UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Title: Kcentra for Anticoagulant Reversal

Keywords: Kcentra, AC Reversal, Anticoagulant (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/6/2021 by Wesley Oliver
Click here to contact Wesley Oliver

Kcentra (four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate, 4f-PCC) is approved for the reversal of warfarin using a weight-based dosing strategy based on INR. However, since the approval of Kcentra, data has shown a fixed-dose strategy and use for direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) is appropriate. There are even recommendations to use a fixed-dose for DOACs in some situations. Utilizing a fixed-dose strategy can help with decreasing drug preparation/delivery times and costs.

 

Our institution now only uses a weight-based Kcentra dose of 50 units/kg for patients on DOACs with ICH or trauma-induced coagulopathy. All other patients receive a fixed-dose of Kcentra 1,500 units or 2,000 units based on anticoagulant and other criteria.

 

Below is a diagram summarizing our current dosing strategy for Kcentra at our institution.

 

ICH=intracerebral hemorrhage

DOAC=direct-acting oral anticoagulant (rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban)

 

Other points of interest at our institution:

  • Based on recommended monitoring parameters, patients may receive additional doses of Kcentra.
  • Idarucizumab (Praxbind) is the preferred agent for dabigatran reversal.

 

References

Kcentra® [package insert]. CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany; 2013.

https://labeling.cslbehring.com/PI/US/Kcentra/EN/Kcentra-Prescribing-Information.pdf

 

Tomaselli GF, et al. 2020 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Management of Bleeding in Patients on Oral Anticoagulants: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Aug 4;76(5):594-622.

 

University of Maryland Medical Center. 2021. Pre- and Peri-Procedural Management of Anticoagulation, Management of Bleeding in the Setting of Anticoagulation, Intracranial Hemorrhage, and Dilutional Coagulopathies. Internal guideline.