Need For Perioperative Blood Transfusion Research Articles

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid vs. Placebo in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Tranexamic acid (TXA), a potent antifibrinolytic agent, is widely used in cardiac surgical procedures worldwide to minimize surgical bleeding and reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusions. However, the use of TXA may increase the risk of coronary artery graft thrombosis, potentially leading to a higher occurrence of late thrombotic events. Some studies have suggested that drugs like TXA, aimed at decreasing bleeding during cardiac surgeries, may be associated with elevated risks of thrombotic complications or mortality. Conversely, the reduced need for blood transfusions could contribute to improved long-term outcomes. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to assess the efficacy of TXA in cardiac surgery patients. Searches were conducted in databases including PubMed and PubMed Central. Data were extracted, and their quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A random effects model was used to compute the pooled prevalence and investigate heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses differentiated between experimental and placebo groups. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings, and publication bias was examined. An overall sample size of 12,869 patients was included in the meta-analysis, derived from seven of the 10 selected articles. This pooled sample was used to conduct an analysis of TXA's efficacy in cardiac surgery patients. Subgroup analysis revealed a 95% heterogeneity and indicated a p-value of less than 0.05, favoring TXA over placebo in terms of better outcomes. Our research indicates a statistically significant relationship between the efficacy of TXA and the number of patients undergoing heart surgery. According to our findings, there is a pressing need to enhance this evidence base and conduct larger RCTs to better understand the benefits of using TXA, aiming to maintain a low risk of bleeding after both major and minor heart surgeries.

Perioperative Vision Loss Following Prone Spine Surgery: A Case-Control Study

PurposePerioperative vision loss (POVL) is a rare and devastating complication following prone spine surgery. Due to the rare nature of this complication, there is limited research available about patient and surgical risk factors that increase the risk of POVL. Study DesignThis study utilized a case-control secondary data analysis methodology that included 5 cases of POVL and 250 controls from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database who all underwent prone spine surgery between 2010-2020. MethodsEach POVL case was matched to 50 randomly selected controls (n = 250) based on type and year of surgery. Demographics and variables of interest were compared among the POVL cases, among POVL cases and the aggregate control group (n = 250), and POVL cases against their matched control group. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression were then used to estimate the odds of developing POVL in relation to potential patient and surgical risk factors. FindingsWhen POVL cases were compared to the 250 control cases using univariate analysis, patients who developed POVL were more likely to have received a blood transfusion within 72 hours of surgery (p < 0.0001). and have longer operative times (OR =1.01, 95% CI [1.003, 1.017], p = 0.003). ConclusionsTwo surgical risk factors were determined to be statistically significant, including the need for perioperative blood transfusion and prolonged operative time. These findings support previous research on POVL which often identified blood loss and prolonged operative times as surgical risk factors. The narrow patient population used in this project may have limited the ability to perform a more robust study on POVL. Therefore, further research on POVL using the NSQIP database is strongly encouraged.

Impact of intraoperative tranexamic acid use on overall survival and cancer specific survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

642 Background: Perioperative blood transfusion has been reported in up to 60% of patients undergoing RC. Unfortunately, perioperative blood transfusion in patient undergoing RC has been associated with poor oncological outcomes. Tranexamic acid (TXA) use has been proposed to decrease the need for perioperative blood transfusion. Here we seek to investigate the impact of intraoperative TXA on survival outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. Methods: We queried the prospectively maintained Mayo Clinic Radical Cystectomy registry and identified all RC performed for bladder cancer between 1990-2021. Primary outcomes were patient’s overall survival and cancer specific survival among patients who received TXA versus patients who did not receive TXA. Results: Among 2929 patients who underwent RC in our institution between 1990-2021, 468 received TXA (IV) intraoperatively (Group A) and were propensity score matched 1:1 for age, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, pT stage, pN stage, and preoperative hemoglobin with a group who did not receive TXA (Group B, n= 468). At 8 years followup, 61% of patients who received TXA were alive versus 46% of patients who did not receive TXA. In univariable and multivariable analyses of factors associated with CSS (Table1), node positive disease, pT2-T4, peri-operative blood transfusion were associated with poor survival outcomes. While use of TXA was associated with improved CSS outcomes. Conclusions: In our study, TXA use in patients undergoing radical cystectomy was associated with decreased risk or peri-operative transfusion, improved patient’s overall survival, and cancer specific survival. We can’t explain the biological rational for improved survival however these findings warrant further prospective investigation. [Table: see text]

Safety of intraoperative tranexamic acid use on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

641 Background: Perioperative blood transfusion is associated with an increased risk of adverse events and tranexamic acid (TXA) use has been proposed to decrease the need for perioperative blood transfusion. Herein, we seek to investigate the impact of intraoperative TXA on perioperative risk of VTE in a subset of patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) for bladder cancer. Methods: We queried the prospectively maintained Mayo Clinic Radical Cystectomy registry and identified patients who underwent RARC between 2004-2021 and received TXA intraoperatively. In univariable and multivariable analyses, we investigated factors associated with bleeding and VTE within 30 days post-operatively. Results: Of 2862 patients, we identified 94 patients who received TXA (IV) intraoperatively (Group A) and were propensity score matched 1:1 for age, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pT stage, pN stage, and preoperative hemoglobin with a group who did not receive TXA; 38 patients (Group B). In univariable and multivariable models, use of TXA has no statistically significant impact on patient’s risk of bleeding or VTE. In a univariable model, number of positive lymph nodes and extent of lymph node dissection were associated with increased risk of VTE (Table 1). Conclusions: In our study, use of TXA in patient’s undergoing RARC was safe and was not associated with increased risk of VTE. [Table: see text]

151. INFLUENCE OF PERIOPERATIVE ANEMIA ON MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OUTCOMES AFTER RADICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Objectives Methods Retrospective and analytical study of patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer performed in our institution from 2015 to 2021. Several parameters related to anemia were measured: hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation and iron blood levels, as well as the need for perioperative blood transfusion. We analyzed, on the one hand, the incidence of complications in the immediate postoperative period. On the other hand, we assessed the results of overall survival and disease-free survival in relation to tumor disease. Results A total of 137 patients treated for esophageal neoplasia were included. The interventions performed were McKeown/Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. Up to 106 (77,4%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy. Patients who required transfusion in the perioperative period (35 patients; 26%) had a significantly lower mean survival (33 vs. 53 months). In addition, they presented higher rates of postoperative complications as well as a lower 5-year overall survival (Log Rank; p = 0.004). Patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels below 12 g/dL had a significantly higher recurrence rate (21% vs. 7%; p &amp;lt; 0.05). The anemic status was improved after the implementation of a multimodal prehabilitation protocol (12.1 g/dL versus 13 g/dL). Conclusions Radical esophagectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive surgery has improved intra and postoperative outcomes. Despite this, the risk of intraoperative bleeding is not negligible. Therefore, it is essential for the patient to be in an optimal clinical and analytical status. Multimodal prehabilitation could improve this status and the postoperative recovery. Studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up will be necessary to evaluate the impact of this strategy.

Effect of Preoperative Intravenous Iron for Anemic Patients on Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Iron-deficiency anemia is a global health problem and a common medical condition seen in everyday clinical practice and especially with patients going through cardiac surgery. The most rapid and effective method of correcting anemia is by transfusion of red blood cells. However, blood transfusion itself is not without risk. Treatment of perioperative anemia using iron replacement therapy is, in contrast to blood transfusion, a safe, cheap, and relatively convenient therapy Aim of the Work This study aims to perform a systematic review regarding the effect of preoperative intravenous iron therapy on the need for perioperative blood transfusion and the incidence of major morbidity in anemic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Search Methodology The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and articles were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, COCHRANE Database of systematic reviews (CDSR), Scopus, and Web of Science. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 (ROB-2) and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies tool (ROBANS). The primary outcomes are change in hemoglobin and hematocrit after cardiac surgery and perioperative need for blood transfusion, while secondary outcomes are postoperative length of hospital stay and incidence of major adverse outcomes. Results Of the articles reviewed a total of six randomized controlled trials (RCT) and seven non-randomized observational studies (NRSI) were included in the review. Across studies, 1,732 patients were enrolled. The quality of the RCTs was mostly high, while the quality of the NRSTs was low, primarily due to issues related to blinding of assessors. Two studies showed higher hemoglobin with iron therapy, and only one study showed significant differences in multiple outcomes such as transfusion and morbidity. Hospital stay was reported in 4 studies and averaged 9 days. Conclusion Our results showed benefits of preoperative intravenous iron administration in reducing the likelihood of allogeneic blood transfusion and providing a modest increase a modest increase in hemoglobin concentration in anemic patients undergoing caridac surgery.

Post-COVID-19 mucormycosis: A prospective, observational study in patients undergoing surgical treatment.

Post the second wave of COVID-19 in India, our institute became a dedicated center for managing COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), but there was a paucity of data regarding perioperative considerations in these patients. The objectives of present study was to describe the preoperative clinical profile, the perioperative complications and outcome of CAM patients undergoing urgent surgical debridement. This prospective observational study was conducted on CAM patients presenting for surgical debridement from July to September 2021. During preoperative visits, evaluation of extent of disease, any side effects of ongoing medical management and post-COVID-19 systemic sequalae were done. The details of anaesthetic management of these patients including airway management, intraoperative haemodynamic complications and need for perioperative blood transfusion were noted. One hundred twenty patients underwent surgical debridement; functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was carried out in 63% of patients, FESS with orbital exenteration in 17.5%, and maxillectomy in 12.5%. Diabetes mellitus was found in 70.8% and post-COVID new onset hyperglycemia in 29.1% of patients. Moderate-to-severe decline in post-COVID functional status (PCFS) scale was observed in 73.2% of patients, but with optimization, only 5.8% required ICU management. The concern during airway management was primarily difficulty in mask ventilation (17.5%). Intraoperatively, hemodynamic adverse events responded to conventional treatment for hypotension, judicious use of fluids and blood transfusion. Perioperatively, 10.8% of patients required blood transfusion and 4.2% of patients did not survive. Non-surviving patients were older, with a more aggressive involvement of CAM, and had comorbidities and a greater decline in functional capacity. A majority of patients reported a moderate-to-severe decline in PCFS that required a preoperative multisystem optimization and a tailored anesthetic approach for a successful perioperative outcome.

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Is Preoperative Intravenous Iron Infusion Indicated? A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common extraintestinal symptom in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Inflammation associated with malignancy leads to functional iron deficiency via the hepcidin pathway, whereas chronic blood loss causes absolute iron deficiency and depletion of iron stores. The assessment and treatment of preoperative anemia is of great importance in patients with CRC, since published data have consistently shown that preoperative anemia is associated with increased need for perioperative blood transfusions and more postoperative complications. Recent studies have documented mixed results regarding the preoperative intravenous iron administration in anemic CRC patients in terms of efficacy for anemia correction, cost-effectiveness, need for transfusions and risk for postoperative complications.

Surgical Delay Increases the Perioperative Blood Transfusion Rate In Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

We aimed to investigate the effect of prolonged time from diagnosis to treatment (TDT) on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). This study included a total of 544 patients who underwent PNL in our clinic between November 2017 and November 2021. Clinicodemographical, radiological, and perioperative data of the patients were recorded. The stone-free rate as assessed by abdominal computed tomography at 3 months was estimated. The possible relation of the stone-free rate and perioperative complications with TDT was examined. The median age was 48 (range, 38-58) years, the median stone size was 405 (range, 250-700) mm2, and the median stone density was 1,000 (range, 730-1,221) Hounsfield units. The median TDT was 75 (range, 42-133) days. Twenty-seven patients (5.0%) required perioperative blood transfusion (PBT). There was a statistically significant correlation between TDT and the need for PBT (p=0.022). However, there was no significant correlation between TDT and stone-free rate (p>0.05). Using a cutoff value of 90.5 days, TDT could predict the need for PBT with 59.3% sensitivity and 60% specificity. Our study results suggest that the need for PBT increases in patients undergoing PNL longer than 90.5 days after the diagnosis. However, further large-scale, prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the effect of prolonged TDT on surgical outcomes in this patient population.

Tranexamic versus aminocaproic acids in patients with total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study

BackgroundRecently, tranexamic acid (TXA) and epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) have been applied in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, doubts in clinicians’ minds about which medicine is more efficient and economical in THA need to be clarified. Therefore, this study compared the efficacy and cost of the intraoperative administration of TXA and EACA per surgery in decreasing perioperative blood transfusion rates in THA.Methods This study enrolled patients who underwent THA between January 2019 to December 2020. A total of 295 patients were retrospectively divided to receive topical combined with intravenous TXA (n = 94), EACA (n = 97) or control (n = 104). The primary endpoints included transfusions, estimated perioperative blood loss, cost per patient and the drop in the haemoglobin and haematocrit levels.ResultsPatients who received EACA had greater total blood loss, blood transfusion rates, changes in HGB levels and mean cost of blood transfusion per patient (P < 0.05) compared with patients who received TXA. In addition, both TXA and EACA groups had significantly fewer perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion, operation time and changes in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels than the control group (P < 0.05). Cost savings in the TXA and EACA groups were 736.00 RMB and 408.00 RMB per patient, respectively.ConclusionsThe application of perioperative antifibrinolytics notably reduces the need for perioperative blood transfusions. What’s more, this study demonstrated that TXA is superior to EACA for decreasing blood loss and transfusion rates while at a lower cost per surgery. These results indicate that TXA may be the optimum antifibrinolytics for THA in Chinese area rather than EACA.

Anemia after kidney transplantation.

Anemia is a frequent complication in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with a variable reported prevalence estimated between 20 and 80% depending on how defined. Causes of and risk factors for post-transplantation anemia (PTA) are multifactorial with iron deficiency being the primary cause of early PTA (within the first 6months after transplantation) and impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR) commonly responsible for late PTA (after 6months). Medications, viral infections, chronic inflammation, and comorbidities also play a role. PTA has relevant long-term consequences and is a potential risk factor for allograft dysfunction, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. Thus, an anemia evaluation, approximately 3months post-transplantation, is recommended in order to start early treatment and improve prognosis. Iron status, vitamin B12, folate, markers of hemolysis, and viral PCR should be checked, and medications, in particular combinations of medications, should be carefully evaluated. PTA treatment may be challenging and should be directed to the underlying causes. Iron supplementation and erythropoietin therapy, not extensively used in KTR, may be indicated. Every effort should be made to avoid blood transfusions in the pre-transplant period to avoid allosensitization. Anemia should be corrected to prepare candidates for kidney transplantation in order to reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusions as well.

SP10.1.9 Routine preoperative group and save is not necessary for emergency appendectomy in adults – A retrospective multicentre study

Abstract Aims The use of routine Group and Save (G&amp;S) for appendectomy is practised commonly with little evidence behind this practise. Our aim was to assess whether routine pre-operative G&amp;S before appendectomy is required by identifying rate of perioperative blood transfusion. Methods A multicentre retrospective observational study of all adult patients who had emergency appendectomy across four hospitals between August 2018 and November 2020. Patients were identified through pathology records. Data was extracted for demographics, pre and post-operative imaging and operative details, G&amp;S, cross matching and peri-operative blood transfusion. Results 1,105 patients were identified, 635 (57.4%) were male. Median age was 37 years (IQR 26–52). 1,012 (91.6%) were ASA 1 or 2. Surgical approach: 890 (80.5%) laparoscopic, 79 (7.1%) converted to open, 119 (10.8%) open and 17 (1.5%) laparotomy. Severity of appendicitis: 804 (72.8%) inflamed, 56 (5.1%) gangrenous, 235 (21.3%) perforated and 10 (0.9%) were normal. 921 (83.3%) patients had pre-operative G&amp;S. 42 (3.8%) patients also had cross match (36 patients had 1 unit and 6 patients had 2 units). None of the patients required blood transfusion in 30 days post appendectomy. The total cost of G&amp;S is estimated to be £56,733 in this cohort. Conclusions The need for peri-operative blood transfusion is rare in patients undergoing appendectomy via any surgical approach. It has significant cost impact as well as it causes unnecessary delays if not done in timely manner. Our study suggests that routine G&amp;S policy is not necessary and we suggest a more ‘selective’ G&amp;S policy.

Predictors of Operative Duration in Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Accurate prediction of operative duration is necessary for efficient operating room scheduling, minimizing cancellations, shortening waitlists, better risk stratification, and effective preoperative counseling. Prolonged operative duration is also associated with negative patient outcomes. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is typically a lengthy surgical procedure with variable operative duration. The purpose of this study is to identify patient-, procedure-, and surgeon-specific variables that influence the operative duration in PSF for AIS and determine its impact on early postoperative outcomes. Hospital records of 150 AIS patients who underwent PSF at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Various patient-, procedure-, and surgeon-specific variables-deemed to be possibly affecting the operative duration-were analyzed. A multivariate regression model was used to identify independent predictors of operative duration. The association between operative duration and early postoperative outcome measures was determined. The final model obtained from the multivariate regression analysis included the following factors: experience of the chief surgeon (β = -0.36), Cobb angle of the major structural curve (β = 0.35), number of screws inserted (β = 0.28), coronal deformity angular ratio (β = 0.20), and apical vertebral rotation (β = -0.21 to 0.03). The model could explain 44% of the variability in the operative duration (R 2 = 0.44). The operative duration had a significant correlation with estimated blood loss, need for perioperative blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay. A set of variables that predict the variability in operative duration during PSF for AIS was identified, with the experience of the chief surgeon and the severity of the curve being the strongest predictors. The results of this study emphasize the need for each hospital and surgical team to identify predictors of operative duration in their setup in order to better anticipate prolonged operative duration.

Pre-operative iron increases haemoglobin concentration before abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Professional surgical societies recommend the identification and treatment of pre-operative anaemia in patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. Our aim was to determine if pre-operative iron allows correction of haemoglobin concentration and decreased incidence of peri-operative blood transfusion in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL were searched for RCTs written in English and assessing the effect of pre-operative iron on the incidence of peri-operative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Pooled relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and mean difference (MD) were obtained using models with random effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q-test and quantified using the I2 value. Four RCTs were retained for analysis out of 285 eligible articles. MD in haemoglobin concentration between patients with pre-operative iron and patients without pre-operative iron was of 0.81 g/dl (3 RCTs, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.33, I2: 60%, p = 0.002). Pre-operative iron did not lead to reduction in the incidence of peri-operative blood transfusion in terms of RD (4 RCTs, RD: − 0.13, 95% CI − 0.27 to 0.01, I2: 65%, p = 0.07) or RR (4 RCTs, RR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.09, I2: 64%, p = 0.09). To conclude, pre-operative iron significantly increases haemoglobin concentration by 0.81 g/dl before abdominal surgery but does not reduce the need for peri-operative blood transfusion. Important heterogeneity exists between existing RCTs in terms of populations and interventions. Future trials should target patients suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia and assess the effect of intervention on anaemia-related complications.

Safety and Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid to Minimise Perioperative Bleeding in Hepatic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Perioperative bleeding poses a major risk during liver surgery, which can result in increased transfusion requirements, morbidity, and mortality. Tranexamic acid (TXA) effectively reduces perioperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in trauma patients. However, there remains a lack of evidence of its use in liver surgery. This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of TXA in liver resection and transplantation. A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, CENTRAL and Clinicaltrials.gov databases was undertaken to identify studies from January 1947 to September 2021. The outcomes of the need for blood transfusion, thromboembolic events and mortality were extracted from the included studies. Quantitative pooling of data was based on the random effects model. Six studies reporting on 429 patients were included. TXA reduced the need for perioperative blood transfusion in liver resection and transplantation (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.72). More importantly, TXA did not increase the incidence of thromboembolic events (OR 2.22; 95% CI 0.47 to 10.43) and mortality (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.13 to 2.76). TXA safely reduces the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing liver resection and transplantation.

Hemoglobin matters: Perioperative blood management for oncology patients.

As the number of cancer cases rise each year in Canada, so does the number of surgical oncology cases. Surgery presents a unique and heightened stressor for the body already experiencing volatility from factors such as disease and treatments. Perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are critical to stabilize hemoglobin levels and correct anemia, as well as provide a buffer against anticipated intraoperative blood loss. Thoroughly examining and anticipating risk factors related to the potential need for perioperative blood transfusions is necessary to improve outcomes. Research evidence in recent years related to perioperative blood management of oncology patients has specifically recommended active, coordinated programs to reduce the need and amount of blood transfusions administered pre-, intra-, and post-surgery. Coordination between surgical oncologists and a local or provincial patient blood management (PBM) program is an important strategy that allows patients at risk of perioperative complications to be identified and receive early interventions and ongoing observation.

The Impact of Intraoperative Blood Loss on the Survival After Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

Blood transfusion and a large amount of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) have been reported to have a negative impact on long-term survival via immunosuppression. In recent years, thanks to the spread of laparoscopic surgery and the development of surgical devices, the average amount of IBL has decreased, as has the need for perioperative blood transfusion. Under such conditions, the prognostic significance of the amount of IBL is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the amount of IBL on long-term survival. A total of 277 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for stage II/III colorectal cancer were enrolled. The median amount of IBL was 30 ml, and 16 patients received blood transfusion. The overall survival rates were significantly better in the low-IBL (≤100 ml) group than in the high-IBL (>100 ml) group regardless of the blood transfusion. As the amount of IBL increased, the decline rate of the peripheral lymphocyte count increased. A large amount of IBL was associated with poor long-term survival, regardless of blood transfusion, in patients with colorectal cancer.

Pooling of neglected and delayed trauma patients – Consequences of ‘lockdown’ and ‘Unlock’ phases of COVID-19 pandemic- A retrospective cohort analysis from a tertiary centre

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nationwide lockdown and quarantine strategies to break the chain of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in India. Management of patients with trauma has been particularly challenging across the country. AimsTo evaluate the effect of delay in surgery in patients with traumatic injuries along with the peri-operative outcomes during the ‘Lockdown’ and ‘Unlock’ phases of the COVID-19 pandemic at a Level I Trauma centre in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. MethodsThis retrospective, observational cohort study included 488 patients. Comparative analysis to assess patient characteristics, mechanism of trauma, clinical outcomes in patients managed operatively during ‘Lockdown period’ (24 March 2020 to 31 May 2020) Group A with Group B, who presented during ‘Unlock phases’ (01 June 2020 to 31 December 2020). ResultsThe average delay in surgery, surgical time and hospital stay was significantly increased in group B patients (p-value <0.05). The average blood loss, stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and blood transfusion requirement were clinically higher in group B but these differences were not statistically significant (p-value >0.05). Only in group B; 9.01% patients (42 out of 466) required bone grafting. Conclusion‘Neglect’ and delay in receiving operative management of orthopaedic trauma has led to unprecedented rise in number of complications of fractures, such as mal-union, delayed union or non-union during COVID-19 Pandemic. Patients have had to undergo longer surgical procedures with increased risk of intra-operative blood loss, need of peri-operative blood transfusion and bone grafting supplementation to facilitate union. Diligent attention to achieve the most optimal configuration of fractures should be planned in conservatively managed injuries during the pandemic to minimize future intra-operative difficulties.

Predictors for Perioperative Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Open Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion and Development of a Nomogram: An Observational Cohort Study.

Open radical cystectomy is associated with a substantial rate of perioperative blood transfusion. Early detection of potentially modifiable perioperative factors could reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusion and thus positively impact the outcome. We conducted an observational, single-center cohort study of 1168 patients undergoing cystectomy. Perioperative blood transfusion was defined as the need for packed red blood cells and/or fresh frozen plasma units within the first 24 h after the initiation of surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to model the association between risk factors and blood transfusion, and a nomogram was developed. Blood transfusion occurred in 370/1168 patients (31.7%). Significant predictors were age (OR: 1.678, (95% CI: 1.379–2.042); p < 0.001), blood loss ratio (6.572, (4.878–8.853); p < 0.001), preoperative hemoglobin (0.316, (0.255–0.391); p < 0.001), tumor stage (2.067, (1.317–3.244); p = 0.002), use of oral anticoagulants (2.70, (1.163–6.270), p = 0.021), and interaction between female sex and blood loss ratio (1.344, (1.011–1.787); p = 0.042). Of the major predictors found to affect perioperative blood transfusion, two can be influenced: blood loss ratio by meticulous surgery and hemoglobin by preoperative optimization. Others such as age or advanced disease are not modifiable. This emphasizes the importance of optimal management of patients prior to surgery.

Efficacy of tranexamic acid in bleeding pediatric trauma patients in emergency department

 Pediatric injuries are the main cause of death among children in the United States. Up to 70% of pediatric patients even die before reaching a specialized trauma center. Pediatric injuries represent the majority of hospital admissions and visits to Emergency Department (ED). The physical and psychological needs of any traumatized child and his family must be considered, as any minor injuries may have a long-term impact physically and mentally, and could impair children’s quality of life.  TXA is an antifibrinolytic drug used to reduce surgical bleeding and the need for perioperative blood transfusion. TXA is reversibly bind to lysine-binding receptors on plasminogen, displacing plasminogen from the surface of fibrin and reducing the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Thus help to prevent fibrin and clot degradation and preserve the fibrin matrix framework. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of early use of tranexamic acid (TXA) on outcomes of pediatric trauma patients in the Emergency Department.