Adequate Hemostasis Research Articles

Efficacy of the hemostatic device VasoSTAT and the study of hemostatic factor

Recently, trans-radial intervention has gained popularity as a common procedure to reduce hemorrhagic complications. However, the cuff-type hemostatic device (TR Band) previously used at our institution required 6 h to achieve hemostasis. Since July 2016, we have been using the VasoSTAT, a new hemostatic device that could achieve hemostasis in 4 h. In a verification study, we found that prolonged activated clotting time (ACT) was related to transient hemorrhage occurrence after the hemostatic procedure. Therefore, we designed a hemostatic protocol based on ACT and evaluated its efficacy. In this retrospective and observational study, 78 and 111 patients used the VasoSTAT and TR Band, respectively, from July 2015 to May 2017. In the VasoSTAT group, the ACTs were significantly lower in the hemostasis success (246 ± 46 s) than in the failure group patients (327 ± 59 s) (P < 0.01). Therefore, we applied the hemostatic protocol to 271 patients from May 2017 to March 2020. The hemostasis success rate was 96% in the post-protocol applied group patients, which was significantly higher than the 82% success rate in the pre-protocol applied group patients (P < 0.01). VasoSTAT resulted in adequate hemostasis in 4 h. Further, ACT was predictive of adequate hemostasis.

Preinjury warfarin does not cause failure of nonoperative management in patients with blunt hepatic, splenic or renal injuries

BackgroundFor patients sustaining major trauma, preinjury warfarin use may make adequate haemostasis difficult. This study aimed to determine whether preinjury warfarin would result in more haemostatic interventions (transarterial embolization [TAE] or surgeries) and a higher failure rate of nonoperative management for blunt hepatic, splenic or renal injuries. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2003 to 2015. Patients with hepatic, splenic or renal injuries were identified. The primary outcome measurement was the need for invasive procedures to stop bleeding. One-to-two propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize selection bias. ResultsA total of 37,837 patients were enrolled in the study, and 156 (0.41%) had preinjury warfarin use. With proper 1:2 PSM, patients who received warfarin preinjury were found to require more haemostatic interventions (39.9% vs. 29.1%, p=0.016). The differences between the two study groups were that patients with preinjury warfarin required more TAE than the controls (16.3% vs 8.2%, p = 0.009). No significant increases were found in the need for surgeries (exploratory laparotomy (5.2% vs 3.6%, p = 0.380), hepatorrhaphy (9.2% vs 7.2%, p = 0.447), splenectomy (13.1% vs 13.7%, p = 0.846) or nephrectomy (2.0% vs 0.7%, p = 0.229)). Seven out of 25 patients (28.0%) in the warfarin group required further operations after TAE, which was not significantly different from that in the nonwarfarin group (four out of 25 patients, 16.0%, p = 0.306) ConclusionPreinjury warfarin increases the need for TAE but not surgeries. With proper haemostasis with TAE and resuscitation, nonoperative management can still be applied to patients with preinjury warfarin sustaining blunt hepatic, splenic or renal injuries. Patients with preinjury warfarin had a higher risk for surgery after TAE.

Transperitoneal hernioplasty in a patient with severe hemophilia A on preventive treatment with emicizumab

Performance of surgical interventions in patients with severe hemophilia A on emicizumab requires the development of a protocol for the perioperative period management. Objective. To present the first experience of laparoscopic hernioplasty, hemostatic therapy and laboratory monitoring in a patient with severe hemophilia A on emicizumab. A transperitoneal hernioplasty was performed in a 31-year-old patient with severe hemophilia A on emicizumab. The patient received hemostatic therapy with recombinant FVIII for 5 days. Laboratory parameters (detection of FVIII via chromogenic and clotting methods, thromboelastography, determination of aPTT and FVII inhibitor titer) were monitored for 8 days. For a complete postoperative hemostasis, a significantly smaller amount of FVIII concentrate was required due to the lower frequency of administrations compared to similar surgical interventions in patients with severe hemophilia A who did not receive prophylactic therapy with emicizumab. According to thromboelastrography data, not a single episode of hypercoagulation was recorded. Emicizumab monotherapy can maintain adequate hemostasis during surgical procedures associated with a potentially low risk of perioperative bleeding in patients with hemophilia A. In other situations, the use of standard doses of FVIII concentrate concomitantly with emicizumab makes it possible to control hemostasis during postoperative period without the risk of thrombotic complications. The patient has signed a consent to the use of information, including photos, for research purposes and in publications.

Cardiovascular Safety and Hemostatic Efficacy of Topical Epinephrine in Children Receiving Zirconia Crowns.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the cardiovascular safety of topical racemic epinephrine pellets by measuring heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure in children receiving dental care under general anesthesia. The secondary aim was to assess clinical efficacy by measuring time to reach adequate hemostasis. For this pilot study utilizing a split-mouth randomized design, 13 patients requiring prefabricated zirconia crowns on both primary maxillary first molars were recruited. Patients received continuous infusions of propofol and remifentanil with 50-70% inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen. After randomization and tooth preparation, either saline pellets (control) or racemic epinephrine pellets (experimental) were applied directly to gingival tissue. Vital signs were recorded for 5 minutes. The procedure was repeated on the contralateral side using the alternative (control or experimental) treatment. Topical racemic epinephrine compared to saline produced a significantly larger decrease in mean diastolic blood pressure (-11.1% vs -3.9%; P < .01) and mean arterial pressure (-8.1% vs -2.1%; P < .01), although all noted decreases in cardiovascular variables were clinically insignificant. All experimental treatment teeth achieved adequate hemostasis after 2.2 minutes. Only 5 of the 13 control treatment teeth achieved adequate hemostasis during the 5-minute observation period (1.6 vs 4.2 minutes; P = .01). Overall, we conclude that use of topical racemic epinephrine pellets did not result in adverse cardiovascular effects and hemostasis was reached more quickly and predictably compared to saline pellets.

Over-the-scope clip as first-line therapy for ulcers with high-risk bleeding stigmata is efficient compared to standard endoscopic therapy.

Background and study aims Ulcers with high-risk stigmata have significant rebleeding rates despite standard endoscopic therapy. Data on over-the-scope clip (OTSC) for recurrent bleeding is promising but data on first line therapy is lacking. We report comparative outcomes of OTSC as first-line therapy versus standard endoscopic therapy in ulcers with high-risk stigmata. Patients and methods Consecutive adults who underwent endoscopic therapy for ulcers with high-risk stigmata between July 2019 to September 2020 were included. Patients were grouped into OTSC or standard therapy based on first-line therapy used on index endoscopy. Outcomes measured included: 1) intra-procedural hemostasis based on endoscopic documentation of adequate hemostasis; 2) 7-day rebleeding (> 2 g/dL drop in hemoglobin, hematochezia or hemorrhagic shock); 3) cost of endoscopic interventions; and 4) procedure duration measured as endoscope insertion to removal time. Cost of tools used during the index endoscopy was included. Results Sixty-eight patients were included, 47 were in standard therapy and 21 in the OTSC group. Hemostasis was achieved in 95.2 % in the OTSC group compared to 83.0 % in the standard therapy group ( P = 0.256, number needed to treat [NNT]: 9). Procedure time was shorter in the OTSC group (23 vs. 16 minutes, P = 0.002). Cost of endoscopic interventions were comparable, P = 0.203. Early rebleeding was less often in OTSC group, two (9.5 %) compared to 10 (21.3 %) in standard therapy group, NNT 9. Conclusions Use of OTSCs as first-line treatment for ulcers bleed probably improves hemostasis and decreases early rebleeding. Use of OTSC as first-line therapy shortened procedure duration without increasing the cost of endoscopic interventions.

New and Off-Label Uses of Tranexamic Acid.

New and Off-Label Uses of Tranexamic Acid.

Endoscopic hemostasis makes the difference: Angiographic treatment in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUNDThe large majority of gastrointestinal bleedings subside on their own or after endoscopic treatment. However, a small number of these may pose a challenge in terms of therapy because the patients develop hemodynamic instability, and endoscopy does not achieve adequate hemostasis. Interventional radiology supplemented with catheter angiography (CA) and transarterial embolization have gained importance in recent times.AIMTo evaluate clinical predictors for angiography in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).METHODSWe compared two groups of patients in a retrospective analysis. One group had been treated for more than 10 years with CA for LGIB (n = 41). The control group had undergone non-endoscopic or endoscopic treatment for two years and been registered in a bleeding registry (n = 92). The differences between the two groups were analyzed using decision trees with the goal of defining clear rules for optimal treatment.RESULTSPatients in the CA group had a higher shock index, a higher Glasgow-Blatchford bleeding score (GBS), lower serum hemoglobin levels, and more rarely achieved hemostasis in primary endoscopy. These patients needed more transfusions, had longer hospital stays, and had to undergo subsequent surgery more frequently (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONEndoscopic hemostasis proved to be the crucial difference between the two patient groups. Primary endoscopic hemostasis, along with GBS and the number of transfusions, would permit a stratification of risks. After prospective confirmation of the present findings, the use of decision trees would permit the identification of patients at risk for subsequent diagnosis and treatment based on interventional radiology.

Avitene™ Microfibrillar Collagen Hemostat for Adjunctive Hemostasis in Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Literature Review.

Adequate hemostasis during surgical procedures is essential for successful patient outcomes and reduced healthcare resource utilization. Topical hemostatic agents can act as catalysts for the clotting cascade or as a scaffold to promote platelet activation or aggregation. Although an ever-increasing number of topical absorbable hemostatic agents are now available for perioperative use, health care providers are disadvantaged by the lack of comparative data on feasibility, clinical effectiveness, advantages, and limitations of each in specific surgical settings. This knowledge is important for appropriate product choice when patient characteristics, type of surgical procedure, type of bleeding, and product availability may differ widely. This manuscript provides the first comprehensive overview of Avitene™ Microfibrillar Collagen Hemostat (MCH), a bovine collagen-based absorbable hemostat that has been widely used for over four decades in the United States and abroad. MCH is indicated as an adjunct to hemostasis across a broad spectrum of surgical specialties and has been shown to achieve hemostasis with positive patient outcomes and a favorable safety profile in many applications, including hepatic, orthopedic, splenic, oral, and otolaryngologic surgery. Although published clinical data regarding the use of MCH in cardiovascular surgery is limited, evidence suggests moderate use in this specialty. The information contained in this systematic review will help health care providers understand the clinical use and effectiveness of the product to determine appropriate use in differing bleeding scenarios across multiple surgical specialties. Future studies may include comparative functional and cost analyses to explore the economic advantages of using absorbable hemostatic agents compared with each other or with conventional techniques of hemostasis, when appropriate.

Thromboelastometry-based algorithm and transfusion management during orthotopic liver transplantations

Thromboelastometry-based algorithm and transfusion management during orthotopic liver transplantations

A125 SNARE TIP SPRAY COAGULATION FOR NON-CONTACT HEMOSTASIS: A SINGLE OPERATOR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES.

Abstract Background An emerging non-contact endoscopic method for hemostasis is the use of spray coagulation (SC) using a polypectomy snare tip. Other non-contact options, such as argon plasma coagulation (APC), can be inconvenient and costly. Our current practice includes using SC where APC would be traditionally indicated. Aims The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical outcomes, including rates of successful hemostasis, rebleeding, and complications, for snare tip SC in hemostasis. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent therapeutic endoscopy for hemostasis using snare tip SC by a single operator at a large Canadian tertiary care centre between January 2018 and September 2020. Results 14 patients, including 10 males and 4 females, were included. 5 (35%) patients received SC during an EGD, 5 (35%) patients during a colonoscopy, and 4 (29%) patients during a small bowel enteroscopy. Mean age was 74.4 (±11). All patients were referred for work-up of gastrointestinal bleeding or anemia. 5 (35%) patients were treated for vascular lesions including AVMs or angioectasias, 4 (29%) patients for GAVE, 3 (21%) patients for radiation proctitis, and 2 (14%) patients for bleeding ulcers. Adequate hemostasis, defined by cessation of bleeding symptoms, lack of a 10g/L or more decrease in hemoglobin post-procedure, and no further endoscopic therapies in the subsequent 28 days, was achieved in 11 patients (79%). 2 of the 3 patients in which adequate hemostasis was not achieved had additional investigations in which a second source of bleeding was found and treated. 1 patient with colonic AVMs and 1 patient with radiation proctitis required a repeat treatment in 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively. There were no incidence of prolonged abdominal pain, perforations or deaths. Conclusions Snare tip spray coagulation appears to be a safe and effective modality for non-contact hemostasis. Larger studies will help solidify its use in daily practice. Funding Agencies None

Pledget Reinforcement and Tractional Compression as Adjunctive Techniques for Suture-Mediated Closure (SMC) in Percutaneous Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (pEVAR): A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (pEVAR) is commonly utilized and requires the use of suture-mediated closure (SMC) devices to ensure adequate femoral artery hemostasis. Despite the use of such devices, puncture-related complications remain relatively common. We introduced two new adjuncts (pledget reinforcement and tractional compression) along with SMC to reduce such puncture-related complications. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the new adjunct techniques. This retrospective observational cohort study examines the impact of two adjunctive techniques on puncture-related complications compared with the previous year data before this new introduction of adjunct techniques. Sixty-one percutaneous femoral punctures (in 31 patients) utilizing adjunct techniques for closure (the adjunct group) were retrospectively compared with 89 punctures (in 46 patients) closed with standard SMC technique (the standard group). The use of adjunctive techniques led to a significant reduction in overall puncture-related complications (3/61 (4.9%) vs. 20/89 (22.5%), P=0.0106) and the need for emergent surgical repair after failed hemostasis (2/61 (3.3%) vs. 13/89 (14.6%), P=0.037). These novel adjunctive techniques (pledget reinforcement and tractional compression) of SMC for pEVAR reduce puncture-related complications and increase the confidence to offer percutaneous techniques for more patients.

Systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with hemophilia A: A case report

Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a serious problem for patients with hemophilia. Hepatitis C virus infection is the most common comorbidity in adult patients with inherited bleeding disorders, including hemophilia. Case Report. This is a case report of a 65-year-old male patient with hemophilia A and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib treatment was initiated at a dose of 400 mg/day, after a 50% dose reduction. In order to prevent bleeding episodes, prophylactic doses of replacement plasma-derived factor VIII concentrate (40 U/kg of body weight three times a week) were introduced. Our patient received a total of ten cycles of sorafenib therapy, in good general condition, without bleeding episodes. Conclusion. Differential chemotherapy is not contraindicated in patients with inherited bleeding disorders, provided that adequate hemostasis is achieved. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the management of hemophilia during systemic cancer treatment.

The first case of surgical myocardial revascularization and endarterectomy of the right carotid artery in the same procedure in a patient with haemophilia A

Introduction. Haemophilia A is the most common hereditary coagulation disturbance occurring due to the lack of coagulation factor VIII. It is widely accepted that people with haemophilia have a reduced incidence of coronary artery disease, potentially because of the protective effect of the impaired coagulation against the pathogenic mechanisms of the acute coronary syndrome. Case report. A 53-year-old man with mild haemophilia [FVIII 22% (mild form: more than 5%?40% of normal)] was hospitalized because of frequent anginal pain at rest. Selective coronary angiography revealed a severe three-vessel coronary disease. A need for urgent surgical revascularization was indicated. The color duplex scan showed the existence of hemodynamically significant stenosis on the right internal carotid artery. After consulting a haematologist, a cardiac surgeon, and a vascular surgeon, it was concluded that due to high bleeding risk, the patient should undergo an endarterectomy of the right carotid artery and a triple aortocoronary bypass in the same procedure. Procedures were performed with a substitution of FVIII concentrate. The patient firstly underwent the endarterectomy of the right carotid artery. Then, the left mammary artery graft was implanted to the left anterior descending artery as well as the venous grafts to the first obtuse marginal artery and posterior descending branch. There were no complications. During the revascularization, there was no need for blood transfusion, nor was there excessive bleeding in the postoperative period. The patient was discharged with antithrombotic therapy (aspirin, 50 mg). Conclusion. Patients with haemophilia are not protected against the development of atherosclerosis. Cardiac surgery in these patients presents a unique challenge for medical teams in securing haemostasis. Adequate substitution with factor VIII concentrate provides adequate haemostasis and the possibility for treatment with antiplatelet therapy.

Frequency of Renal Dysfunction and its effects on outcomes after open heart surgery.

Objectives:In this study we determined the frequency of renal dysfunction and its outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent open heart surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.Methods:A total of 175 patients aged between 15-80 years having open heart Surgery(OHS) were included. Preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine (SCr) was noted and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation. Their hospital course was charted and followed-up for 30-day.Results:The mean age and mean BMI were 58.1±12.6 years and 26.4±4.3 kg/m2 respectively. Females were 18.3%, out of which 51.4% hypertensive, 46.9% diabetics, 45.1% had dyslipidemia, 2.9% had preoperative renal dysfunction and 40% had moderate ejection fraction. On follow up, 30.3% developed postoperative renal dysfunction within 30-days after OHS with mean SCr and GFR as 1.6±0.7 and 56.9±24.5, respectively. In RD group more patients showed positive outcomes i.e. prolonged inotropic requirement (75.5% vs. 18%, p-value <0.005), diuretic infusion usage (47.2% vs. 3.3%, p-value <0.005), dialysis/renal replacement therapy (17% vs. 0%, p-value <0.005), requirement for prolonged ventilation (35.8% vs. 6.6%, p-value <0.005), prolonged ICU and hospital stay (15.4% vs. 1.6%, p-value <0.005 and 41.5% vs. 17.2%, p-value <0.005), sepsis (20.8% vs. 1.6%, p-value <0.005) and death (9.4% vs. 2.5%, p-value 0.05).Conclusion:Timely recognition of renal dysfunction, early renal replacement therapy, diuretics or dialysis and proper nutritional and inotropic support to maintain adequate hemostasis shows survival benefits.

Pure Laparoscopic Donor Right Hepatectomy (PLDRH) - Maneuvers to Achieve Adequate Exposure with Technical Tips and Tricks

Pure Laparoscopic Donor Right Hepatectomy is a technically challenging surgery requiring long hours of focussed team effort. Access and mobilisation:•Placement of camera ports as high as possible in the line of hilum, right subcostal region•Goldfinger/Snake Liver Retractor 5mm via epigastric port for adequate right lobe liver retraction•Use of endoloop for traction of Gall bladder and divided end of falciform ligament. Hilar dissection:•Gold finger passed anterior to the cava and brought out in the space created between the right hepatic vein and middle hepatic vein in the suprahepatic space.•Umbilical tape passed in the space created by the gold finger which helps achieve hanging, useful for parenchymal transection .•ICG guided Liver parenchymal surface marking for accurate parenchymal transection Parenchymal transection:•Use of rubber band traction for sustained and firm liver traction.•Use of CUSA excel (CUSA with monopolar cautery in the same device) for adequate hemostasis while parenchymal transection•Gold finger is used to encircle the entire right portal pedicle, and umbilical tape is brought in this space which helps in completing the remaining parenchymal transection by hanging manoeuvre. Organ procurement via pfannensteil incision:•Right hepatic duct is encircled with hilar sheath using ICG guidance and divided with scissors sharply after placing a clip to the right hepatic duct orifice.•Right hepatic artery clipped, right portal vein stapled and divided while the right hepatic vein and IVC ligament is divided using a stapler.

Study on influencing factors and related clinical issues in cesarean scar pregnancy

Objective: This study aims to investigate the etiological and bleeding risk factors of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and attempts to determine the clinical value of uterine artery embolization (UAE) combined with curettage, methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy combined with curettage, and uterine curettage alone in terminating CSP. Materials and methods: A total of 154 patients with CSP and 155 patients with cicatricial uterus termination of pregnancy in the same period who were hospitalized in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2013 to March 2020 were enrolled in this study. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were statistically analyzed, and CSP patients were divided into the UAE + uterine curettage group (n = 49), MTX + uterine curettage group (n = 33) and uterine curettage alone group (n = 72) according to different treatment methods. The scar thickness, intraoperative blood loss, time to resumption of menstruation and other indicators were compared and analyzed among the three groups. Results: The proportion of CSP patients with cesarean section time &lt; 24 months and ≥ 60 months was significantly higher than that of pregnant women with scar uterus. In the MTX + curettage group, 2 cases had intraoperative blood loss of more than 200 mL where the gestational age was more than 10 weeks, in which they were given Foley’s catheter balloon compression hemostasis. In patients with simple uterine curettage, 6 cases had intraoperative blood loss of more than 200 mL with a gestational age of more than 8 weeks. Two cases were given emergency interventional treatment, while four underwent Foley catheter balloon compression hemostasis. The recovery time of β-hCG in the UAE + curettage group was shortest, which was found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, menopause time, blood β-hCG level and gestational sac diameter were found to be positively correlated with the amount of bleeding, while the thickness of the uterine scar was negatively correlated with the amount of bleeding. Conclusions: Gestational age, blood β-hCG level before treatment, gestational sac diameter and scar thickness were early warning indicators to evaluate the amount of bleeding in the treatment of CSP. UAE OR MTX pretreatment before cesarean section in CSP patients can significantly reduce intraoperative blood loss, and MTX + curettage is safe and effective for patients with abundant blood flow around the gestational sac with a gestational age of 8–10 weeks. However, in regard to CSP patients with a gestational age greater than 10 weeks and rich blood flow around the gestational sac, UAE pretreatment followed by termination of pregnancy is preferred. In case of hemorrhage during uterine curettage, the emergency intrauterine balloon compression can achieves adequate hemostasis.

Sufficient Thrombin Generation Despite 95% Hemodilution: An In Vitro Experimental Study.

Guidelines for the treatment of severe bleeding comprise viscoelastic-test-guided use of coagulation factor concentrates as part of their recommendations. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of substituting fibrinogen, prothrombin complex concentrate, and a combination of both on conventional coagulation tests, viscoelastic test results, and thrombin generation. Blood was drawn from seven healthy volunteers to obtain platelet-free plasma, which later was diluted by replacing 40%, 60%, 80%, 90%, 95%, and 99% with a crystalloid solution. The diluted samples were spiked with fibrinogen concentrate, prothrombin complex concentrate, a combination of both, or a corresponding amount of crystalloid solution. Up to a dilution level of 95%, viscoelastically determined clotting time was significantly shorter in the group substituted with fibrinogen only in comparison with the additional use of prothrombin complex concentrate. Clot firmness and endogenous thrombin potential remained at relatively stable values up to a dilution level of 95% with the substitution of fibrinogen but not prothrombin complex concentrate. Substitution of prothrombin complex concentrate led to an excessive overshoot of thrombin generation. The results of our study question currently propagated treatment algorithms for bleeding patients that include the use of prothrombin complex concentrate for patients without former intake of oral anticoagulants. Even in severely bleeding patients, thrombin generation might be sufficient to achieve adequate hemostasis.

Transition from room temperature to cold-stored platelets for the preservation of blood inventories during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has placed great strain on blood resources. In an effort to extend platelet (PLT) shelf life and minimize waste, our institution transitioned room temperature to cold‐stored PLTs for administration to bleeding patients.Study Design and MethodsWe describe the administrative and technical processes involved in transitioning room temperature PLTs to cold storage in April 2020. Additionally, we describe the clinical utilization of cold‐stored PLTs in the first month of this practice change, with a focus on changes in PLT counts after transfusion, hemostasis, and safety outcomes.ResultsA total of 61 cold‐stored PLT units were transfused to 40 bleeding patients, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 1 (1‐2) units per patient. The median age was 68 (59‐73) years; 58% male. Median pretransfusion and posttransfusion PLTs counts were 88 (67‐109) and 115 (93‐145). A total of 95% of transfusions were administered in the operating room: 57% cardiac surgery, 20% vascular surgery, 8% general surgery, and 5% solid organ transplantation. Hemostasis was deemed to be adequate in all cases after transfusion. There were no transfusion reactions. One patient (3%) experienced a fever and infection within 5 days of transfusion, which was unrelated to transfusion. Median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 8.5 (6‐17) days. Two patients (5%) died in the hospital of complications not related to transfusion.ConclusionCold‐stored PLT utilization was associated with adequate hemostasis and no overt signal for patient harm. Conversion from room temperature to cold‐stored PLTs may be one method of reducing waste in times of scarce blood inventories.

Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Its Implications in Dentistry-A Review of Literature

Oral health care providers must be aware of the impact of bleeding disorders on their patients during any dental procedure and management of such mishaps. Adequate knowledge of the mechanisms underlying hemostasis, and the optimised management of such patients, are therefore very important for these issues. Initial recognition of a bleeding disorder, in such patients with a systemic pathologic process, may occur in dental practice. The dental treatment of these patients might get complicated during the course of the treatment due to the use of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drugs raises a challenge in the daily practice of dental professionals. Adequate hemostasis is critical for the success of any invasive dental procedure, because bleeding problems can give rise to complications associated with important morbidity-mortality. Besides, prophylactic, restorative and surgical dental care of patients with any bleeding disorders is handled skilfully by practitioners who are well educated regarding the pathology, complications which could arise and treatment options associated with these conditions. The purpose of this paper is to review common bleeding disorders and their effects on the dental aspect. Many authors consider that patient medication indicated for the treatment of background disease should not be altered or suspended unless so indicated by the prescribing physician. Local hemostatic measures have been shown to suffice for controlling possible bleeding problems resulting from dental treatment.

Training in endotherapy for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a UK-wide gastroenterology trainee survey

IntroductionCompetence in endoscopic haemostasis for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) is typically expected upon completion of gastroenterology training. However, training in haemostasis is currently variable without a structured training pathway....