Prothrombin complex concentrate

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC, pronounced: pro-throm-bin com-plex con-cen-trate) is a medication used in the treatment of bleeding disorders. It is a type of blood product that contains four different coagulation factors: Factor II, Factor VII, Factor IX, and Factor X.

Etymology

The term "Prothrombin Complex Concentrate" is derived from its main component, prothrombin, which is also known as Factor II. Prothrombin is a protein produced by the liver and is essential for the blood clotting process. The term "complex" refers to the combination of multiple coagulation factors in the product, and "concentrate" refers to the high concentration of these factors.

Usage

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate is used in the treatment of and prevention of bleeding in patients with a deficiency of one of the included coagulation factors. It is also used in the reversal of anticoagulation in patients who are taking warfarin and have a major bleed or need to undergo an urgent surgery or procedure.

Related Terms

Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
Factor II: Also known as prothrombin, a protein produced by the liver that is transformed into thrombin in the coagulation process.
Factor VII: A protein that triggers the clotting process by activating Factor X.
Factor IX: A protein that works with Factor VIII to create a complex that activates Factor X.
Factor X: A protein that combines with Factor V in the presence of calcium ions to form prothrombinase, which converts prothrombin to thrombin.
Warfarin: An anticoagulant medication that reduces the formation of blood clots.