The effect of anticoagulation on outcomes after liver and spleen injuries: A research consortium of New England centers for trauma (ReCONECT) study

Abstract

BackgroundLiver and spleen injuries are the most commonly injured solid organs, the effects of anticoagulation on these injuries has not yet been well characterized. Study designMulticenter retrospective study. ResultDuring the 4-year study period, 1254 patients, 64 (5%) on anticoagulation (AC), were admitted with liver and/or splenic injury. 58% of patients had a splenic injury, 53% had a liver injury and 11% had both. Patients on AC were older than non-AC patients (mean age 60.9 vs. 38.6 years, p < 0.001). The most common AC drug was warfarin (70%) with atrial fibrillation (47%) the most common indication for AC. There was no significant difference in AAST injury grade between AC and non-AC patients (median grade 2), but AC patients required a blood product transfusion more commonly (58 vs 40%, p = 0.007) particularly FFP (4 vs 19%, p < 0.01). Among those transfused, non-AC patients required slightly more PRBC (5.7 vs 3.8 units, p = 0.018) but similar amount of FFP (3.2 vs 3.1 units, p = 0.92). The two groups had no significant difference in the rates of initial non-operative management (50% (AC) vs 56% (non-AC), p = 0.3)) or failure of non-operative management (7 vs 4%, p = 0.16). AC patients were more likely to be managed initially with angiography (36 vs 20%, p = 0.001) while non-AC patients with surgery (24% vs 13%, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in LOS and mortality. ConclusionThe use of anticoagulation did not result in a difference in outcomes among patients with spleen and/or liver injuries.