Serum Fibrinogen Levels Research Articles

Preoperative Serum Fibrinogen is Associated With Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Valve Replacement Surgery

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after open cardiac surgery is associated with a longer hospital stay and higher risk of mortality. We aimed to explore the association between preoperative serum fibrinogen level and risk of postoperative AKI in patients with open cardiac surgery. 3459 patients who underwent cardiac valve replacement surgery from January 2011 to September 2015 were recruited. The primary outcome was AKI, defined as AKI stage-1 or higher based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Guidelines. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) was used to subsample minority groups to eliminate classification bias. 510 (14.74%) patients developed postoperative AKI. Serum fibrinogen was independently associated with AKI (OR = 1.211, 95% CI 1.080 to 1.358, p = 0.001) after adjustment of covariates. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the outcome of AKI, after the addition of serum fibrinogen, had a c-statistic increasing from 0.72 to 0.73 (p < 0.001). This translated to a substantially improved AKI risk classification with a net reclassification index of 0.178 (p < 0.001). After SMOTE subsampling, serum fibrinogen was still independently associated with AKI grade 1 or higher (OR = 1.212, 95% CI 1.1089 to 1.347, p = 0.003). Preoperative serum fibrinogen levels were associated with the risk of postoperative AKI after cardiac valve replacement surgery.

Low Albumin to Fibrinogen Ratio Predicts Poor Overall Survival in Esophageal Small Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Study.

PurposeTo explore the prognostic value of albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR) in patients with esophageal small cell carcinoma (ESCC).Patients and MethodsPatients diagnosed with ESCC in West China Hospital from June 1, 2010, to July 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. The AFR was defined as the ratio between the serum albumin level and fibrinogen level. The receiver operating characteristic curves were conducted to determine optimal cut-off values for survival prediction. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were performed to clarify independent prognostic risk factors.ResultsA total of 88 ESCC patients were enrolled in our study with the median follow-up time of 6 months (range 1–91 months). In the univariate analysis, the node metastasis, extraesophageal metastasis status, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and AFR were found to be potentially related with overall survival (OS) of ESCC patients. After the multivariate analysis, AFR [hazard ratio (HR)=3.487, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.179–10.312; P=0.024] and TNM stage (HR=6.044, 95% CI: 1.045–34.974; P=0.045) were testified to be independent prognostic factors and low AFR (≤12.36) level was significantly associated with poor OS in ESCC patients.ConclusionThe current study reported that AFR could serve as a novel prognostic indicator in ESCC and patients with AFR≤12.36 were more likely to have poor prognosis.

Hypofibrinogenemia in Patients Receiving CD19-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy for Large B Cell Lymphoma: A Single Institution Experience

<h3>Background</h3> Hypofibrinogenemia can occur after Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and is sometimes associated with cytokine release syndrome. Hypofibrinogenemia is associated with increased risk of bleeding as well as thrombosis. Limited literature exists on the incidence, complications and management of hypofibrinogenemia after CAR T-cell therapy. <h3>Methods</h3> We analyzed medical records on 148 patients who received CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy for large B-cell lymphomas between 05/2015 and 09/2019. All patients who had at least one serum fibrinogen level measured in the first 30 days after CAR T-cell infusion were included in the analysis. All patients with serum fibrinogen < 200 mg/dL [lowest normal value] had data collected on abnormalities in other coagulation parameters including PTT, PT, INR at the time of nadir serum fibrinogen level. <h3>Results</h3> Out of 148 patients, 35 had at least one serum fibrinogen level measured in the first 30 days after CAR T-cell infusion. Nadir serum fibrinogen was < 200 mg/dl in 15/35 patients: 0-100 mg/dl in 9/15 and 100-200 mg/dl in 6/15. At the time of nadir fibrinogen level, 2/15 patients had abnormalities seen in the other 3 coagulation parameters. Of the 15 patients that had serum fibrinogen level < 200 mg/dl, four had a bleeding event and one had a thrombotic event within first 30 days after CAR T-cell infusion but none of these patients had a low fibrinogen level at the time of the bleed. Given concern for increased risk of bleeding, patients with serum fibrinogen level less than 100 mg/dl were given cryoprecipitate infusions. Details of the abnormalities in the coagulation parameters are highlighted in the table. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study describes in detail, hypofibrinogenemia seen in patients treated with CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy in lymphoma. None of the patients experienced a major bleeding or thrombotic event with low serum fibrinogen level. These descriptive data may be used by clinicians to inform their management of hypofibrinogenemia seen in CAR T-cell patients.

Association of fibrinogen and D‑dimer levels with severity of acute coronary syndromes

Background: Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) are the primary cause of mortality worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess the as‑sociations of serum fibrinogen and plasma D‑dimer levels with angiographic severity of atherosclerotic lesions as well as the presence of in‑hospital complications and complications at 30‑day follow‑up in patients with ACS. Methods: This was a prospective study including 107 patients with ACS. Severity of CAD was assessed by the Gensini score. Correlations of D‑dimer and fibrinogen levels with complica‑tions such as heart failure, arrhythmia, recurrent angina, and cardiac death were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 61±10.9 years. Mean serum fibrinogen levels were higher in individuals with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction than in those with moderate and mild LV dysfunction (444 mg/dl, 404 mg/dl, and 330 mg/dl, respectively). Similarly, the mean plasma D‑dimer level was higher in individuals with severe ACS (1.03 μg/ml) than in those with moderate (1.88 μg/ml) and mild ACS (3.5 μg/ml). Conclusion: Our study revealed that patients with higher serum fibrinogen levels tend to have more severe ACS, greater LV dysfunction, and a higher rate of complications. Therapies aimed at reducing fibrinogen levels might help reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with ACS.

Obstructive sleep apnea, intermittent hypoxemia and prothrombotic biomarkers.

ObjectiveTo study the serum levels of fibrinogen and d-dimer in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its correlation with apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), minimal oxygen saturation and arousal index.MethodsIt was a case control study in which 23 cases of OSA and 23 controls were enrolled. Morning fasting serum fibrinogen and d-dimer were measured in cases of OSA and controls.ResultsSerum fibrinogen levels among OSA patients (268.47±53.11mg/dl) were elevated as compared to the levels in controls (221.52±65.84mg/dl) (p<0.05). Serum fibrinogen co-related positively with AHI (r=0.6381, p=0.0011) and ODI (r=0.7434, p=0.0000), negatively with minimal oxygen saturation (r=-0.4461, p=0.0329). There was no statistically significant correlation of fibrinogen with arousal index (r=0.2697, p=0.2133). There was no statistically significant difference between mean fasting d-dimer level in cases (0.12mg/L, 0.06±0.18mg/L) and controls (0.12mg/L, 0.02±0.22mg/L) (p=0.8926).ConclusionsThe observation of elevated fibrinogen levels with the increasing severity of OSA and hypoxemic events makes OSA one of the important risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.

Value of peripheral blood albumin and fibrinogen levels in the prognostic evaluation of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To investigate the clinical prognostic value of peripheral blood albumin and fibrinogen levels in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 158 patients with advanced NSCLC who were admitted to Chest Hospital District of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May 2010 to September 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received systemic chemotherapy plus or not local radiotherapy. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients and the results of peripheral serum protein and fibrinogen were collected, and the correlation between peripheral serum protein and fibrinogen levels and prognosis was analyzed. Results The median level of serum albumin and plasma fibrinogen was 40.8 g/L (27.6-46.9 g/L) and 3.4 g (2.4-5.2 g/L), respectively, and the median serum albumin and fibrinogen ratio (AFR) was 12.1 (6.2-17.0). The median overall survival (OS) time in the increased serum albumin group (≥40 g/L) and the decreased serum albumin group (<40 g/L) was 17.0 and 9.0 months, respectively, and the median OS time in the increased plasma fibrinogen group (≥40 g/L) and the decreased plasma fibrinogen group (<40 g/L) was 9.0 and 17.0 months, respectively. The median OS time in the increased AFR group (≥10) and decreased AFR group (<10) was 17.0 and 8.0 months, respectively, and there were significant differences between two groups (all P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that serum albumin level (HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.20-2.06, P = 0.003), plasma fibrinogen level (HR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.03, P = 0.046) and AFR (HR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.22-2.62, P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors of OS. Conclusions In patients with advanced NSCLC, higher albumin level and/or lower fibrinogen level are associated with better clinical prognosis. Peripheral serum albumin, fibrinogen level and AFR are independent prognostic factors for advanced NSCLC. Key words: Cacinoma, non-small cell lung; Albumin; Fibrinogen; Prognosis

Clinical characteristics of psoriatic arthritis with positive rheumatoid factor or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody

To analyze the clinical and laboratory features of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with positive rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody. In the study, 77 PsA patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2007 to June 2019 were enrolled. All the patients met Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis or Moll or Wright Criteria. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody were tested in these patients. According to whether anti-CCP antibody or RF was detected in serum, all the patients were divided into anti-CCP antibody or RF positive group (15 cases), anti-CCP antibody or RF negative group (62 cases). According to the detection of anti-CCP antibody in serum, all the patients were divided into anti-CCP antibody positive group (7 cases) and anti-CCP antibody negative group (70 cases). Clinical and laboratory data were collected. The differences of clinical and laboratory indicators between the RF or anti-CCP antibody positive and negative PsA patients were compared. Clinical and laboratory indicators between the anti-CCP antibody positive and negative patients were also compared. Among the 77 patients, 15 were RF or anti-CCP antibody positive, of whom 8 were only RF positive and 2 were only anti-CCP antibody positive, and both of RF and anti-CCP antibody were positive in 5 cases. The RF or anti-CCP antibody positive PsA patients were older than those in the negative group [(58.2±14.8) years vs. (46.69±12.27) years, P=0.002]. And metacarpophalangeal joints, elbow joints and shoulder joints were more likely to be involved in RF or anti-CCP antibody positive PsA patients. PsA patients in the anti-CCP antibody positive group were older than those in the negative group [(62.43±14.34) years vs. (47.59±12.75) years old, P=0.005]. The positive rate of RF and serum level of fibrinogen in the anti-CCP antibody positive group were higher than those in the negative group. The PsA patients in the anti-CCP antibody positive group were all polyarthritis, while 68.6% patients in the negative group were polyarthritis, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in sausage fingers/toes, changes in nails and enthesitis, and bone erosion on radiographs between the RF or anti-CCP antibody positive and negative PsA patients. There was also no statistical difference in sausage fingers/toes, bone erosion on radiographs, and changes in nails and enthesitis between the anti-CCP antibody positive and negative patients. RF and anti-CCP antibodies can be detected in the serum of some PsA patients. RF or anti-CCP antibody positive PsA patients were older than those in negative PsA patients. Metacarpophalangeal joints, elbow joints and shoulder joints were more likely to be involved in RF or anti-CCP antibody positive PsA patients. Anti-CCP antibody positive PsA patients were older and had higher levels of RF positive rate and fibrinogen level.

316 Comparison of two cannulation methods on post-operative recovery in sheep

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare post-operative recovery of sheep undergoing one of two methods of cannulation. Twelve commercial wethers were assigned to a surgical treatments (1-step cannulation or 2-step cannulation) and monitored post-operatively. In the 1-step treatment a cannula was fitted during surgery; in the 2-step procedure, the rumen wall is externalized and clamped off for 7 days, after which the cannula is fitted. Surgeries were performed on 2 consecutive days by the same surgeon with treatments balanced across surgery day. Dry matter intake (DMI), body temperature (T), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR) were monitored for 24 days post-surgery. Blood samples were collected daily for 14 days post-surgery and serum fibrinogen levels (F) were measured as an indication of inflammatory response. Initial and final body weights (BW) were taken to assess weight loss during the post-operative period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with fixed effects of initial value, procedure, and day post-surgery. Day of surgery was used as a random effect and the interaction between procedure and day post-surgery was also evaluated. Cannulation method did not affect BW (P = 0.23), T (P = 0.11), HR (P = 0.96), RR (P = 0.16), or F (P = 0.80). After surgery, F (P = 0.0003) and T (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) increased to plateaus reached at d 5 and 11, respectively, post-surgery, irrespective of treatment. Sheep HR (P = 0.0019) increased steadily post-surgery. Although no treatment effects were observed for these recovery metrics, DMI for Treatment 2 was significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) than for Treatment 1. Results indicate the cannulation methods elicit similar post-operative recovery responses but that animals may not come back onto feed as well after undergoing two-step cannulation.

Preoperative hypoxemia in patients with type A acute aortic dissection: a retrospective study on incidence, related factors and clinical significance.

Pre-operative hypoxemia (HO) is a serious complication occurring in acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) patients. This was a retrospective study of 505 patients who underwent Stanford type A acute aortic dissection surgery in Anzhen hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2015 to February 2018. Patients were divided into a HO(+) group (PaO2/FiO2 ≤300) and a HO(-) group (PaO2/FiO2 >300) according to preoperative arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. The incidence of preoperative hypoxemia in patients undergoing surgery for AAD was calculated as the main outcome. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors of HO. Preoperative HO occurred in 46.5% (235/505) of patients. Mean patient age was 47.8±9.6 years, and 189 (80.4%) were male. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a correlation between preoperative serum level of fibrinogen [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95-0.99], white blood cell count (WBC) (95% CI, 1.07-1.18), systolic blood pressure (95% CI, 0.98-1.00), history of smoking (95% CI, 1.05-2.11) and pleural effusion (95% CI, 1.14-2.71) with preoperative HO. The HO(+) group had a significantly higher mortality than the HO(-) group (8.1% vs. 5.9%, P=0.38). The median of intubation time (P<0.01), the length of stay in the intensive care unit (P<0.01) and the length of hospital stay (P<0.01) were significantly longer in patients with HO. The activity of daily living scale score was significantly lower in the HO(+) group (P<0.01). AAD patients were easy to have pre-operative HO, which had a higher morbidity than those without HO. Altered fibrinogen, WBC, systolic blood pressure levels, positive smoking history, and pleural effusion were associated with the presence of HO. More monitoring and treatment should be given to these patients.

Protective and therapeutic effects of Trianthema portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in male albino rats via G-protein-coupled receptor 124

Atherosclerosis is a severe cardiovascular disease characterized by narrowing of the lumen, plaque formation, and blood flow turbulence as a result of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the inner lining of arteries. Bishkhapra (Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.) is a well-known common weed belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from this weed and widely used against several diseases. The present study evaluated the protective and therapeutic efficacies of T. portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in a rat model. The animals were divided into the sham, control (diabetes- + atherosclerosis-inducing diet), 100 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, and positive control groups. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and other lipid parameters, as well as the expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124), were measured. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly reduced to near normal levels. The serum levels of fibrinogen, sVCAM-1, and oxidized low density lipoproteins were substantially increased in control rats. Treatment with the T. portulacastrum extract reversed these levels to near normal levels. The mRNA expression of GPR124 was increased by 150% in the control group. However, treatment with T. portulacastrum extract decreased the mRNA expression up to 40% compared with the control group. Rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum extract showed a decrease in GPR124 protein expression by 9.5% and 33.3%, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that an extract of T. portulacastrum is effective against atherosclerosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Fibrinogen Levels and the Risk of Cerebrovascular Events in Older Adults With Both Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment: A Prospective Study.

Depression and cognitive impairment have been identified as risk factors for cerebrovascular events (CVE), and one of their potential etiological pathways is inflammatory status. This prospective study aims to investigate the association between inflammatory markers and the risk of CVE in a population of 2659 older adults, enrolled in the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.), with depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, or both conditions. For each individual, we assessed at baseline the presence of depressive symptoms (defined as a Geriatric Depression Scale ≥11), cognitive impairment (defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination <24), and serum levels of fibrinogen, white blood cells (WBC), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). During a 4.4-year follow-up, 188 (7.1%) participants had CVE. Among the inflammatory markers, high fibrinogen values were associated with a 50% higher risk of CVE in the whole sample, and with a 4-fold higher risk in individuals with both depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment (hazard ratio = 4.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.45-11.23). Elevated WBC were associated with a 5% higher risk of CVE in the whole sample and in those with both conditions. No significant association was observed with the ESR. In conclusion, our study found that high fibrinogen levels may predict the risk of CVE in older people with concomitant depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment. Therefore, fibrinogen could be considered as an easily accessible aging biomarker, which might estimate the chronic inflammatory status and its potential detrimental effects on the most vulnerable older adults.

Effect of Dose and Schedule of L-Asparaginase Administration on Early Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

AbstractBackground and Objectives: L-asparaginase has become the backbone of acute lymphoblastic leukemia induction. In Berlin–Frankfurt–Munster (BFM) 95/2000 protocols, L-asparaginase was given twice weekly for initial 4 weeks. While sufficient L-asparaginase levels are important, there is no apparent correlation between high L-asparaginase levels and minimal residual disease (MRD). In view of toxicities of L-asparaginase, we planned to study the effect of dose and schedule of Escherichia coli-derived L-asparaginase on early MRD by phasing the same total dose, once a week over 8 weeks. Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled 45 children and young adults ≤40 years. Modified BFM 95 protocol was followed. Weekly 5000 IU/m2 L-asparaginase was given intravenously, and MRD was analyzed at the end of 4 weeks (MRD1) and at 8 weeks (MRD2), using multicolor flow cytometry. MRD positive was defined as residual blasts ≥0.01%. Results: Thirty-one patients were eligible for final analysis. Nine could receive scheduled eight doses of L-asparaginase and 22 patients received less than eight doses. We analyzed age, gender, diagnosis, prednisone response, cytogenetics, central nervous system status, BFM risk group, MRD2, and relapse. L-asparaginase dose association was not statistically significant with respect to MRD2 (P = 0.237). There were no cases of pancreatitis, hypersensitivity, bleeding, or thrombosis. Reasons for patients receiving less than the scheduled eight doses were low serum fibrinogen levels and liver dysfunction. This study revealed 8 MRD1-negative and 13 MRD2-negative patients. Conclusion: L-asparaginase dose intensity does not affect early MRD. Phasing L-asparaginase over 8 weeks could lead to the achievement of more MRD2-negative status and thereby improve long-term outcome. This strategy may also reduce the incidence of adverse drug events.

The incidence and risk factors of hypofibrinogenemia in cardiovascular surgery.

Cardiovascular surgery often causes massive bleeding due to coagulopathy, with hypofibrinogenemia being a major causative factor. We assessed the intraoperative incidence of hypofibrinogenemia and explored predictors of hypofibrinogenemia. The intraoperative serum fibrinogen level (SFL) was routinely measured in 872 consecutive patients [mean age: 66.9 ± 13.3years; 598 men (68.6%)] undergoing cardiovascular surgery from July 2013 to November 2016 at Nagoya University Hospital. There were 275 aortic surgeries, 200 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 334 valvular surgeries and 63 other surgeries. We estimated hypofibrinogenemia incidence (intraoperative lowest SFL ≤ 150mg/dL) and identified its predictors by a logistic regression analysis. The average intraoperative lowest SFL of all cases, aortic surgery, CABG and valvular surgery was 185 ± 71, 156 ± 65, 198 ± 69 and 198 ± 68mg/dL, respectively. Aortic surgery had a significantly lower intraoperative lowest SFL than CABG (p < 0.001) and valvular surgery (p < 0.001). The incidence of hypofibrinogenemia was 32.8%, 50.2%, 26.5% and 22.8% in all cases, aortic surgery, CABG and valvular surgery, respectively. The predictors of hypofibrinogenemia were the preoperative SFL, re-do surgery and perfusion time. A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the best preoperative SFL cutoff value for predicting hypofibrinogenemia was 308.5mg/dL. Assuming preoperative SFL 300mg/dL as the cutoff, the odds ratio for hypofibrinogenemia was 7.22 (95% confidence interval 5.26-9.92, p < 0.001). The incidence of hypofibrinogenemia in aortic surgery was high. The preoperative SFL, re-do surgery and perfusion time were identified as predictors for hypofibrinogenemia. Intraoperative measurement of SFL is important for detecting hypofibrinogenemia and applying appropriate and prompt transfusion treatment.

Reduced Admission Serum Fibrinogen Levels Predict 6-Month Mortality of Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

To retrospectively analyze the relationship between fibrinogen levels and outcomes in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We recruited 66 patients with poor-grade aSAH who were treated by neurosurgical clipping between January 2010 and December 2015. Serum samples were taken immediately on admission. Baseline information, complications, and outcomes at 6 months were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between fibrinogen levels and clinical outcomes. Nineteen men and 47 women were included; the average age was 57.2 years. The median of the admission serum fibrinogen level was 3.3 g/L. Of the 66 patients, 18 had died by 6 months after initial hemorrhage, whereas 48 patients survived. Multivariate analyses showed that Hunt and Hess grade V (odds ratio [OR], 3.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-14.20; P= 0.04) and admission serum fibrinogen level <2.5 g/L (OR, 6.15; 95% CI, 1.67-22.67; P= 0.006) were significantly associated with 6-month mortality. In addition, admission serum fibrinogen level was negatively correlated with delayed cerebral ischemia, and admission serum fibrinogen level <2.5 g/L (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 0.99-15.09; P= 0.05) was also significantly associated with delayed cerebral ischemia. Patients with poor-grade aSAH with reduced admission fibrinogen level have a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia and 6-month mortality compared with those without. The admission serum fibrinogen level might be useful as a predictor and treatment target in patients with poor-grade sSAH who have undergone surgical treatment.

Impaired frequencies and function of platelets and tissue remodeling in chronic Chagas disease.

Chronic inflammation, as a consequence of the persistent infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to continuous activation of the immune system in patients with chronic Chagas disease. We have previously shown that increased sera levels of soluble P-selectin are associated with the severity of the cardiomyopathy distinctive of chronic Chagas disease. In this study, we explored the expression of biomarkers of platelet and endothelial activation, tissue remodeling, and mediators of the coagulation cascade in patients at different clinical stages of chronic Chagas heart disease. The frequencies of activated platelets, measured by the expression of CD41a and CD62P were decreased in patients with chronic Chagas disease compared with those in uninfected subjects, with an inverse association with disease severity. Platelet activation in response to adenosine diphosphate was also decreased in T. cruzi-infected subjects. A major proportion of T. cruzi infected subjects showed increased serum levels of fibrinogen. Patients with severe cardiac dysfunction showed increased levels of endothelin-1 and normal values of procollagen I. In conclusion, chronic infection with T. cruzi induced hemostatic alterations, even in those patients who do not yet present cardiac symptoms.

The Effect of Fibrinogen on Blood Loss After Lumbar Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

BackgroundSpinal surgeries often have a high risk of hemorrhage during and after surgery, thus most patients require blood transfusions and blood products. Fibrinogen is used in different forms to control hemorrhage.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of prophylactic fibrinogen administration in reducing hemorrhage after lumbar surgery.MethodsThis was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 30 patients undergoing lumbar surgery. The levels of fibrinogen, as well as hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and INR, were assessed preoperatively as the baseline values. The patients were divided into two groups: intervention (N = 15) and control (N = 15) groups. The intervention group received 1 g fibrinogen dissolved in 50 cc distilled water with surgical incision and the control group received 50 cc distilled water with the surgical incision. At the end of the operation, the volume of hemorrhage transfused blood products (fresh frozen plasma, packed cell, and platelet) was measured. In addition, at 0, 6, and 24 hours after the end of surgery and transfer to recovery, serum levels of fibrinogen, HB, HCT, INR, PT, PTT, and hemovac drain volume were measured.ResultsThe hemorrhage during and after the operation in the control group was significantly higher than that of the intervention group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between hemoglobin and serum level of fibrinogen before and after surgery between the two groups. The postoperative hypotension showed no significant difference between the two groups.ConclusionsThe findings showed the effectiveness of fibrinogen in reducing acute hemorrhage. Considering the adverse consequences of hemorrhage and coagulopathy in patients undergoing surgery, using fibrinogen as prophylaxis is recommended in surgeries with high risks of hemorrhage.

Comparison of two surgical approaches for Laparoscopic Ovum Pick Up in Ewes

ABSTRACT The present study had as an aim to evaluate a right lateral access as an alternative method to laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) in sheep. Twenty-four Santa Ines ewes were randomly assigned in two groups with twelve animals each: RLD - positioned in right lateral decubitus, with 10º head-down tilt; and DD - positioned in dorsal decubitus with 35º head-down tilt. The following parameters were evaluated every 10 minutes during the procedure: total surgical time (ST), visualized follicles (VF), aspirated follicles (AF), recovered oocytes (RO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR) and end tidal CO2 pressure (EtCO2). Pre and postoperative arterial hemogasometry parameters (PaO2, PaCO2, pH, CHCO3 and BE) were also evaluated; and serum fibrinogen levels (SFL) on postoperative period. The values of VF, AF, RO, fR, PaO2, pH, CHCO3, BE and SFL were similar between groups, although ST, HR, MAP, EtCO2 and PaCO2 were higher in LG. Regarding operative periods, PaO2 and pH were lower after surgery (PaO2: 79.1±16.4; 79.2±11.7mmHg; pH: 7.30±0.09; 7.32±0.08) in both groups when compared to preoperative (PaO2: 80.1±14.3; 83.4±10.5 mmHg; pH: 7.38±0.05; 7.39±0.05) while PaCO2 (43.6±4.6; 41.9±5.4mmHg) and CHCO3 (22.8±1.5; 22.7±3.0mmol/L) increased (PaCO2: 54.3±10.9; 46.9±6.3mmHg; CHCO3: 24.8±3.4; 24.4±2.7mmol/L) postoperative. This alternative decubitus presented is a viable procedure and did not differ in oocyte recovery rates in ewes. However, entails cardiorespiratory major alterations compared to conventional procedure, making its practical applicability limited.

Prognostic Value of Serum Fibrinogen Level in Determining the Severity of Appendicitis Inflammation in Adult and Pediatric Patients Undergoing Appendectomy in Two Local Centres in Tehran

Background: Despite the recent advancements, negative appendectomy cases are notable, especially in children. We evaluated the prognostic value of serum fibrinogen level for the prediction of the severity of acute appendicitis. Methods: A cross-sectional study of children and adults who had undergone appendectomy at Ali Asghar and Rasool-e Akram hospitals, Iran, was performed. Before surgery, serum fibrinogen level was assessed by using the Clauss technique. Finally, serum fibrinogen was compared between the two groups of complicated acute appendicitis and uncomplicated ones. Results: In the adult's complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, no significant differences were noted in gender distribution, WBC count, and segment levels. Serum fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels in children with complicated appendicitis were significantly higher than those in the uncomplicated ones. Serum fibrinogen level of 450 mg/dl was the optimum cut-off for predicting the severity of appendicitis in children. Serum fibrinogen level in adults with the complicated appendicitis was significantly higher than the uncomplicated appendicitis group. Also, 530 mg/dl was found the best serum fibrinogen cut-off to predict the severity of appendicitis in adults. Conclusion: Serum fibrinogen level is an appropriate diagnostic marker for the distinction of acute complicated appendicitis from uncomplicated appendicitis in children and adults.

An impact of cardiovascular comorbidity on course and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently important and not fully investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical signs, lung function, the central and the intracardiac hemodynamics, and predictors of outcome in patients with comorbidity of COPD and CVD. Methods. The study involved 118 patients with stage 3 to 4 COPD (GOLD, 2016) including 111 men and 7 women. The mean age was 59.5 ± 0.63 years, the smoking history was 23.1 ± 0.93 pack-years, and body mass index (BMI) was 27.2 ± 9.06 kg/m2. The patients were allocated into one of three groups: COPD group (n = 37), COPD + coronary heart disease (CHD) group (stable angina functional class (FC) II to III, n = 45), and COPD + hypertension (H) group, n = 36). Results. Patients with COPD and CVD were older, had higher smoking history and higher BMI. Clinical signs of COPD were more prominent and the lung function was lower in COPD patients with CVD comorbidity. Cardiac remodeling and right and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were more severe in the groups with comorbidity. The 3-year survival in the groups with comorbidity clearly tended to be lower. Age, smoking history, the heart beat rate, the systolic blood pressure, the distance in 6-minute walking test, and the serum C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were independent predictors of mortality in both COPD + CHD and COPD + H groups. Conclusion. The comorbidity of COPD + CHD and COPD + H is characterized by more severe clinical signs and symptoms of COPD, and decreased physical tolerance. Hypoxemia, heart remodeling, left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and higher mortality risk were seen in both groups with comorbidity.

New Insights into the Association between Fibrinogen and Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability: An Intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

Background Fibrinogen levels have been associated with coronary plaque vulnerability in experimental studies. However, it has yet to be determined if serum fibrinogen levels are independently associated with coronary plaque vulnerability as detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who underwent coronary angiography and OCT in our department from January 2015 to August 2018 were included in this study. Coronary lesions were categorized as ruptured plaque, nonruptured with thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), and nonruptured and non-TCFA. Presence of ruptured plaque and nonruptured with TCFA was considered to be vulnerable lesions. Determinants of coronary vulnerability were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 154 patients were included in this study; 17 patients had ruptured plaques, 15 had nonruptured plaques with TCFA, and 122 had nonruptured plaques with non-TCFA. Results of univariate analyses showed that being male, diabetes, current smoking, high body mass index (BMI), and clinical diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were associated with coronary vulnerability. No significant differences were detected in patient characteristics, coronary angiographic findings, and OCT results between patients with higher and normal fibrinogen. Results of multivariate logistic analyses showed that diabetes and ACS were associated with TCFA, while diabetes, higher BMI, and ACS were associated with plaque rupture. Conclusions Diabetes, higher BMI, and ACS are independently associated with coronary vulnerability as detected by OCT. Serum fibrinogen was not associated with coronary vulnerability in our cohort.