Changes In Fibrinogen Levels Research Articles

Thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeation and lysis in patients with severe mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: mitral fibrin study

Abstract Background/Introduction The management of heart failure (HF), particularly in the context of reduced ejection fraction, is further complicated by an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Structural alterations of both left ventricle and mitral valve contribute to mitral regurgitation (MR). However, the body of evidence provides inconclusive insights into the relationship between MR and thromboembolic risk. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the impact of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) on thrombin generation, clot permeation and clot lysis time in HF patients with severe MR eligible for mitral TEER. Methods A cohort of 31 HF patients with severe MR undergoing TEER underwent systematic evaluation at three time points. Coagulation parameters, including fibrinogen concentration, thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeability (Ks), and clot lysis time (CLT), were assessed. Comprehensive evaluations also covered echocardiographic, laboratory, and clinical parameters. Results TEER induced changes in fibrinogen levels (p=0.009, visit 3 vs. visit 2) and improved fibrin clot properties over a 50-day follow-up (Ks, p=0.005, visit 3 vs. visit 2). No significant differences were observed among time points in analyzed blood clot parameters. Linear regression, incorporating thrombin generation variables, Ks, and CLT for delta NT-proBNP, highlighted CLT as the sole predictor of NT-proBNP change between visit 2 and visit 1 (p=0.03; R2=0.18). Conclusions MR reduction through TEER led to transient alterations in fibrinogen concentration and improved fibrin clot characteristics. Additionally, baseline CLT emerged as a significant predictor of early NT-proBNP reduction, emphasizing its role as a key indicator of the hemodynamic response to TEER.

The effect of levilimab on the clinical presentations and changes in inflammatory biomarkers in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19

Introduction. It is now well known that a proportion of patients with COVID-19 develop a pathological systemic inflammatory response with complications resulting in multiple organ failure. The severity and prognosis of the disease, as well as the effectiveness of the treatment provided should be assessed as early as possible. For this purpose, a number of laboratory markers are used, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, fibrinogen, ferritin, and changes in these parameters serve as a basis for the disease prognosis.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of levilimab in outpatients with COVID-19 based on the analysis of changes in laboratory markers of blood inflammatory activity.Material and methods. A total of 120 patients with COVID-19 receiving standard therapy (ST) were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the treatment group of patients who received 2 injections of levilimab, IL-6 receptor blocker, included 47 men and 29 women (average age 46.7 years); the control group, who only received CT, included 21 men and 23 women (average age 46.3 ± 2 years).Results. The treatment group demonstrated a faster normalization of laboratory markers of inflammatory activity. After 14 days of follow-up, the CRP levels in the treatment group decreased significantly by 18.9 (67%) (p < 0.05), and in the control group by 14.3 (46.9%) (p < 0.05). The IL-6 level significantly decreased in patients of the control group, but did not change in the levilimab group. The changes in fibrinogen levels showed that the group of patients, who received levilimab, had a significant decrease in fibrinogen by 35% from baseline (p < 0.05), in contrast to the control group, in which fibrinogen levels virtually did not change (3.8% decrease) (p < 0.05).Conclusion. Levilimab therapy carried out at onset of coronavirus infection results in a faster normalization of laboratory markers of inflammatory activity and helps prevent the severe course of COVID-19.

Thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeation and lysis in patients with severe mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: Mitral Fibrin Study.

Intricate management of heart failure (HF), especially in the context of reduced ejection fraction, is further complicated by an elevated risk of thromboembolic events. Studies published so far offer inconclusive insight into the interplay between mitral regurgitation (MR) and the coagulation system. This study aimed to investigate the impact of transcatheter edge‑to‑edge repair (TEER) on specific coagulation parameters in HF patients. A cohort of 31 HF patients with severe MR treated with TEER underwent a systematic evaluation at 3 visits (V1, V2, and V3). Coagulation parameters, including fibrinogen concentration, thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeability, and clot lysis time (CLT) were assessed (n = 27 at V2; n = 25 at V3). TEER induced changes in fibrinogen levels (P = 0.01; V3 vs V2) and improved fibrin clot properties over 50‑day follow‑up (P = 0.01; V3 vs V2). No significant differences were observed between time points in the analyzed blood clot parameters. Correlation analysis showed that baseline CLT was associated with ΔN‑terminal pro-B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT‑proBNP) level (P = 0.049; r = 0.4). Multivariable analysis identified baseline CLT as an independent predictor of early post‑TEER NT‑proBNP change (R2 = 0.55; P = 0.02). We found decreased level of fibrinogen and increased permeation coefficient over a median 50 (interquartile range, 32.5-75.5)-day post‑TEER follow‑up, as compared with early postprocedural assessments. Other blood coagulation parameters remained unchanged from baseline at both follow‑up time points after TEER. Finally, CLT was an independent predictor of early NT‑proBNP increase, emphasizing its role as an indicator of hemodynamic response to TEER.

Tigecycline-associated hypofibrinogenemia: A single center, retrospective, controlled study

BackgroundTigecycline-associated hypofibrinogenemia has been reported as an important adverse effect in recent years, but controlled studies minimizing confounding factors are needed. The objective of our study was to assess changes in fibrinogen levels in patients for hospitalization, comparing two antibiotic episodes (tigecycline and other) within the same patients. MethodsThe retrospective, self-controlled case series study was conducted at our University Hospitals. The study compared the change in fibrinogen levels during the patient's hospitalization for tigecycline (TigePer) and another antibiotic period (OtherPer). In addition, bleeding events, bleeding risk (determined by the IMPROVE bleeding risk score), as well as 15- and 30-day mortality rates between TigePer and OtherPer were compared. ResultsThe study enrolled 50 patients with 100 episodes of antibiotic treatment. The median age (interquartile range) of the patients was 68.5 (21.5) years, and 38 % were female. As compared to OtherPer, TigePer had a statistically significant reduction in fibrinogen levels (p < 0.001), with a hypofibrinogenemia rate of 40 % in TigePer as compared to 2 % in OtherPer (p < 0.001). TigePer demonstrated a significantly higher 15-day mortality rate (p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed between the two periods in terms of bleeding risk, rate of bleeding events, and 30-day mortality rate (p > 0.05). ConclusionHypofibrinogenemia and other coagulopathies, without associated bleeding events, are more frequently observed in patients receiving tigecycline. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to monitor fibrinogen levels during tigecycline use.

Association between lung contusion volume and acute changes in fibrinogen levels: A single-center observational study.

Organ tissue damage, including the lungs, may lead to acute coagulopathy. This study aimed to evaluate the association between lung contusion volume and serum fibrinogen level during the acute phase of trauma. We conducted an observational study using electronic medical records at a tertiary-care center between January 2015 and December 2018. We included patients with lung contusions on hospital arrival. We used three-dimensional computed tomography to calculate lung contusion volumes. The primary outcome was the lowest fibrinogen level measured within 24 h of hospital arrival. We evaluated the association between lung contusion volume and outcome with multivariable linear regression analysis. Also, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of lung contusion volume in patients with a serum fibrinogen level of ≤150 mg/dL. We identified 124 eligible patients. Their median age was 43.5 years, and 101 were male (81.5%). The median lung contusion volume was 10.9%. The median lowest fibrinogen level within 24 h from arrival was 188.0 mg/dL. After adjustment, lung contusion volume had a statistically significant association with the lowest fibrinogen level within 24 h from arrival (coefficient -1.6, 95% confidence interval -3.16 to -0.07). When a lung contusion volume of 20% was used as the cutoff, the sensitivity and specificity to identify fibrinogen depletion were 0.27 and 0.95, respectively. Lung contusion volume was associated with the lowest fibrinogen level measured within 24 h from hospital arrival. Measuring lung contusion volume may help to identify patients with a progression of fibrinogen depletion.

Prospective, Randomized Study of Fibrinogen Concentrate Versus Cryoprecipitate for Correcting Hypofibrinogenemia in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Objective: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with hypofibrinogenemia and severe bleeding requiring transfusion. Guidelines recommend cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrate (FC) for treatment of acquired hypofibrinogenemia. This study compares cryoprecipitate and FC for correction of acquired hypofibrinogenemia, and the associated costs.Design: A single-center, prospective, randomized study evaluating patients with hypofibrinogenemia after cardiac surgery. The primary endpoint was direct treatment cost. Secondary endpoints included change in fibrinogen level following FC/cryoprecipitate dosing.Setting: Single center study in Astana, Kazakhstan.Participants: Participants who underwent CPB in 2021–2022 and developed clinically significant bleeding and hypofibrinogenemia.Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive cryoprecipitate or FC.Main Results: Eighty-eight adult patients with acquired hypofibrinogenemia (<2.0 g/L) following CPB were randomized to receive cryoprecipitate (N=40) or FC (N=48) with similar demographics between groups. Overall, mean±SD 9.33±0.94 U (range, 8–10) cryoprecipitate or 1.40±0.49 g (1–2) FC were administered to the two groups. From before administration to 24 hours following, mean plasma fibrinogen increased by a mean±SD of 125±65 and 96±65 mg/dL in the cryoprecipitate and FC group, respectively. At 48 hours following administration, there was no significant difference in fibrinogen levels between groups. The mean direct cost of treatment with FC was significantly lower than with cryoprecipitate (p<0.0001): 1505.06±152.40 USD and 631.75±223.67 USD per patient for cryoprecipitate and FC, respectively.Conclusion: Analysis of plasma fibrinogen concentration showed that cryoprecipitate and FC had comparable effectiveness. However, FC is advantageous over cryoprecipitate due to its ease of handling, lower cost, and high purity.

The Prognostic Value of the Fibrinogen-Albumin-Ratio Index (FARI) in Patients with Advanced Vulvar Cancer.

The present study aims to evaluate the pretherapeutic Fibrinogen-Albumin-Ratio Index (FARI), as currently reliable biomarkers to predict therapy response and prognosis of patients with advanced vulvar cancer are missing. Data of 124 consecutive patients, who underwent primary resection for vulvar cancer ≥ pT1b, were retrospectively analyzed. Associations between the FARI and disease recurrence were assessed fitting receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and binary logistic regression models; univariate and multivariable Cox regression models for disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were performed. A pretherapeutic low FARI cut at its median (<9.67) is significantly associated with younger age (65.5 vs. 74.0 years) and higher risk of recurrence (52.4% vs. 26.2%). The ROC analysis calculates the area under the curve (AUC) of the FARI for a PFS < 6 months of 0.700 and for a DSS < 12 months of 0.706, outperforming fibrinogen and albumin alone. The FARI remained independently predictive for PFS (HR 0.84, 95% CI [0.99−1.03], p = 0.009) and DSS (HR 0.82, 95% CI [0.70−0.99], p = 0.019), also in multivariable survival analysis. Despite the FARI’s promising predictive and prognostic value, however, further elucidation of its precise mode of action is warranted before clinical application as it appears to rely only on subtle changes of fibrinogen levels.

Assessment of Fibrinogen Level and Platelets Parameters among Vaccinated Healthy Individuals with COVID-19 Vaccine at Shendi Town

Background: Covid-19 vaccine is an immunization method used to reduce coronavirus incidence but lately caused life-threatening events such as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome. Methods: This is a case-control study conducted at Shendi town to evaluate platelet parameters and fibrinogen levels in vaccinated healthy individuals With Covid-19 vaccines between Augusts to November 2021. A total of (100) vaccinated healthy individual With the Covid-19 vaccine was enrolled in the study as test groups, compared with (50) healthy volunteers as a control group. Venous blood samples were transferred into Trisodium citrate and EDTA anticoagulant. Data was collected using a questionnaire and the (SPSS) version (22) program was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that the vaccinated healthy individuals were; (50%) male and (50%) female. The platelets parameter and fibrinogen indicated the mean values of platelets count, mean platelets volume, platelets distribution width, platelet crit, and fibrinogen, in Janssen vaccine groups, were (251.14 109\L), (8.39 fl), (15.6), (0.203%), and (158 mg\dl) respectively. The results study revealed the mean of PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, and Fibrinogen, in Astrazeneca vaccine groups, were (272.08 109\L), (8.13fl), (15.56), (0.2211%), (159 mg/dl) respectively. Also explained the mean of PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT and Fibrinogen, in Astrazeneca vaccine groups were (272.08 109\L), (8.13fl), (15.56), (0.2211%), (159 mg\dl) respectively and in Janssen vaccine groups the mean values of PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, Fibrinogen were ( 251.14 109\L), (8.39fl), (15.63), (0.2034%), (158 mg\dl) respectively. Conclusions: Covid-19 vaccines are responsible for significant changes in fibrinogen level in both AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccine groups.

Changes in systemic inflammation after pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD and severe physical inactivity - an exploratory study.

Background: Severe physical inactivity (SPI) in patients with COPD is associated with a poor prognosis. It is unknown whether there is a link between SPI and systemic inflammation, and if systemic inflammation in SPI changes following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).Methods: A prospective, observational study of patients referred for at least 7 weeks of PR comprising 2 h of exercise therapy and education twice weekly. At baseline and after PR, daily physical activity level (PAL) was measured with a validated activity monitor, SenseWear® as well as systemic inflammation: b-eosinophils, p-fibrinogen, p-CRP, s-IL-6 and s-CD 163. SPI was defined as PAL <1.4.Results: At baseline, SPI was present in 31 of the 57 patients included, and 23% (7/31) improved to non-SPI after PR. We observed no differences between patients with SPI and non-SPI, except baseline plasma fibrinogen level was slightly yet significantly higher in patients with SPI (median 13.3 [6.2–23.6] vs 11.2 [6.5–16.7] µmol/l) but change in fibrinogen levels differed insignificantly between patients who improved to non-SPI at follow-up compared to patients with persistent SPI (−0.6 [−16.9–9.9] vs −0.4 [−11.2–1.2] µmol/l).Conclusion: SPI in COPD appears not to be associated with a distinct inflammatory profile compared to less sedentary COPD patients attending pulmonary rehabilitation. Currently biomarkers have no role in the detection of SPI in COPD.

Evaluation of Plasma Fibrinogen Levels before and after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Its Association with the Need for Blood Products.

Background:The present study investigated the plasma level of fibrinogen before and after removing the pump in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and its relationship with the need for blood products.Materials and Methods:The present study was performed on 60 patients who were candidates for CABG surgery. The fibrinogen level of these patients was assessed and recorded before surgery and immediately after removing the pump. In addition, their hemoglobin level was recorded before the operation and 2 h after. In addition, the number and type of blood products transfusion were recorded intraoperatively and postoperatively and also at the intensive care unit.Results:Patients’ fibrinogen level after removing the pump with the mean of 130.53 ± 122.01 mg/dl decreased significantly compared to before surgery with the mean of mg/dl 224.95 ± 132.88 mg/dl (P < 0.001). In addition, the prognostic value of fibrinogen after removing the pump in determining the postoperative need of blood transfusion showed that the cut-off value of fibrinogen was < 196 mg/dl with a sensitivity of 16.82% and specificity of 80%, but it was not statistically significant (area under the curve [95% confidence interval]: 0.519 [0.350–0.689]; P = 0.825).Conclusion:According to the results of the present study, due to significant changes in fibrinogen levels after removing the pump compared to preoperation, it seems that this factor can play an important role in prognosis of the need to postoperative blood transfusion, although the prognostic value and the critical point mentioned in our study was not significant and it is required to do further studies.

Are elevated plasma fibrinogen associated with lung function? An 8-year follow-up of the ELSA study.

Fibrinogen is an important biomarker of inflammation, but findings from longitudinal studies that correlated fibrinogen with lung function in older adults are inconsistent. To investigate the relationship between fibrinogen plasma levels and lung function impairment later in life. Longitudinal analysis of 2,150 participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) aged 50 years and older. Associations between changes in plasma fibrinogen between waves 2 (2004-05) and 4 (2008-09) and lung function in wave 6 (2012-13) were performed using multiple linear regression adjusted by potential confounders. Regarding the fibrinogen profile, 18.5% of the participants presented higher levels in both waves. In the adjusted models, the maintenance of high fibrinogen levels was associated with a significant reduction of lung function only for men. FEV1 showed a reduction of 0.17L, FVC of 0.22L, and the percentages predicted were 5.16% for FEV1 and 6.21% for FVC compared to those that maintained normal levels of fibrinogen. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study investigating the relationship between changes in fibrinogen levels over a long follow-up period and lung function in older adults without pre-existing chronic diseases. ELSA has information on critical demographic and clinical parameters, which allowed to adjust for potential confounding factors. It was found that the persistence of high levels of plasma fibrinogen in older English men, but not women, is associated with lung function decline. Therefore, plasma fibrinogen showed to be an important biomarker of pulmonary dysfunction in this population.

Progression of Fibrinogen Decrease during High Dose Tigecycline Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

Tigecycline is a novel glycylcycline broad-spectrum antibiotic offering good coverage for critically ill patients experiencing complicated infections. A known side effect is a coagulation disorder with distinct hypofibrinogenemia. To date, the information on possible risk factors and outcomes is sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the time course of fibrinogen level changes during tigecycline therapy in critically ill patients. Moreover, we sought to identify risk factors for coagulopathy and to report on clinically important outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed all intensive care patients admitted to our General and Surgical Intensive Care Unit receiving tigecycline between 2010 and 2018. A total of 130 patients were stratified into two groups based on the extent of fibrinogen decrease. Patients with a greater fibrinogen decrease received a higher dose, a longer treatment and more dose changes of tigecycline, respectively. In regard to the underlying pathology, these patients showed higher inflammation markers as well as a slightly reduced liver synthesis capacity. We, therefore, conclude that such a fibrinogen decrease may be based upon further impairment of liver synthesis during severe inflammatory states. To decrease the risk of bleeding, cautious monitoring of coagulation in critically ill patients treated with high-dose tigecycline is warranted.

Potential Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Methamphetamine Treatment in Traumatic Brain Injury Defined by Large-Scale IonStar-Based Quantitative Proteomics.

Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes hospitalizations and mortality worldwide, there are no approved neuroprotective treatments, partly due to a poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TBI neuropathology and neuroprotection. We previously reported that the administration of low-dose methamphetamine (MA) induced significant functional/cognitive improvements following severe TBI in rats. We further demonstrated that MA mediates neuroprotection in part, via dopamine-dependent activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Here, we further investigated the proteomic changes within the rat cortex and hippocampus following mild TBI (TM), severe TBI (TS), or severe TBI plus MA treatment (TSm) compared to sham operated controls. We identified 402 and 801 altered proteins (APs) with high confidence in cortical and hippocampal tissues, respectively. The overall profile of APs observed in TSm rats more closely resembled those seen in TM rather than TS rats. Pathway analysis suggested beneficial roles for acute signaling through IL-6, TGFβ, and IL-1β. Moreover, changes in fibrinogen levels observed in TSm rats suggested a potential role for these proteins in reducing/preventing TBI-induced coagulopathies. These data facilitate further investigations to identify specific pathways and proteins that may serve as key targets for the development of neuroprotective therapies.

Change in fibrinogen levels and severe postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery

Change in fibrinogen levels and severe postoperative bleeding in cardiac surgery

Early changes in fibrinogen after administration of alteplase are associated with the short-term efficacy of thrombolysis.

The authors aimed to determine whether early changes in fibrinogen were associated with the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis at 24 hours after alteplase infusion. The authors retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 56 patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with alteplase in the clinical database. The fibrinogen levels were monitored at the first and fourth hours after alteplase infusion. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were recorded to define the short-term efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis before and 24 hours after alteplase infusion. The patients were distributed into amelioration, deterioration, and inefficiency groups according the short-term efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis. One-way ANOVA and post hoc analysis were used to compare the differences in the clinical characteristics among these groups. The relationships among changes in the fibrinogen levels, other potential risk factors, and NIHSS scores were examined using logistic regression analysis. Fifty-two patients (mean age, 65.71 ± 11.04 years; male, 57.7%) were finally enrolled in the study. The median NIHSS of these patients was 11 (range, 2-23), and the mean time from symptom onset to thrombolysis was 187.17 ± 67.53 minutes. The frequency of hypertension in the deterioration group was significantly higher than that in the inefficiency group (P = .01). Changes in the fibrinogen level were more significant in the amelioration group than in the other groups (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that changes in the fibrinogen levels between the first and fourth hours were positively associated with the short-term efficacy of alteplase infusion (odds ratio, 3.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-10.16; P = .004). Early changes in fibrinogen levels may be a potential predictor for the short-term efficacy of alteplase treatment in acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, these changes may be helpful for determining the short-term efficacy of alteplase treatment and early therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.

Extracellular vesicle-packaged miRNA release after short-term exposure to particulate matter is associated with increased coagulation

BackgroundExposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and increased coagulation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations remain unknown. Obesity may increase susceptibility to the adverse effects of PM exposure, exacerbating the effects on cardiovascular diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which travel in body fluids and transfer microRNAs (miRNAs) between tissues, might play an important role in PM-induced cardiovascular risk. We sought to determine whether the levels of PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10) are associated with changes in fibrinogen levels, EV release, and the miRNA content of EVs (EV-miRNAs), investigating 1630 overweight/obese subjects from the SPHERE Study.ResultsShort-term exposure to PM10 (Day before blood drawing) was associated with an increased release of EVs quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis, especially EVs derived from monocyte/macrophage components (CD14+) and platelets (CD61+) which were characterized by flow cytometry. We first profiled miRNAs of 883 subjects by the QuantStudio™ 12 K Flex Real Time PCR System and the top 40 EV-miRNAs were validated through custom miRNA plates. Nine EV-miRNAs (let-7c-5p; miR-106a-5p; miR-143-3p; miR-185-5p; miR-218-5p; miR-331-3p; miR-642-5p; miR-652-3p; miR-99b-5p) were downregulated in response to PM10 exposure and exhibited putative roles in cardiovascular disease, as highlighted by integrated network analysis. PM10 exposure was significantly associated with elevated fibrinogen levels, and five of the nine downregulated EV-miRNAs were mediators between PM10 exposure and fibrinogen levels.ConclusionsResearch on EVs opens a new path to the investigation of the adverse health effects of air pollution exposure. EVs have the potential to act both as markers of PM susceptibility and as potential molecular mechanism in the chain of events connecting PM exposure to increased coagulation, which is frequently linked to exposure and CVD development.

A sustained increase of plasma fibrinogen in sudden sensorineural hearing loss predicts worse outcome independently

ObjectivesA number of etiologies of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) have been proposed. Vascular disturbance is one cause of ISSNHL and has been reported to be associated with fibrinogen. We aimed to determine whether hyperfibrinogenemia is associated with poor outcome and whether a serial change in fibrinogen level is associated with outcome. MethodsTwenty-two patients with ISSNHL were enrolled. We compared the levels of fibrinogen in ISSNHL groups classified as improved and non-improved according to improvement of hearing. Blood samples were also collected from patients who visited the emergency room with coronary heart disease (CHD) as the control group. ResultsInitial fibrinogen level was significantly different between the non-improved and improved ISSNHL group (350.63±87.20 vs. 310.71±81.06. The improved ISSNHL group showed a “surge phenomenon”, in which fibrinogen started to decrease at day 5 and increased at day 26. In the non-improved group, fibrinogen remained elevated throughout the course of therapy. ConclusionIt is important to measure not only the initial fibrinogen level but also to monitor its change throughout the course of therapy in order to predict the outcome of ISSNHL.

Abstract TP220: Is Fibrinogen a Reliable Lab to Follow in Acute Ischemic Stoke After Thrombolysis

Background: American Heart Association suggests empirical therapies (cryoprecipitate, FFP and platelets) for post-IVtpa hemorrhage but acknowledges the lack of evidence to support any specific therapy. Different institutions have developed care pathways for post-IVtpa sICH involving frequent fibrinogen level checks. During thrombolysis, circulating fibrinogen is decreased, and thus rapid administration of cryoprecipitate is recommended. A marker of fibrinogen of &lt;100-150 mg/dL has been traditionally used as a cutoff to suggest effective thrombolysis or administration of cryoprecipitate or to assess the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring of fibrinogen level has been used to guide the reversal therapy in the setting of post-IVtpa hemorrhage. This practice is not fully addressed in the literature. Purpose: To determine the significance of fibrinogen level in relation to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) based on our single center experience. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed fibrinogen levels in two groups of patients with AIS who presented to our comprehensive stroke center. First group included 50 patients who received IVtpa including two patients w/ post-IVtpa sICH and second group included 50 patients with AIS who could not receive IVtpa due to contraindication. Fibrinogen level was checked in immediate post-IVtpa period usually within 2hr of IVtpa or 6hr from onset. Results: The mean fibrinogen level in first group with patients with AIS who received IVtpa is 321.65 mg/dl with range from 102 to 533 mg/dl. Normal reference range is 220-410mg/dl. The mean fibrinogen level in second group without IVtpa is 376mg/dl with range from 124 to 583mg/dl. The fibrinogen level in two patients with post-IVtpa sICH was 216 and 282 mg/dl. Conclusions: No significant correlation is found between fibrinogen level (&lt;100mg/dl) and IVtpa use. We also found no significant change in fibrinogen level in patients with post-IVtpa sICH even though there are only two cases included so far. Above finding suggests that we should focus our research on mechanism other than decrease fibrinogen level to be an underlying cause of post-IVtpa hemorrhage in order to develop agent for better reversal and to prevent continued hematoma expansion.

The hemostatic properties of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate up to 72 hours.

There is increasing interest in replacing fibrinogen early for the treatment of major hemorrhage. In countries where cryoprecipitate is the main concentrated source of fibrinogen, the thawing process complicates the timely availability of cryoprecipitate for transfusion early during major bleeding. The aim of the study was to investigate the hemostatic quality of cryoprecipitate, thawed and held at 18 to 24°C for up to 72 hours. Pooled cryoprecipitate (16 units [eight group O and eight group A]) were thawed at 35 ± 2°C for 20 minutes and held at ambient temperature (18-24°C) for up to 72 hours. Samples were tested at 0, 4, 10, 24, 48, and 72 hours after thawing for Factor (F)VIII, fibrinogen activity, FXIII, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and thrombin generation (TG). There were no significant changes in levels of fibrinogen and FXIII over 72 hours. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in FVIII at 24, 48, and 72 hours compared with the baseline; however, at all time points units met the UK specification for FVIII level. The peak thrombin, endogenous thrombin potential, and all ROTEM variables remained unchanged after 72 hours. The hemostatic properties of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate, maintained at ambient temperature, remain stable for up to 72 hours. Stocking a prethawed product may optimize inventory management, to ensure product availability for rapid transfusion. Further studies need to assess the potential risk of bacterial contamination arising from storage at ambient temperature to determine the maximum shelf life for cryoprecipitate after thawing.

PREGNANCY

Thromboembolic complications are considered as the major cause of deathin pregnant ladies. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of this complication. Design:Retrospective and comparative study. Setting: Services Hospital Lahore. Period: From 2010 to2012. Materials and Methods: Forty pregnant ladies admitted in Services Hospital Lahore weresubjected to estimation of fibrinogen level, FDP level and plasma D-dimer level within 24 hoursof delivery. Results: Twenty controls and 40 patients (pregnant ladies) were studied. Fibrinogenlevel, FDP level and plasma D-dimer levels were increased in all patients as compared to thecontrols and this increase in all three investigations was statistically significant (P˂ O.O5).Conclusion: Significant changes in Fibrinogen level, FDP level and plasma D-dimer level werefound in pregnant ladies immediately after delivery (within 24 hours).