Partial Thromboplastin Time Research Articles

Liver involvement in dengue: A systematic review.

Liver involvement is an unusual yet frequently overlooked dengue complication. Pivotal for an efficient clinical management, the early diagnosis of dengue-associated liver involvement relies on an accurate description of its clinical and biological characteristics, its prognosis factors, its association with severe dengue and its clinical management. We conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases for original case reports, cohort and cross-sectional studies reporting the clinical and/or biological features of dengue-associated liver involvement. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021262657). Of the 2552 articles identified, 167 were included. Dengue-associated liver involvement was characterised by clinical features including abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, jaundice, nausea/vomiting, and an echogenic liver exhibiting hepatocellular necrosis and minimal inflammation. Elevated Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase but also elevated bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, increased International Normalised Ratio, creatinine and creatine kinase, lower albumin and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time were prevalent in dengue-associated liver involvement. Cardiovascular and haematological systems were frequently affected, translating in a strong association with severe dengue. Liver involvement was more common in males and older adults. It was associated with dengue virus serotype-2 and secondary infections. Early paracetamol intake increased the risk of liver involvement, which clinical management was mostly conservative. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that early monitoring of transaminases, clinical assessment, and ultrasound examination allow an efficient diagnosis of dengue-associated liver involvement, enabling the early identification and management of severe dengue.

Minimal interference of concizumab with standard clinical coagulation laboratory assays - An in vitro study.

Non-factor replacement therapies are emerging as prophylactic treatment options in haemophilia A or B (HA/HB) with and without inhibitors. Concizumab is an anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) monoclonal antibody preventing factor (F)Xa inhibition and enhancing thrombin generation. Based on experience with other non-factor therapies and extended half-life products, there is a focus on potential interference with common clinical coagulation assays used to monitor patients treated with concizumab. To evaluate the impact of concizumab on standard clinical coagulation assays. Plasma samples (normal, HA/HB with/without inhibitors) in the presence/absence of added concizumab (250-16,000ng/mL) were analysed in clinical assays including activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), FVIII and FIX one-stage clot and chromogenic substrate assay, assays for detecting FVIII or FIX inhibitors and other assays for coagulation factors. Concizumab did not impact PT assays, but resulted in a small shortening of aPTT (up to 5 s in haemophilia plasma and 0.4 s in normal plasma). Concizumab had no, or only a minor impact on FVIII and FIX activity assays or Bethesda inhibitor assays. FXI and FXII activity in normal plasma, as measured by single factor aPTT-based assay, was significantly increased in the presence of concizumab (+11% each). This was also the case for FVII and FX measured by PT-based assays using plasma with 25% of FVII or FX (+64% and +22%, respectively). The presence of concizumab did not, or only slightly, influence the outcome of standard clinical coagulation assays relevant for HA and HB.

A novel nomogram model to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection after surgery

BackgroundAcute type A aortic dissection is a dangerous disease that threatens public health. In recent years, with the progress of medical technology, the mortality rate of patients after surgery has been gradually reduced, leading that previous prediction models may not be suitable for nowadays. Therefore, the present study aims to find new independent risk factors for predicting in-hospital mortality and construct a nomogram prediction model. Methods: The clinical data of 341 consecutive patients in our center from 2019 to 2023 were collected, and they were divided into two groups according to the death during hospitalization. The independent risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and the nomogram was constructed and verified based on these factors. Results: age, preoperative lower limb ischemia, preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), preoperative platelet count, Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) independently predicted in-hospital mortality of patients with acute type A aortic dissection after surgery. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the nomogram was 0.844. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis verified that the model had good quality. Conclusion: The new nomogram model has a good ability to predict the in-hospital mortality of patients with acute type A aortic dissection after surgery.

Lethal pulmonary thromboembolism in mice induced by intravenous human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived large extracellular vesicles in a dose- and tissue factor-dependent manner.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have obvious advantages over MSC therapy. But the strong procoagulant properties of MSC-EVs pose a potential risk of thromboembolism, an issue that remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we systematically investigated the procoagulant activity of large EVs derived from human umbilical cord MSCs (UC-EVs) both in vitro and in vivo. UC-EVs were isolated from cell culture supernatants. Mice were injected with UC-EVs (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 μg/g body weight) in 100 μL PBS via the tail vein. Behavior and mortality were monitored for 30 min after injection. We showed that these UC-EVs activated coagulation in a dose- and tissue factor-dependent manner. UC-EVs-induced coagulation in vitro could be inhibited by addition of tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Notably, intravenous administration of high doses of the UC-EVs (1 μg/g body weight or higher) led to rapid mortality due to multiple thrombus formations in lung tissue, platelets, and fibrinogen depletion, and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times. Importantly, we demonstrated that pulmonary thromboembolism induced by the UC-EVs could be prevented by either reducing the infusion rate or by pre-injection of heparin, a known anticoagulant. In conclusion, this study elucidates the procoagulant characteristics and mechanisms of large UC-EVs, details the associated coagulation risk during intravenous delivery, sets a safe upper limit for intravenous dose, and offers effective strategies to prevent such mortal risks when high doses of large UC-EVs are needed for optimal therapeutic effects, with implications for the development and application of large UC-EV-based as well as other MSC-EV-based therapies.

TRAUMA-INDUCED COAGULOPATHY: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATION WITH MORTALITY PERSIST 20 YEARS LATER.

Introduction: A 2003 landmark study identified the prevalence of early trauma-induced coagulopathy (eTIC) at 28% with a strong association with mortality of 8.9%. Over the last 20 years, there have been significant advances in both the fundamental understanding of eTIC and therapeutic interventions. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed from 2018 to 2022 on patients ≥18 using prospectively collected data from two level 1 trauma centers and compared to data from 2003. Demographics, laboratory data, and clinical outcomes were obtained. Results: There were 20,107 patients meeting criteria: 65% male, 85% blunt, mean age 54 ± 21 years, median Injury Severity Score 10 (10, 18), 8% of patients were hypotensive on arrival, with an all-cause mortality 6.0%. The prevalence of eTIC remained high at 32% in patients with an abnormal prothrombin time and 10% with an abnormal partial thromboplastin time, for an overall combined prevalence of 33.4%. Coagulopathy had a major impact on mortality over all injury severity ranges, with the greatest impact with lower Injury Severity Score. In a hybrid logistic regression/Classification and Regression Trees analysis, coagulopathy was independently associated with a 2.1-fold increased risk of mortality (95% confidence interval 1.5-2.9); the predictive quality of the model was excellent [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.932]. Conclusion: The presence of eTIC conferred a higher risk of death across all disease severities and was independently associated with a greater risk of death. Biomarkers of coagulopathy associated with eTIC remain strongly predictive of poor outcome despite advances in trauma care.

Identifying hemophilia B carriers: Utility of aPTT, factor IX levels and ratios of factor IX to other Vitamin K dependent factors.

Diagnosing hemophilia B (HB) carrier status is important to manage bleeding in carriers and to prevent bleeding in potential offspring. Without a family history of hemophilia, diagnosing HB carrier status is challenging. Genetic testing is the gold-standard, however it is reserved for individuals with a high suspicion of carrier status. To describe the distribution of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and factor IX coagulant (FIX:C) levels in HB carriers and assess the ratio of FIX:C to other Vitamin K dependent factors (FII:C, FVII:C, FX:C) as an indicator of HB carrier status. In this retrospective, single-centre cohort study, subjects were included if they were obligate or genetically proven HB carriers. Distributions of aPTT and FIX:C were described and the relationship between FIX:C levels in carriers and severity of familial HB was analysed. Ratios of FIX:C to FII:C, FVII:C, FX:C were calculated. Seventy-two female HB carriers (median age: 34 years; IQR 24-43) were included. Median aPTT and FIX:C levels were 33.0s [IQR 30.0-37.0] and 57IU/dL [IQR 43-74]. Fifteen carriers (21%) had mild HB (FIX:C levels of 10-40IU/dL). FIX:C levels trended higher in carriers of mild HB versus carriers of moderate/severe HB. In six carriers, the median ratio of FIX:C to other Vitamin K dependent factors was 0.44, with 92% of ratios being ≤ 0.75. aPTT and FIX:C levels were unreliable in diagnosing HB carrier status. A low ratio of FIX:C to other Vitamin K dependent factors may be a useful marker of HB carrier status.

Every minute counts: A comparison of thawing times and haemostatic quality of plasma thawed at 37°C and 45°C using four different methods.

Having faster plasma thawing devices could be beneficial for transfusion services, as it may improve the rapid availability of thawed plasma for bleeding patients, and it might remove the need to have extended pre-thawed plasma: thus, reducing unnecessary plasma wastage. The aims of this study were to assess (a) the thawing times and (b) in vitro haemostatic quality of thawed plasma using Barkey Plasmatherm V (PTV) at 37 and 45°C versus Barkey Plasmatherm Classic (PTC) at 37 and 45°C, Sarstedt Sahara-III Maxitherm (SS-III) at 37°C and Helmer Scientific Thermogenesis Thermoline (TT) at 37°C. Haemostatic quality was assessed using LG-Octaplas at three different time points: baseline (5 min), 24 and 120 h after thawing. The thawing time (SD) of 2 and 4 units was significantly different between different thawers. PTV at 45°C was the fastest method for both 2 and 4 units (7.06 min [0.68], 9.6 min [0.87], respectively). SS-III at 37°C being the slowest method (24.69 min [2.09] and 27.18 min [4.4], respectively) (p = < 0.05). Baseline measurements for all assays showed no significant difference in the prothrombin time, fibrinogen, FII, FV, protein C activity or free protein S antigen between all methods tested. However, at baseline PTV (both 37°C and 45°C) had significantly higher levels of FVII, FVIII and FXI and shortened activated partial thromboplastin time. PTV was the quickest method at thawing plasma at both 37 and at 45°C. The haemostatic quality of plasma thawed at 45 versus 37°C was not impaired. Thawing frozen plasma at 45°C should be considered.

New Findings Regarding the Effects of Selected Blue Food Colorants (Genipin, Patent Blue V, and Brilliant Blue FCF) on the Hemostatic Properties of Blood Components In Vitro.

Natural and synthetic colorants present in food can modulate hemostasis, which includes the coagulation process and blood platelet activation. Some colorants have cardioprotective activity as well. However, the effect of genipin (a natural blue colorant) and synthetic blue colorants (including patent blue V and brilliant blue FCF) on hemostasis is not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of three blue colorants-genipin, patent blue V, and brilliant blue FCF-on selected parameters of hemostasis in vitro. The anti- or pro-coagulant potential was assessed in human plasma by measuring the following coagulation times: thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Moreover, we used the Total Thrombus formation Analysis System (T-TAS, PL-chip) to evaluate the anti-platelet potential of the colorants in whole blood. We also measured their effect on the adhesion of washed blood platelets to fibrinogen and collagen. Lastly, the cytotoxicity of the colorants against blood platelets was assessed based on the activity of extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We observed that genipin (at all concentrations (1-200 µM)) did not have a significant effect on the coagulation times (PT, APTT, and TT). However, genipin at the highest concentration (200 µM) and patent blue V at the concentrations of 1 and 10 µM significantly prolonged the time of occlusion measured using the T-TAS, which demonstrated their anti-platelet activity. We also observed that genipin decreased the adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen and collagen. Only patent blue V and brilliant blue FCF significantly shortened the APTT (at the concentration of 10 µM) and TT (at concentrations of 1 and 10 µM), demonstrating pro-coagulant activity. These synthetic blue colorants also modulated the process of human blood platelet adhesion, stimulating the adhesion to fibrinogen and inhibiting the adhesion to collagen. The results demonstrate that genipin is not toxic. In addition, because of its ability to reduce blood platelet activation, genipin holds promise as a novel and valuable agent that improves the health of the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of its anti-platelet activity remains unclear and requires further studies. Its in vivo activity and interaction with various anti-coagulant and anti-thrombotic drugs, including aspirin and its derivatives, should be examined as well.

Fabrication and hemostasis evaluation of a carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate/Resina Draconis composite sponge

Hemostasis is the first step of emergency medical treatment. It is particularly important to develop rapid-acting and efficacious hemostatic materials. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), sodium alginate (SA) and Resina Draconis (RD) were composited uniformly by polyelectrolyte blending. Their composite sponges (CMCS/SA/RD) were prepared by freeze-induced phase separation. CMCS/SA/RD sponges were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and their blood absorption and hemolysis ratio were analyzed. The hemostatic effect of the composite sponges was evaluated by coagulation in vitro and in vivo. The composite sponges had a porous network structure. The water absorption ratio was >8000 %, and hemolysis ratio was <5 %. CMCS/SA/RD-II and CMCS/SA/RD-III composite sponges shortened the coagulation time in vitro by 11.33 s and 9.66 s, the hepatic hemostasis time by 13.8 % and 23.3 %, and the hemostasis time after mouse-tail amputation by 28.9 % and 23.9 %, respectively. A preliminary study on its coagulation mechanism showed that CMCS/SA/RD had significant effects on erythrocyte adsorption, platelet adhesion, and shortening of the activated partial thromboplastin time.

Aspirin-clopidogrel combination therapy for ischemic stroke patients: Clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness analyses in low-resource setting.

Understanding the cost-effectiveness of aspirin-clopidogrel combination therapy is crucial in determining its influence on coagulation parameters, specifically prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness and clinical impact of using the aspirin-clopidogrel combination compared to aspirin alone in managing ischemic stroke. Employing an observational research design, inpatient ischemic stroke cases receiving the aspirin-clopidogrel combination were compared to those treated with aspirin alone. Focusing on the hospital's perspective on costs, the research specifically analyzed medical expenses without discounting costs or effects. The analysis involved comparing the direct medical costs and coagulation parameters between the two treatment groups. Our data revealed that the aspirin-clopidogrel combination demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness over aspirin alone, indicated by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) values for PT (IDR -246,930/second) and APTT (IDR -119,270/second). This indicated that the combination therapy was associated with lower costs while yielding better clinical parameter values. The ICER analysis placed the aspirin-clopidogrel combination in the southeast quadrant, marking its dominance over aspirin monotherapy by demonstrating higher effectiveness at lower costs. These results suggest that combination therapy might be a favorable alternative for managing ischemic stroke, presenting a viable option for consideration in clinical practice. The findings underscore the potential economic and clinical advantages of employing the aspirin-clopidogrel combination in routine stroke management protocols.

Design of Apoptotic Cell-Inspired Particles as a Blood Coagulation Test.

The blood coagulation test is an indispensable test for monitoring the blood coagulation and fibrinolysis functions. Currently, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is the most widely used approach to coagulation testing. However, APTT reagents need to be optimized due to the fact that they are unstable, highly variable, and cannot be easily controlled. In this study, we created apoptotic cell-inspired methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylserine (MPS) particles for blood coagulation as an alternative to conventional APTT reagents. Particle size could be controlled by changing the concentration of the polymer. The blood coagulation ability of particles was stable at different environmental temperatures. Moreover, the procoagulant activity could be enhanced by increasing the concentration to 0.06 mg/mL and reducing the size of the particles to around 900 nm. Fibrin clotted by particles showed no significant difference from that formed by APTT regent Actin FSL. We propose that MPS particles are a potential alternative to Actin FS for the application of blood coagulation tests.

Factor XII contact activation can be prevented by targeting 2 unique patches in its epidermal growth factor-like 1 domain with a nanobody

BackgroundFactor (F)XII triggers contact activation by binding to foreign surfaces, with the epidermal growth factor-like 1 (EGF-1) domain being the primary binding site. Blocking FXII surface-binding might hold therapeutic value to prevent medical device–induced thrombosis. ObjectivesTo unravel and prevent EGF-1–mediated FXII surface-binding with a variable domain of heavy chain–only antibody (VHH). MethodsFXII variants with glutamine substitutions of 2 positively charged amino acid patches within the EGF-1 domain were created. Their role in FXII contact activation was assessed using kaolin pull-down experiments, amidolytic activity assays, and clotting assays. FXII EGF-1 domain–specific VHHs were raised to inhibit EGF-1–mediated FXII contact activation while preserving quiescence. ResultsTwo unique, positively charged patches in the EGF-1 domain were identified (upstream, 73K74K76K78H81K82H; downstream, 87K113K). Neutralizing the charge of both patches led to a 99% reduction in FXII kaolin binding, subsequent decrease in autoactivation of 94%, and prolongation of clot formation in activated partial thromboplastin time assays from 36 (±2) to 223 (±13) seconds. Three FXII EGF-1–specific VHHs were developed that are capable of inhibiting kaolin binding and subsequent contact system activation in plasma. The most effective VHH “F2” binds the positively charged patches and thereby dose-dependently extends activated partial thromboplastin time clotting times from 29 (±2) to 43 (±3) seconds without disrupting FXII quiescence. ConclusionThe 2 unique, positively charged patches in FXII EGF-1 cooperatively mediate FXII surface-binding, making both patches crucial for contact activation. Targeting these with FXII EGF-1–specific VHHs can exclusively decrease FXII surface-binding and subsequent contact activation, while preserving zymogen quiescence. These patches thus have potential as druggable targets in preventing medical device–induced thrombosis.

Ramadan intermittent fasting is associated with improved anticoagulant activity among healthy people: a case–control study

Data on the pathophysiological mechanisms of hemostatic alterations in the thrombotic events that occur during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), particularly in the natural coagulation inhibitors, are very limited. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of RIF on the natural anticoagulants level, antithrombin, protein C, and total and free protein S (PS) in healthy participants. Participants were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 29 healthy fasting participants whose blood samples were taken after 20 days of fasting. Group II included 40 healthy non-fasting participants whose blood samples were taken 2–4 weeks before the month of Ramadan. Coagulation screening tests including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and plasma fibrinogen level, natural anticoagulants; antithrombin, protein C, free and total PS and C4 binding protein (C4BP) levels were evaluated in the two groups. High levels of total and free PS without change in antithrombin, protein C, and C4BP levels were noted in the fasting group as compared with non-fasting ones (p < 0.05). PT and APTT showed no difference between the two groups. However, the fibrinogen level was higher in the fasting group. In conclusion, RIF was found to be associated with improved anticoagulant activity in healthy participants, which may provide temporal physiological protection against the development of thrombosis in healthy fasting people.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent pregnancy morbidity or thrombosis in combination with the persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in plasma/serum. Antiphospholipid antibodies are a heterogeneous, overlapping group of autoantibodies, of which anti-β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI), anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies and antibodies that prolong plasma clotting time in tests in vitro known as lupus anticoagulant (LAC) are included in the laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of APS. The presence of LAC antibodies in plasma is indirectly determined by measuring the length of coagulation in two tests - activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and diluted Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT). The concentration of aβ2GPI and aCL (immunglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) isotypes) in serum is directly determined by solid-phase immunoassays, either by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluoroimmunoassay (FIA), immunochemiluminescence (CLIA) or multiplex flow immunoassay (MFIA). For patient safety, it is extremely important to control all three phases of laboratory testing, i.e. preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical phase. Specialists in laboratory medicine must be aware of interferences in all three phases of laboratory testing, in order to minimize these interferences. The aim of this review was to show the current pathophysiological aspects of APS, the importance of determining aPLs-a in plasma/serum, with an emphasis on possible interferences that should be taken into account when interpreting laboratory findings.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Hemogram, Serum Biochemistry and Coagulation Parameters of Dogs Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariohysterectomy.

This study explored the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on hemogram, serum biochemistry and hemostatic variables in female dogs undergoing laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Thirty adult, mixed-breed, healthy female dogs were randomly divided into the following three groups: HBOT + SURG (exposed to two absolute atmospheres (ATAs) for 45 min followed by laparoscopic-assisted OVH), HBOT (exposed to two ATAs for 45 min) and SURG (laparoscopic-assisted OVH). Blood samples were collected at T0 (at the admission), at T1, 24 h after T0 (immediately after HBOT in the HBOT + SURG and HBOT groups, and immediately before anesthetic premedication in the SURG group), and at T2, 48 h after T0 (24 h after HBOT and anesthetic premedication). Assessments included erythrogram, leukogram, thrombogram, renal and hepatic serum biochemistry, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) and bloodstain area (BA) on hygroscopic paper collected at the BMBT. Both the HBOT + SURG and SURG groups presented neutrophilia (p ≤ 0.0039) at T2 and an increase of ALP at T2 (p ≤ 0.0493), the SURG group presented an increase in leukocyte count at T2 (p = 0.0238) and the HBOT + SURG group presented a reduction in lymphocyte count at T2 (p = 0.0115). In the HBOT + SURG group, there was a reduction in PT and APTT in relation to the baseline value (p ≤ 0.0412). A session of HBOT at two ATAs for 45 min did not cause changes in the BMBT or BA in healthy female dogs. Some blood parameters investigated (neutrophil and lymphocyte count, ALP, PT and APTT) were affected by the use of HBOT.

The impact of gender differences on the clinical characteristics of critically ill patients with venous thromboembolism: A retrospective, observational study.

The aim of this study is to describe the general information, disease and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill patients, to explore the characteristics of severe patients with deep venous VTE and provide clinical reference data for the prevention and treatment of VTE in critically ill patients. This study carried out a retrospective study on the medical records of patients who were treated in the intensive care unit of Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from 2020 to 2022. The general data, general conditions, drug use, past history, VTE prevention measures, post-VTE conditions, and Padua risk score of 297 patients with VTE during the period of hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU) were classified and statistically analyzed. A total of 297 including 171 male and 126 male patient medical records were included in the analysis, we compared multiple clinical indicators between male and female patients. Compared to women, male patients have a higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score(APACHE-II score) (P = .027), a higher state of consciousness (P = .003), a higher rate of smoking and drinking history (P < .001), a lower rate of heart failure (P = .003) and chronic depression (P = .013), and a higher rate of recommended operations for male patients after VTE (P = .031). The prothrombin time (PT) (P = .041) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (P = .040) of male patients were significantly higher than those of female patients, while triglyceride (P = .009) and total cholesterol (TC) (P = .001) were significantly lower than those of female patients. The difference in D-dimer (P = .739) was not significant. This study shows that male and female patients with VTE in the ICU have significant differences in general characteristics, general clinical conditions, history of past illness, thrombosis character, and examination items, this may be the reason for the different rates of VTE between male and female patients in the ICU.

A case of varicose necrotic phlegmon of the orbit in a child

AIM: This study aimed to analyze the peculiarities of a clinical case of orbital cellulitis in a child with varicella-zoster virus infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this report of a rare case, necrotizing orbital cellulitis developed on day 6 from the onset of varicella-zoster disease in a 5-year-old child. The child was hospitalized in a serious condition at the intensive care unit of an infectious disease hospital and was subsequently transferred to an ophthalmology department of another hospital. The patient was subjected to comprehensive laboratory examinations and received conservative and surgical treatments. Computed tomography was performed to detect changes in the status of the orbits. RESULTS: The disease manifested with a pronounced pain syndrome in the right orbit, intoxication, and hyperthermia. Exophthalmos, purulent discharge, and necrosis of the conjunctiva of the affected eye were also observed. Computed tomography revealed infiltration of the right orbit without changes in the sinuses. The clinical blood analysis demonstrated leukocytosis, left shift in neutrophils, eosinophilia, and high levels of C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase. The coagulogram demonstrated a proclivity toward hypercoagulation, as evidenced by diminished prothrombin activity according to Quick’s test, increased active partial thromboplastin time, and high D-dimer levels. Urinalysis revealed leukocyturia. Cultures from the conjunctival cavity yielded Streptococcus pyogenes, and a polymerase chain reaction tested positive for S. pyogenes. Antiviral, antibacterial, and symptomatic treatments were initiated. Necrotic masses were obtained during the drainage of the orbital cavity. The child was hospitalized for 21 days. The symptoms were controlled, and the patient’s condition was satisfactory at discharge. Visual functions remained fully preserved. At the examination 1.5 months later, a slight residual exophthalmos was detected. CONCLUSION: Employing a complex multidisciplinary approach, timely prescription of antibacterial and antiviral therapy, and surgical assistance (drainage of the orbit) ensures a successful disease outcome.

Prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times, thromboelastography, hematocrit, and platelet count in a feline hemorrhage/over-resuscitation model using lactated Ringer's solution or 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4.

To describe and compare prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thromboelastography (TEG), HCT, and platelet count measurements in a hemorrhage/over-resuscitation model. Randomized crossover study. University teaching hospital. Six cats. Anesthetized cats underwent 3 treatments at 2-month intervals. The treatments were as follows: NHR-no controlled hemorrhage and sham resuscitation; LRS-controlled hemorrhage and lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) for resuscitation; and Voluven-controlled hemorrhage and 6% tetrastarch 130/0.4 for resuscitation. The LRS and Voluven were administered at 60 and 20mL/kg/h, respectively, for 120minutes. Blood samples were drawn for PT, aPTT, TEG, HCT, and platelet count measurements at a healthy check (T - 7d), after controlled hemorrhage (T0), at 60 and 120minutes of resuscitation (T60 and T120), and at 24hours after completion of resuscitation (T24h). Data were analyzed using a general linear mixed model approach (significance was P<0.05). Total median blood loss (controlled hemorrhage and blood sampling from T0 to T120) at T120 was 11.4, 31.0, and 30.8mL/kg for NHR, LRS, and Voluven, respectively. PT and aPTT during LRS and Voluven were prolonged at T60 and T120 compared to NHR (P<0.001). On TEG, the reaction time, kinetic time, and alpha-angle were within reference intervals for cats at all time points in all treatments, while maximum amplitude was less than the reference interval (40mm) at T0, T60, and T120 during Voluven and at T60 and T120 during LRS compared to NHR (both P<0.001). The HCT and platelet count were significantly lower at T60 and T120 during LRS and Voluven compared to NHR (P<0.001). Hypocoagulopathy was observed during hemorrhage and liberal fluid resuscitation. Prolongation of PT and aPPT and decreased clot strength may have been caused by hemodilution and platelet loss.

Usefulness and Safety of Gelatin-Thrombin Matrix Sealants in Minimally Invasive Microscopic Discectomy.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of gelatin-thrombin matrix sealants (GTMSs) in minimally invasive microscopic discectomy, a surgical procedure commonly used to treat lumbar disc herniation. Materials and Methods Out of 484 patients who underwent minimally invasive microscopic discectomy between April 2018 and December 2022, 35 patients with a history of surgery at the same level were excluded, resulting in a total of 449 patients included in the study. Among them, 316 patients were treated using GTMS, whereas 133 were treated using collagen-based absorbable local hemostatic agents. Patient characteristics, surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, intraoperative dural injury, and incidence of postoperative epidural hematoma were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results No significant differences in patient demographics were observed between the two groups, except for activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Although there were no significant differences in the mean surgical time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups, they tended to be shorter and less in the GTMS group (56.3 ± 20.2 vs. 58.2 ± 20.4 minutes [ p = 0.36] and 10.0 ± 15.4 vs. 11.8 ± 8.3 g [ p = 0.20]). The volume of postoperative drainage was significantly lower in the GTMS group than that in the comparison group (35.3 ± 21.8 vs. 49.5 ± 34.1 g [ p < 0.01]). There was a trend indicating a difference in the number of intraoperative dural injuries and the need for reoperation due to postoperative epidural hematoma (2 vs. 3 ± 20.4 minutes [ p = 0.21] and 1 vs. 2 [ p = 0.16]). Conclusion The use of a GTMS in minimally invasive microscopic discectomy appears to be beneficial in reducing postoperative drainage volume. It has also been shown that it may improve clinical outcomes such as intraoperative dural injury and postoperative epidural hematoma. Furthermore, further consideration of the medical economic impact is required.

Strategies for Performing Factor Assays in the Presence of Emicizumab or Other Novel/Emerging Hemostatic Agents.

For several decades, therapeutic options for inherited deficiencies of factor VIII or IX (hemophilia A or B, respectively) have largely been the replacement of the missing clotting factor with plasma-derived or recombinant products. Hemostasis laboratories use standard activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)-based clotting or chromogenic assays to monitor plasma factor levels to guide therapy. The emergence in the past 10 years of extended half-life replacement products and other novel therapies for hemophilia has led to a reappraisal of assay suitability, with studies of product measurement showing some existing assay types or reagents to be unsuitable for some products. The hemostasis laboratory must adapt to the changing landscape by adding new assays or modifying existing assays to ensure accurate results for product measurement. These strategies include switching from a chromogenic assay to a clotting assay, or vice versa, changing an aPTT reagent brand, or introducing product specific calibrators. This article evaluates the effects of some of the newer treatment options on the laboratory testing of factor levels and related assays.