We present a case of cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to rivaroxaban related oropharyngeal hemorrhage, which required rapid intravenous (IV) push administration of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). Manufacturers recommend administering 4F-PCC IV at a rate of 0.12 mL/kg/min (approximately 3 units/kg/min) up to a maximum rate of 8.4 mL/min (approximately 210 units/min) [1]. The concern with rapid administration is increased potential for thromboembolic complications. There have been small studies assessing infusion rates greater than the manufacturer’s recommendation with few reported thromboembolic events [2-5]. Our patient was an 81-year-old female presenting to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset oropharyngeal hemorrhage. The patient had a pertinent history of oral and esophageal cancer and was prescribed rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily for treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Within moments of the patient arriving, she produced a large volume of blood from her nose and mouth. The source of the bleeding could not be determined, and as suctioning was attempted to clear her airway, the patient became unresponsive and pulseless. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) procedures were initiated and 1000 mg of tranexamic acid were administered. Once the patient’s active medication list was discovered, 2000 units of 4F-PCC was given as an IV push over roughly 20 s. Bleeding was controlled enough to secure the patient’s airway within 5 min after 4F-PCC administration and subsequently return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Unfortunately, the patient suffered a poor neurologic outcome and the family withdrew care after discussion with the treatment team and the patient’s oncologist. This case report demonstrates rapid administration of 4F-PCC may be an effective intervention to treat immediately life threatening rivaroxaban related bleeding.
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