Sanford Health hospitals in Fargo seeking public input on blood loss clinical trial

Fargo, North Dakota – Sanford representatives are seeking public opinion on a large-scale clinical experiment involving a blood-thinning medication.

Sanford Fargo is appealing to local residents opinions as they prepare to take part in a large-scale research experiment. The Kcentra® blood clotting medication, also known as the 4-factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate, is the subject of the experiment. For patients who need surgery, FDA-approved medicine is now used to counteract the effects of blood-thinning treatments.

The purpose of the study is to see whether it can be used in emergency rooms or trauma centers for situations like automobile accidents and other serious incidents. Patients who take part will either receive Kcentra® or a placebo. The patients will next undergo many days of observation to ensure positive results. The study will focus on critically injured patients whose lives may be in jeopardy.

According to Sanford officials, these major blood loss incidents that call for quick measures are frequently handled in stressful situations. Sanford will automatically be opted out if they were involved in a high-blood loss occurrence. Community members can withdraw from the research trial by completing the survey and sharing this with Sanford.

“These types of injuries occur unexpectedly, and it will not be possible for most people to sign up to participate ahead of time. Most patients will be unconscious, unable to speak or hear, and too sick to consent to immediate treatment or participation in the study, “said Sanford in a press release sent to WDAY Radio, “If the community feedback is positive and an independent review board (IRB) approves the study at Sanford Health, then Sanford Health will participate in this trial.”

“The results of this study have the potential to change the way trauma patients are treated,” said Dr. Zreik. “If we can determine that Kcentra® is safe and effective for trauma patients, we can transform the standard of care for bleeding trauma patients and save thousands of lives.”