Management Of Coagulopathy Research Articles

Management of Posttraumatic Bleeding and Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy

Data from the CRASH-2 trial showed that tranexamic acid significantly reduced mortality in trauma patients, but no harm was detected. It is most effective when tranexamic acid is administered within 3 hours of the initial traumatic event. The TACTIC collaboration is currently conducting multiple preclinical and clinical studies to better manage posttraumatic hemorrhage.

Guidelines for the Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. A formal literature search of PubMed was performed through the end of August 2013. The writing committee met by teleconference to discuss narrative text and recommendations. Recommendations follow the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association methods of classifying the level of certainty of the treatment effect and the class of evidence. Prerelease review of the draft guideline was performed by 6 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Scientific Oversight Committee and Stroke Council Leadership Committee. Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Topics focused on diagnosis, management of coagulopathy and blood pressure, prevention and control of secondary brain injury and intracranial pressure, the role of surgery, outcome prediction, rehabilitation, secondary prevention, and future considerations. Results of new phase 3 trials were incorporated. Intracerebral hemorrhage remains a serious condition for which early aggressive care is warranted. These guidelines provide a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with intracerebral hemorrhage.

6: Utility of VerifyNow for Point-of-Care Identification of Aspirin and Clopidogrel Effects and Prediction of Bleeding Risk Prior to Emergency Cardiac Surgery

Objectives: Patients with cardiovascular disease frequently take aspirin or clopidogrel, which may place them at risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. The coagulation-based hemotherapy (CBH) service is a clinical pathology consultation service that provides intraoperative management of coagulopathy and transfusion support based on predefined algorithms for patients undergoing major cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients frequently present to our service in emergency situations without complete medication histories. The gold standard …

The challenges and excitement of liver transplantation.

The challenges and excitement of liver transplantation.

Transfusion Indications for Patients with Cancer

During the last few years, considerable focus has been given to the management of anemia and coagulopathies. This article provides current concepts of red blood cell (RBC) and plasma coagulation factor replacements. The literature was reviewed for clinical studies relevant to RBC transfusion indications and outcomes as well as for the uses of coagulation factor replacement products for coagulopathies most likely encountered in patients with cancer. Most patients without complications can be treated with a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL as an indication for RBC transfusion. However, the effects of disease among patients with cancer may cause fatigue, so transfusions at higher hemoglobin levels may be clinically helpful. Leukoreduced RBCs are recommended as standard therapy for all patients with cancer, most of whom do not develop coagulopathy. Transfusions to correct mild abnormalities are not indicated in this patient population. Data are inconclusive regarding the value of coagulation factor replacement for invasive procedures when the international normalized ratio is below 2. Indications for RBC transfusion have become more conservative as data and experience have shown that patients can be safely and effectively maintained at lower hemoglobin levels. Coagulation factor replacement is unnecessary for most modest coagulopathies.

Management of haemorrhage in major trauma

Major trauma is a significant cause of death worldwide, leading to 5 million deaths annually. A large proportion of deaths are due to bleeding, with haemorrhage accounting for 80% of deaths in the operating theatre and 40% of all deaths from trauma within the UK. Treatment approaches to the management of major haemorrhage have transformed during recent decades, based mainly on retrospective evidence. Contemporary approaches emphasize rapid control of bleeding, early management of coagulopathy, maintenance of adequate perfusion, and minimizing the inflammatory response. Developments in the early resuscitation phase and prevention or early management of coagulopathy combined with better understanding of point-of-care diagnostic tests are leading to more targeted interventions for haemorrhage control resulting in improved patient outcomes and less demand for blood products.

Infrastructure and clinical practice for the detection and management of trauma-associated haemorrhage and coagulopathy.

Early detection and management of post-traumatic haemorrhage and coagulopathy have been associated with improved outcomes, but local infrastructures, logistics and clinical strategies may differ. To assess local differences in infrastructure, logistics and clinical management of trauma-associated haemorrhage and coagulopathy, we have conducted a web-based survey amongst the delegates to the 15th European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ECTES) and the 2nd World Trauma (WT) Congress held in Frankfurt, Germany, 25-27 May 2014. 446/1,540 delegates completed the questionnaire yielding a response rate of 29%. The majority specified to work as consultants/senior physicians (47.3%) in general (36.1%) or trauma/orthopaedic surgery (44.5%) of level I (70%) or level II (19%) trauma centres. Clinical assessment (>80%) and standard coagulation assays (74.6%) are the most frequently used strategies for early detection and monitoring of bleeding trauma patients with coagulopathy. Only 30% of the respondents declared to use extended coagulation assays to better characterise the bleeding and coagulopathy prompted by more individualised treatment concepts. Most trauma centres (69%) have implemented local protocols based on international and national guidelines using conventional blood products, e.g. packed red blood cell concentrates (93.3%), fresh frozen plasma concentrates (93.3%) and platelet concentrates (83%), and antifibrinolytics (100%). 89% considered the continuous intake of anticoagulants including "new oral anticoagulants" and platelet inhibitors as an increasing threat to bleeding trauma patients. This study confirms differences in infrastructure, logistics and clinical practice for the detection and management of trauma-haemorrhage and trauma-associated coagulopathy amongst international centres. Ongoing work will focus on geographical differences.

Developmental haemostasis in moderate and late preterm infants

The term “developmental haemostasis” was first coined by Maureen Andrews to describe the age-related physiological changes of the coagulation system during childhood.[1] Given the age-dependent specificity of haemostasis, the evaluation and the interpretation of coagulation assays in newborns may present diagnostic difficulties and appropriate reference ranges for the diagnosis and management of coagulopathies in moderate and late preterm infants are needed.

The Effects of In Vitro Hemodilution and Fibrinogen Concentrate Substitution on Thromboelastometry Analysis in Patients Qualified for Liver Transplantation – Preliminary Results

BackgroundDilutional coagulopathy might cause life-threatening hemorrhages in liver transplantation. Liver insufficiency is usually accompanied by alteration in fibrinogen (Fib) synthesis, which is one of the main clotting factors providing appropriate hemostasis. Intraoperative hemodilution results in further Fib concentration reduction enhancing coagulopathy and blood loss. Exogenous Fib substitution might prevent this. MethodsA prospective study with a control group was designed. The study group consists of patients with cirrhosis who qualified for liver transplantation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly established. The blood collected from participants was diluted up to 30% and 60% with crystalloid (saline) or colloid (hydroxyethyl starch) in 2 parallel series. The first series consisted of diluted blood, the second of diluted blood with Fib concentrate. Thromboelastometry tests were performed on every blood sample. After collecting data from the first 12 participants, we performed a preliminary analysis. ResultsThe maximum clot formation (MCF) in the EXTEM test decreased with progressive blood dilution in both study arms. The MCF values were lower than 35 mm in every diluted blood sample of the study group. The recovery of decreased MCF after Fib concentrate substitution was observed in both groups. The improvement in clot formation was also expressed as amplitude of clot firmness in the 10th minute (A10) in the FIBTEM test. ConclusionsClot formation is disturbed more profoundly by hemodilution in cirrhotic patients. Fib concentrate substitution might be effective in the management of dilutional coagulopathy.

Trauma-induced coagulopathy.

Coagulopathy is the inability of blood to coagulate normally; in trauma patients, it is a multifactorial and complex process. Seriously injured trauma patients experience coagulopathies during the acute injury phase. Risk factors for trauma-induced coagulopathy include hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, hypoperfusion, hemodilution, and fluid replacement. In addition to the coagulopathy induced by trauma, many patients may also be taking medications that interfere with hemostasis. Therefore, medication-induced coagulopathy also is a concern. Traditional laboratory-based methods of assessing coagulation are being supported or even replaced by point-of-care tests. The evidence-based management of trauma-induced coagulopathy should address hypothermia, fluid resuscitation, blood components administration, and, if needed, medications to reverse identified coagulation disorders.

What's new in management of traumatic coagulopathy?

What's new in management of traumatic coagulopathy?

Management and outcomes of malignant posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

IntroductionRecognition of severe forms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has improved. Management of these patients remains challenging, particularly in patients with the combination of edema and hemorrhage. MethodsA prospective inpatient neuro-intensive care database was queried for patients with PRES. Malignant PRES was diagnosed by clinical assessments (GCS less than 8 and clinical decline despite standard medical management for elevated intracranial pressure) and radiographic criteria (edema with associated mass effect; brain hemorrhage exerting mass effect; effacement of basal cisterns, transtentorial, tonsillar, or uncal herniation). Malignant PRES was defined as: radiology studies consistent with PRES; GCS less than 8; and clinical decline despite standard elevated intracranial pressure management. ResultsFive cases were identified over a 4 year interval. The following contributing conditions were also present: chemotherapy (1), systemic lupus erythematosis (2), pregnancy (1), and methamphetamines (1). Neurocritical care interventions included: hyperosmolar therapy (5), anticonvulsants (5), management of coagulopathy (5), and ventilatory support (5). Neurosurgical interventions included: craniectomy (5), hematoma evacuation (3), and external ventricular drain (4). Brain biopsy was performed in 5 patients and was negative for vasculitis, demyelinating disease, tumor, or infection. Cyclophosphamide was administered to the two patients with SLE. With long-term follow up, all patients achieved good functional outcomes (modified Rankin score 1–2). ConclusionIn contrast to historical reports of high mortality rates (16–29%) for severe and hemorrhagic PRES variants, we had no fatalities and observed favorable functional outcomes with intracranial pressure monitoring and craniectomy for malignant PRES cases who fail medical ICP management.

The coagulopathy of trauma.

Trauma is a leading cause of death, with uncontrolled hemorrhage and exsanguination being the primary causes of preventable deaths during the first 24h following trauma. Death usually occurs quickly, typically within the first 6h after injury. One out of four patients arriving at the Emergency Department after trauma is already in hemodynamic and hemostatic depletion. This early manifestation of hemostatic depletion is referred to as the coagulopathy of trauma, which may distinguished as: (i) acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) and (ii) iatrogenic coagulopathy (IC). The principle drivers of ATC have been characterized by tissue trauma, inflammation, hypoperfusion/shock, and the acute activation of the neurohumoral system. Hypoperfusion leads to an activation of protein C with cleavage of activated factors V and VIII and the inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), with subsequent fibrinolysis. Endothelial damage and activation results in Weibel-Palade body degradation and glycocalyx shedding associated with autoheparinization. In contrast, there is an IC which occurs secondary to uncritical volume therapy, leading to acidosis, hypothermia, and hemodilution. This coagulopathy may, then, be an integral part of the "vicious cycle" when combined with acidosis and hypothermia. The awareness of the specific pathophysiology and of the principle drivers underlying the coagulopathy of trauma by the treating physician is paramount. It has been shown that early recognition prompted by appropriate and aggressive management can correct coagulopathy, control bleeding, reduce blood product use, and improve outcome in severely injured patients. This paper summarizes: (i) the current concepts of the pathogenesis of the coagulopathy of trauma, including ATC and IC, (ii) the current strategies available for the early identification of patients at risk for coagulopathy and ongoing life-threatening hemorrhage after trauma, and (iii) the current and updated European guidelines for the management of bleeding and coagulopathy following major trauma.

The Seattle Spine Team Approach to Adult Deformity Surgery: A Systems-Based Approach to Perioperative Care and Subsequent Reduction in Perioperative Complication Rates

Study DesignRetrospective consecutive case review pre- and postintervention. ObjectivesCharacterize the effects of the intervention.Summary of Background Data: Complication rates in adult spinal deformity surgery are unacceptable. System approaches are necessary to increase patient safety. This group reported on the dual–attending surgeon approach, a live multidisciplinary preoperative screening conference, and the intraoperative protocol for the management of coagulopathy. The outcomes were demonstrated by complication rates before and after the institution of this protocol. MethodsForty consecutive patients in Group A were managed without the 3-pronged approach. A total of 124 consecutive patients in Group B had a dual–attending surgeon approach, were presented and cleared by a live multidisciplinary preoperative conference, and were managed according to the intraoperative protocol. ResultsGroup A had an average age of 62 years (range, 39–84 years). Group B had an average age of 64 years (range, 18–84 years). Most patients in both groups had fusions from 9 to 15 levels. Complication rates in Group B were significantly lower (16% vs. 52%) (p < .001). Group B showed significantly lower return rates to the operating room during the perioperative 90-day period (0.8% vs. 12.5%) (p < .001). Group B also had lower rates of wound infection requiring debridement (1.6% vs. 7.5%), lower rates of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (3.2% vs. 10%), and lower rates of postoperative neurological complications (0.5% vs. 2.5%) (not significant). Group B had significantly lower rates of urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics (9.7% vs. 32.5%) (p < .001). ConclusionsThese data suggests that a team approach consisting of a dual–attending surgeon approach in the operating room, a live preoperative screening conference, and an intraoperative protocol for managing coagulopathy will significantly reduce perioperative complication rates and enhance patient safety in patients undergoing complex spinal reconstructions for adult spinal deformity.

Novel approaches in management of perioperative coagulopathy

The recent advances in hemostatic monitoring, and discussion of the clinical implications of hemostatic therapies based on different blood components and factor concentrates. Implementing suitable laboratory tests and transfusion protocols is highly recommended because the laboratory test guided, protocol-driven transfusion approach reduces blood component utilization, and possibly leads to improved outcomes. Timely assessment of coagulation has been difficult using conventional coagulation tests, but thrombocytopenia, fibrin polymerization defects, and fibrinolysis can be quickly assessed on thromboelastometry. The latter testing can be applied to guide the dosing of fibrinogen and prothrombin complex concentrate, which are selectively used to correct fibrinogen deficiency, and improve thrombin generation in acquired coagulopathy. These therapeutic approaches are novel, and potentially effective in reducing the exposure to allogeneic components (e.g., plasma and platelets) and side-effects of transfusion. Although the accessibility of different therapies among different countries, tranexamic acid is widely available, and is an effective blood conservation measure with a good safety profile in various surgical settings. Our understanding of perioperative coagulopathy, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches has evolved in recent years. Additional multidisciplinary efforts are required to understand the optimal combinations, cost-effectiveness, and safety profiles of allogeneic components, and available factor concentrates.

Goal-directed hemostatic therapy using the rotational thromboelastometry in patients requiring emergent cardiovascular surgery

We assessed the clinical impact of goal-directed coagulation management based on rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in patients undergoing emergent cardiovascular surgical procedures. Over a 2-year period, data from 71 patients were collected prospectively and blood samples were obtained for coagulation testing. Administration of packed red blood cells (PRBC) and hemostatic products were guided by an algorithm using ROTEM-derived information and hemoglobin level. Based on the amount of PRBC transfused, two groups were considered: High bleeders (≥5 PRBC; HB) and low bleeders (<5 PRBC; LB). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, unpaired t-test and analysis of variance as appropriate. Pre-operatively, the HB group (n = 31) was characterized by lower blood fibrinogen and decreased clot amplitude at ROTEM compared with the LB group (n = 40). Intraoperatively, larger amounts of fibrinogen, fresh frozen plasma and platelets were required to normalize the coagulation parameters in the HB group. Post-operatively, the incidence of major thromboembolic and ischemic events did not differ between the two groups (<10%) and the observed in-hospital mortality was significantly less than expected by the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM score, 22% vs. 35% in HB and 5% vs. 13% in LB group). ROTEM-derived information is helpful to detect early coagulation abnormalities and to monitor the response to hemostatic therapy. Early goal-directed management of coagulopathy may improve outcome after cardiovascular surgery.

Rotational Thromboelastometry and Its Use in Directing the Management of Coagulopathy in the Battle Injured Trauma Patient

The military hospital at camp bastion Afghanistan is reputed to be the world's busiest trauma centre. Much has been learnt there in the field of managing massive haemorrhage, the protocols used by the military show a significantly higher survival rate than might be expected of such injuries. This article aims to explain the use of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) monitoring and its role in reducing mortality in battle injured trauma patients.

Mechanisms of trauma-induced coagulopathy

The identification and management of coagulopathy is a critical component of caring for the severely injured patient. Notions of the mechanisms of coagulopathy in trauma patients have been supplanted by new insights resulting from close examination of the biochemical and cellular changes associated with acute tissue injury and hemorrhagic shock. Acute intrinsic coagulopathy arising in severely injured trauma patients is now termed trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) and is an emergent property of tissue injury combined with hypoperfusion. Mechanisms contributing to TIC include anticoagulation, consumption, platelet dysfunction, and hyperfibrinolysis. This review discusses current understanding of TIC mechanisms and their relative contributions to coagulopathy in the face of increasingly severe injury and highlights how they interact to produce coagulation system dysfunction.

Umbilical Hernia in Cirrhotic Patients : Outcome of Elective Repair

Cirrhotic patients with umbilical hernia have an increased likelihood of complications following repair. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of elective umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients. Fifty patients having uncomplicated umbilical hernia with a cirrhotic liver were studied prospectively. These patients divided into three groups' according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification. After management of coagulopathy, correction of hypoalbuminaemia and electrolytes imbalance, and control of ascites, all patients underwent elective hernia repair under regional anesthesia. A comparison was made between the three groups as regard the size of the defect in the linea Alba, operative time, postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, time of return to daily life and postoperative changes in liver function tests (LFTs) in relation to the regional anesthesia applied. hernioplasty was done under spinal anesthesia in 13 patients (26%), under epidural anesthesia in 10 patients (20%), under intercostal nerve block in 7 patients (14%), and under local anesthesia in 20 patients (40%). There was an increased safety (less changes in LFTs) in cases done under local anesthesia and intercostal nerve block. The overall complications rate was 30%. There was an increased complications rate towards the decompensated cases. The differences in the mean length of hospital stay and mean time of return to daily life are statistically significant between the three groups. Umbilical hernia recurrence rate was 2% and no mortality was reported in the study groups.

Coagulation and the surgical neonate

Both coagulopathy and abnormal thrombosis can complicate the anesthetic and surgical management of neonatal patients; however, the patterns of bleeding and thrombosis in neonates differ from those in adults or older children. Severe coagulopathic bleeding most commonly occurs during heart surgery and almost certainly contributes to morbidity and mortality in this population. Such severe bleeding is rare during other surgery; the exception is babies presenting to the operating room with established coagulopathy secondary to severe sepsis. Alternatively, pathological thrombosis will mainly occur in association with indwelling vascular access devices or surgically created vascular shunts. There are important differences between the coagulation system in neonates and older patients. The implication of this is that therapies established in other patient groups will not be optimal for neonates without adaptation. While evidence from high-quality clinical trials is rarely available, an understanding of how coagulation in neonates differs can help to guide practice. This review will discuss important differences between the coagulation system of neonates and older patients and how these relate to newer models of coagulation. The emphasis will be on issues likely to impact on perioperative care. In particular, the management of severe bleeding, the manipulation of coagulation during heart surgery, and the management of coagulopathy in septic neonates will be discussed in detail.