difference was observed in 30-day mortality (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.11-1.71) as well. Besides, significant difference was not found in neurologic improvement at discharge (OR = 1.85; 95% CI 0.32-10.75), 30-day follow-up (OR = 3.00; 95% CI 0.93-9.70), or 90-day follow-up (OR = 1.55; 95% CI 0.84-2.86). No statistically significant difference was noted in the risk of thromboembolism following PCC administration (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.23-1.63). CONCLUSIONS: PCC use for VKA-ICH reversal was associated with a significant reduction in INR and HE rate, without an increased risk of thromboembolic events. However, this reduction was not associated with improvement in neurologic deficits or overall survival. Well-designed randomized trials with special considerations to the aspect are necessary.

Key Findings

PCC use for VKA-ICH reversal was associated with a significant reduction in INR and HE rate, without an increased risk of thromboembolic events. However, this reduction was not associated with improvement in neurologic deficits or overall survival. Well-designed randomized trials with special considerations to the aspect are necessary.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population vka
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anticoagulants
  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hemorrhages
  • Vitamin K

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-k

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09