AABB24: Pathogen-Reduced Cryoprecipitated Fibrinogen Complex Beneficial for Treatment of Acute Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitated fibrinogen complex is a safe and effective option to treat acute bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, according to results of the TOP-CLOT Study presented at a Monday afternoon oral abstract session focusing on pathogen reduction. 

The study data, presented by Melissa Cushing, MD, from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, were based on a comparison trial of 173 patients who experienced acute bleeding during cardiac surgery and were treated with either pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitated fibrinogen complex or cryoprecipitated AHF. The results demonstrated that in the treatment of acute bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the two products showed similar benefits, including post-transfusion fibrinogen levels and blood component utilization. Transfusion-related adverse events were also similar in the two treatment groups. This is the first study comparing cryoprecipitated fibrinogen complex to cyoprecipitated AHF in humans.

Cushing noted that these findings are important because following cardiac surgery, low perioperative levels of fibrinogen may lead to an increased risk for hemorrhage and increased need for blood transfusion. However, the ability to supplement fibrinogen for these patients is often delayed because cryoprecipitated AHF is stored frozen, due to a short post-thaw shelf life, and may not be immediately available. An alternative treatment option could help patients achieve earlier hemostasis and could help reduce the need for blood transfusions. Pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitated fibrinogen complex can be kept thawed at room temperature for up to five days; therefore, it could be made immediately available for patients in need.

Cushing said that based on the study results, a ready supply of pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitated fibrinogen complex in the operating room may offer further benefits in reducing the need for blood transfusions in patients experiencing acute bleeding during cardiac surgery.