Thromboelastography Research Articles

Impact of very low dose rivaroxaban in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy on endogenous fibrinolysis in acute coronary syndrome: The VaLiDate-R study

BackgroundImpaired endogenous fibrinolysis is adverse cardiovascular risk factor in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Addition of very low dose rivaroxaban (VLDR) to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) reduces cardiovascular events but increases bleeding. ObjectiveWe aimed to assess whether addition of VLDR to DAPT can enhance endogenous fibrinolysis. MethodsIn a prospective, open-label trial, we assessed endogenous fibrinolysis in whole blood, in 549 patients with ACS using the Global Thrombosis Test (GTT) and Thromboelastography (TEG). Patients (n = 180) who demonstrated impaired endogenous fibrinolysis (lysis time [LT] >2000s with the GTT) were randomised 1:1:1 to (i) clopidogrel 75 mg daily; (ii) clopidogrel 75 mg daily plus rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily; or (iii) ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily, for 30 days, in addition to aspirin. Fibrinolytic status was assessed at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in LT from admission to week 4. We also measured thrombotic occlusion time (OT) at high shear, and rivaroxaban level. ResultsThere was no difference between the groups with respect to LT or clot lysis with TEG, and no change in these parameters compared to baseline during study drug allocation. In the rivaroxaban plus clopidogrel group, OT was prolonged compared to the other groups, although rivaroxaban levels were low, suggesting non-compliance. ConclusionAddition of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily to DAPT does not affect endogenous fibrinolysis of thrombus formed at either high or low shear. Further studies are needed to determine whether higher doses of rivaroxaban can favourably modulate fibrinolysis. Condensed abstractImpaired endogenous fibrinolysis is a strong risk factor in ACS. We aimed to assess whether adding very low dose rivaroxaban (VLDR) to DAPT can enhance fibrinolysis. Fibrin and clot lysis were assessed in whole blood. ACS patients with impaired fibrinolysis were randomised 1:1:1 to clopidogrel 75 mg daily; clopidogrel 75 mg plus VLDR; or ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily, in addition to aspirin. At 30-days, there was no difference in lysis time between the groups, nor change from baseline. VLDR does not improve fibrinolysis at high or low shear. Further studies are needed to determine whether alternative antithrombotic regimens can enhance endogenous fibrinolysis.

Impact of Platelet Hyperreactivity and Diabetes Mellitus on Ischemic Stroke Recurrence: A Single-Center Cohort Clinical Study.

Ischemic stroke recurrence (ISR) is prevented by inhibiting platelet function. To investigate the impact of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) assessed by thromboelastography (TEG) and its risk factors on ISR in individuals who have experienced acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT). At the end of follow-up, a total of 264 patients who met the criteria were enrolled in this cohort study. The primary endpoint event was a recurrence of ischemic stroke within 90 days of onset. The ISR rate was 7.2% (19/264). The recurrence rate in the HTPR group was 15.1% (8/53), which was significantly higher than the 5.2% (11/211) in the non-HTPR group (p = 0.013), and the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) group (12.5%, 10/80) was also significantly higher compared to the non-T2DM group (4.9%, 9/184) (p = 0.028). T2DM was an isolated risk factor for HTPR (adjusted OR = 3.06, 95% CI 1.57-5.98, P = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier plots showed that the cumulative risk (CR) of ISR was statistically different in the HTPR and T2DM groups compared to the non-HTPR group (log-rank P = 0.009) and the non-T2DM group (log-rank P = 0.026), respectively. The HTPR and T2DM groups had greater hazard ratios (HR) of ISR than the non-HTPR (adjusted HR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.06-7.32, P = 0.038) and non-T2DM (adjusted HR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.01-6.92, P = 0.049) groups. Both HTPR and T2DM are linked to ISR. Platelet Inhibition Rate (PIR) of TEG can early identify patients who are at high risk for having another ischemic stroke in patients undergoing DAPT, and this study may offer more evidence in favor of clinically personalized treatment and secondary prevention tactics.

Constitutive hypercoagulability in pediatric sickle cell disease patients with hemoglobin SS genotype

BackgroundConstitutive inflammation and hemostatic activation have been identified as key contributors to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD), leading to clinical consequences such as vaso-occlusive crises and stroke. Patients with hemoglobin SS (HbSS) and hemoglobin SC (HbSC) genotypes are reported to have different symptoms, as do patients in steady-state and crisis situations. Differences among these groups remain unclear in pediatric patients. ObjectivesTo compare hemostatic activity in HbSS and HbSC pediatric patients during steady state, in crisis, and in clinical follow-up and compare HbSS and HbSC patients with normal healthy children. MethodsWhole-blood coagulation assay thromboelastography (TEG) was used to assess hemostatic activity. In parallel, flow cytometry was used to assess procoagulant surface expression of platelets and red blood cells. ResultsTEG results indicated no significant differences in clotting onset (R time), clot maximum amplitude, or maximum rate of thrombus generation among steady-state, crisis, and follow-up subgroups of HbSS and HbSC patients. TEG parameters did not differ significantly between HbSC patients and healthy children, while HbSS patients showed significantly shorter R time and greater maximum amplitude and maximum rate of thrombus generation, all indicative of a constitutive hypercoagulable state. Flow cytometry results did not detect increased platelet integrin αIIbβ3 activation or red blood cell procoagulant surface expression in SCD patients compared with unaffected children. ConclusionOur results indicate that pediatric SCD patients with the HbSS genotype have constitutively activated hemostasis relative to HbSC patients and healthy children. It remains to be determined how treatments that improve clinical outcomes in SCD patients affect this constitutively hypercoagulable state.

Assessing hypercoagulability and VTE risk using thromboelastography and Khorana score in women with cancers receiving chemotherapy.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common occurrence in cancer and chemotherapy increases thrombosis risk. Current risk assessment models such as the Khorana score (KS) and its modifications have limitations in female cancers. We assessed the coagulation profile of a group of women cancer patients under chemotherapy using thromboelastography (TEG) to determine if this can inform VTE risk assessment. Cancer patients who planned to receive chemotherapy were recruited. Baseline demographics, cancer data, BMI, Khorana Score (KS), and VTE risk factors were recorded and patients were followed for 6 months, for any thrombotic events. A total of 36 patients aged 35-85 (18 breast, 11 endometrial, 7 ovarian cancer) were evaluated. Hypercoagulability was detected in 63% of patients post-chemo cycle 1 and 75% post-cycle 2, with a significant increase in MA (maximum amplitude) and CI (clotting index), reduction in R (reaction time), K (clot kinetics), and LY30 (lysis time after 30 min of MA). KS showed only 7% of patients were high risk, 23% were low, and 70% were intermediate risk. MA and CI significantly increased in patients with intermediate and high-risk KS when compared with the low-risk patients and MA was positively correlated with KS. Five patients developed actual VTE; 100% of the tested ones were hypercoagulable either post-cycle 1 or 2 and 80% were KS intermediate risk. TEG is a hypercoagulability marker and TEG-MA and CI can potentially assess VTE risk. Larger studies are needed to assess the utility of TEG as an adjuvant to KS to better predict VTE in specific female cancers.

Thromboelastography versus thromboelastometry for unfractionated heparin monitoring in adult patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: Monitoring the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients is complex but critically important to balance the risks of treatment related bleeding and circuit thrombosis. While guidelines recommend using more than one method to monitor UFH activity, the use of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to monitor UFH in ECMO patients has not been investigated in detail.Methods: This is an observational, single-center retrospective study looking at adult ECMO patients on UFH that had ROTEM and thromboelastography (TEG) tests obtained concurrently. A total of 20 samples were obtained from nine patients during the study period, seven of which were on veno-arterial (VA) ECMO and two of which were on veno-venous (VV) ECMO.Results: Under institutional standard operating practice, when TEG and/or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were considered therapeutic, intrinsic thromboelastometry clotting time (INTEM CT) was only 1.2 times higher than the normal range. TEG based monitoring compared to aPTT based monitoring tended to result in lower anti-Xa levels and less intensive anticoagulation. For the total cohort, bleeding events, driven by the need for blood transfusions, were more common compared to ischemic events (77% vs 11%; p = 0.02).Conclusion: INTEM CT tended to be less sensitive to lower doses of UFH with a value of 1.2 times higher than the normal range when aPTT and/or TEG were considered therapeutic. Due to the relative insensitivity of ROTEM, our institution decided to continue to use TEG instead of ROTEM. Larger, multicenter trials may be helpful to validate these findings.

Thrombelastography and Conventional Coagulation Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Paired-Measurements Study Comparing Exacerbation and Stable Phases.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation is known for its substantial impact on morbidity and mortality among affected patients, creating a significant healthcare burden worldwide. Coagulation abnormalities have emerged as potential contributors to exacerbation pathogenesis, raising concerns about increased thrombotic events during exacerbation. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in thrombelastography (TEG) parameters and coagulation markers in COPD patients during admission with exacerbation and at a follow-up after discharge. This was a multi-center cohort study. COPD patients were enrolled within 72 h of hospitalization. The baseline assessments were Kaolin-TEG and blood samples. Statistical analysis involved using descriptive statistics; the main analysis was a paired t-test comparing coagulation parameters between exacerbation and follow-up. One hundred patients participated, 66% of whom were female, with a median age of 78.5 years and comorbidities including atrial fibrillation (18%) and essential arterial hypertension (45%), and sixty-five individuals completed a follow-up after discharge. No significant variations were observed in Kaolin-TEG or conventional coagulation markers between exacerbation and follow-up. The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Clotting Time (APTT) results were near-significant, with p = 0.08. In conclusion, TEG parameters displayed no significant alterations between exacerbation and follow-up.

COMPREHENSIVE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY ANALYSIS OF INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN IN TREATING SEPSIS-INDUCED COAGULOPATHY: A SINGLE-CENTER, RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Objective : The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in treating sepsis-induced coagulopathy ( SIC ). Methods : A retrospective controlled analysis was conducted on 230 patients with SIC at Ganzhou People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022. All patients were screened using propensity score matching and treated according to the SSC2016 guidelines. Compared with the control group (n = 115), patients in the test group (n = 115) received IVIg (200 mg/kg.d) for 3 consecutive days after admission. The rating scales, coagulation function, survival, and treatment duration were evaluated. Results : On day 3 of treatment, both groups exhibited reduced platelet and thromboelastogram (TEG) maximum amplitude (MA) levels, with the control group showing a more significant decrease ( P < 0.05). By the fifth day, these levels had recovered in both groups. However, the test group experienced a significant increase by day 7 ( P < 0.05). Coagulation factors II and X began to increase on day 3, and normalization was significantly faster in the test group on day 5 ( P < 0.05). The levels of prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, d -dimer, fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products, TEG-R, and TEG-K exhibited a notable decline on day 3 and demonstrated significantly faster recovery on day 5 in the test group ( P < 0.05). In addition, both groups showed a reduction in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and lactate (LAC) levels on day 3, but the test group's scores decreased significantly more by day 7 ( P < 0.05). Within the test group, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, IL-6, and Tmax levels were lower ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the test group demonstrated shorter duration for intensive care unit stay, mechanical ventilation, and continuous renal replacement therapy ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the duration of fever or vasoactive drug use between the groups. However, the log-rank method indicated a higher 28-day survival rate in the test group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion : IVIg can successfully increase platelet count and coagulation factors, correct coagulation disorders, enhance organ function, and reduce 28-day mortality in patients with SIC .

Hemostasis in Pre-Eclamptic Women and Their Offspring: Current Knowledge and Hemostasis Assessment with Viscoelastic Tests

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a placenta-mediated disease and remains a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. As PE develops, normal pregnancy’s hypercoagulable balance is disrupted, leading to platelet hyperactivation, excessive pathological hypercoagulability, and perturbed fibrinolysis. This narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding hemostasis in PE compared with healthy gestation and the potential effects of maternal PE on neonatal hemostasis. Finally, it aims to discuss hemostasis assessments for normal pregnancies and PE, emphasizing the role of viscoelastic tests, namely, thromboelastography (TEG) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM), for monitoring PE-associated hemostatic alterations. The use of TEG/ROTEM for assessing the hemostatic profile of PE women has been little considered, even though conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) have not helped to monitor hemostasis in this population. Compared with normal pregnancy, TEG/ROTEM in PE reveals an excessive hypercoagulability analogous with the severity of the disease, characterized by higher-stability fibrin clots. The TEG/ROTEM parameters can reflect PE severity and may be used for monitoring and as predictive markers for the disease.

Abstract WP169: Thromboelastography as a Biomarker of Emergent Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulant Reversal With Prothrombin Complex Concentrates for Intracranial Hemorrhage

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) are used to emergently reverse direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) activity. PCCs are recommended as an alternative to recombinant coagulation factor-Xa to reverse anticoagulation activity of apixaban or rivaroxaban. Measuring the degree of anticoagulation reversal in this population is limited. Thromboelastography (TEG) has been used to detect the presence of DOAC plasma levels in patients chronically taking a DOAC but has not been utilized to measure the effect on anticoagulant activity after PCC administration. We aimed to determine whether TEG R-time is useful in detecting the impact of PCC administration on anticoagulation activity in patients with anti-factor Xa-associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). We prospectively evaluated the utility of TEG to assess anticoagulation activity after factor Xa inhibitor reversal with 4-factor PCC. Adults with ICH taking apixaban or rivaroxaban were included. Patients were excluded if their last known dose of anticoagulation was &gt;48 hours prior to arrival, had known apixaban or rivaroxaban blood levels &lt;20 ng/mL, or had the following comorbidities: hepatic failure, hereditary disorders of hemostasis, polytrauma, or pregnancy. TEG samples were collected before PCC administration (if available), and 0.5, 12, and 24 hours after PCC administration. Thirty-one patients were enrolled between November 2022 and August 2023. The median PCC dose was 24.5 units/kg (IQR 20.3-26.9 units/kg; n=29). Nine patients received anticoagulation reversal after baseline TEG collection; the remainder received anticoagulation reversal at transferring facilities. Baseline R-time was negatively correlated with time since last dose of DOAC (n=9). A median decrease in R-time of 0.8 minutes after PCC (IQR -1.6 - 0.3; n=8) was found in patients with baseline TEG collection. R-time rebounded by a median of 0.75 minutes (IQR 0.2-2.0; n=8) from 0.5 hours to 12 hours after PCC administration (n=8). TEG R-time, a measure that inversely correlates with the degree of anticoagulant effect, rapidly decreases after PCC in patients taking DOACs that present with acute ICH. TEG R-time rebounds 12 hours after PCC administration. TEG-R time may be a useful biomarker in DOAC reversal with PCC.

Missingness matters: a secondary analysis of thromboelastography measurements from a recent prehospital randomized tranexamic acid clinical trial

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) has been hypothesized to mitigate coagulopathy in patients after traumatic injury. Despite previous prehospital clinical trials demonstrating a TXA survival benefit, none have demonstrated correlated changes in...

Comparison of coagulation and fibrinolysis in Irish Wolfhounds and age-matched control dogs using tissue plasminogen activator-augmented viscoelastic testing.

To determine if Irish Wolfhounds (IWs), like other sighthounds, are hyperfibrinolytic compared with nonsighthound dogs using 2 native and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-enhanced viscoelastic assays, one that is whole blood-based (viscoelastic coagulation monitor [VCM]) and the other that is plasma-based thromboelastography (TEG). Cohort study. University teaching hospital. A convenience sample of 27 IWs recruited from the Irish Wolfhound Association of New England Specialty and the local community, and 27 healthy, age-matched, large-breed control dogs. None. Blood samples including CBC, biochemistry, traditional coagulation, and viscoelastic testing were collected from IWs and control dogs. Twelve IWs had viscoelastic testing. IWs had lower fibrinogen concentrations (215.5±57.8vs 251.4±64.5mg/dL, P=0.034) and formed weaker clots on both whole-blood VCM and plasma TEG assays (maximum clot firmness [VCM-MCF]=39.4 [25.1-48.8] vs 48.5 [34.6-57.3], P=0.0042; maximum amplitude [TEG-MA]=22.7 [14.7-33.6] vs 32.2 [26.9-42.0], P<0.0001). IWs were hyperfibrinolytic compared with control dogs on VCM whole-blood assays, with 25U/mL tPA (lysis at 30min [VCM-LI30]=68.1 [0-100] vs\ 99.9 [63.3-100], P=0.0009; lysis at 45min [VCM-LI45]=31.0 [0-100] vs 98.1 [38.4-100], P=0.0002) but hypofibrinolytic compared with controls on TEG plasma assays with 50U/mL tPA (lysis at 30min [TEG-LY30]=45.7 [4.6-94.6] vs 93.7 [12.3-96.5], P=0.0004; lysis at 60min [TEG-LY60]=68.7 [29.7-96.8] vs 95.7 [34.4-97.6], P=0.0003). Minimal fibrinolysis was measured on whole-blood VCM or plasma TEG assays without the addition of tPA, and there were no differences between the 2 groups. Weaker clots were found in IWs than control dogs. With the addition of tPA, IWs had evidence of hyperfibrinolysis on whole-blood VCM assays and hypofibrinolysis on plasma TEG assays compared with control dogs. Without the addition of tPA, however, both groups of dogs showed minimal fibrinolysis on viscoelastic testing.

Association between intraoperative blood salvage and coagulation disorder after cardiopulmonary bypass

BackgroundThis study investigated whether intraoperative blood salvage was associated with coagulation disorder diagnosed by conventional coagulation tests and thromboelastography (TEG) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Study design and methodsThis was a prospective, observational study. Ninety-two patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with CPB were enrolled. We evaluated coagulation function in patients with or without cell salvage blood transfusion at the following time points: before CPB, just after protamine administration, and 1 h after protamine administration. We evaluated platelet count, fibrinogen concentration, and TEG parameters. Patients were considered to have coagulation disorder if one or more of the following criteria were present: (1) residual heparin, (2) low platelet count, (3) low fibrinogen level, (4) low clotting factor level, and (5) hyperfibrinolysis.ResultsFifty-three of 92 patients (57.6%) received intraoperative cell salvage. Coagulation disorder was observed in 56 of 92 patients (60.9%) after CPB. There was no significant difference between patients with or without intraoperative blood salvage in terms of the incidence of coagulation disorder (p = 0.542) or the total volume of blood from the drain after CPB (p = 0.437). Intraoperative blood salvage was not associated with coagulation disorder diagnosed by either TEG or conventional coagulation tests (odds ratio 1.329, 95% confidence interval: 0.549–3.213, p = 0.547). There were no significant interactions between patients with or without intraoperative blood salvage regarding coagulation parameters derived from TEG.ConclusionsThe incidence of coagulation disorder and the total blood volume from the drain after CPB did not differ significantly between patients with or without intraoperative blood salvage.

Contemporary Paradigm of Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy: Revolutionary Approaches to Assessing Blood Coagulation in the Laboratory and Using Instrumental Methods

Statement of the Problem: Impairment of the blood coagulation system remains a relevant issue in clinical practice. A striking example of this is the fact that despite the administration of anticoagulant therapy, up to 35% of COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit with thromboembolic complications. Prophylactic and therapeutic methods for the hemostatic system, recommended by various protocols, have a general nature. Moreover, they introduce dissonance into the clinical clarity of appropriate anticoagulant and antiplatelet use and fail to provide practitioners with the necessary fundamental knowledge to understand the aspects of clinical tactics for correcting the hemostatic system. Uncertainties remain regarding how to correctly choose a specific anticoagulant and determine its effective dose based on individual clinical and laboratory data, which laboratory markers of the coagulation system should be investigated, and whether they always reflect the true picture of hemostasis. Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: This article briefly presents the main aspects of the functioning of the blood coagulation system, points of application for pharmacological agents, and provides objective information for clinicians about the mechanisms of action of major anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Effective and practical methods for assessing the hemostatic system are recommended. Findings: The proper correction of the hemostatic system can only be carried out by a highly qualified specialist - a clinical transfusiologist, who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of the coagulation and anticoagulation systems, the platelet and fibrinolysis systems, knows the points of application and mechanisms of action of the pharmacological agents and blood components used, and takes into account internal and external factors that influence hemostasis. Conclusion and Significance: Empirical prescription of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies, based solely on instructions and clinical protocols without objective comprehensive analysis of the hemostatic components, is not only ineffective but also life-threatening for the patient. Hemostasiogram (coagulogram) and D-dimer measurements cannot serve as the sole determining markers for monitoring the coagulation system. Evaluation of the blood coagulation system should only be carried out based on a comprehensive analysis of hemostasiogram data, complete blood count, thromboelastography (TEG), and data from all relevant systems.

The effect of triple-dose-intravenous tranexamic acid on blood loss in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty without affecting blood coagulopathy: A prospective thromboelastographic analysis.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of triple-dose intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using thromboelastography (TEG). One hundred thirty patients undergoing THA were prospectively enrolled in the study. According to the intravenous infusion TXA dose, patients were divided into single-dose (n=65; mean age=60.8 ± 8.1 years) and triple-dose groups (n=65; mean age=61.8 ± 8.6 years). Complete blood count (CBC), conventional coagulation tests (CCT), and TEG were conducted 1 day before the operation, on postoperative day 1 (POD1), and postoperative day 7 (POD7). Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed 1 day before the operation and on POD7. Drainage blood loss, total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence, and blood transfusion rates were calculated and recorded. The CCT, CBC, and TEG parameters were compared between the 2 groups. Single- and triple-dose groups had significantly different hematocrit on POD7 (P < .05). No significant differences were found in CCT and hemoglobin at any corresponding time point between the 2 groups (P > .05). Despite the reaction time (R) on POD1 (P < .05), there were no significant differences in other TEG parameters at any other time point between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). For drainage blood loss and TBL, the triple-dose group had lesser blood loss than the single-dose group (P < .05). However, no significant differences were found for blood transfusion rate, HBL, or incidence of DVT (P > .05). Compared with single-dose, triple-dose TXA can be more effective in decreasing blood loss without increasing DVT incidence in patients undergoing THA. Although there is a notable disparity in the R time on POD1, the administration of triple-dose TXA does not substantially impact the coagulation status as assessed by TEG and CCT.

User Perceptions of Visual Clot in a High-Fidelity Simulation Study: Mixed Qualitative-Quantitative Study.

Viscoelastic hemostatic assays, such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) or thromboelastography, enable prompt diagnosis and accelerate targeted treatment. However, the complex interpretation of the results remains challenging. Visual Clot-a situation awareness-based visualization technology-was developed to assist clinicians in interpreting viscoelastic tests. Following a previous high-fidelity simulation study, we analyzed users' perceptions of the technology, to identify its strengths and limitations from clinicians' perspectives. This is a mixed qualitative-quantitative study consisting of interviews and a survey. After solving coagulation scenarios using Visual Clot in high-fidelity simulations, we interviewed anesthesia personnel about the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the new tool. We used a template approach to identify dominant themes in interview responses. From these themes, we defined 5 statements, which were then rated on Likert scales in a questionnaire. We interviewed 77 participants and 23 completed the survey. We identified 9 frequently mentioned topics by analyzing the interview responses. The most common themes were "positive design features," "intuitive and easy to learn," and "lack of a quantitative component." In the survey, 21 respondents agreed that Visual Clot is easy to learn and 16 respondents stated that a combination of Visual Clot and ROTEM would help them manage complex hemostatic situations. A group of anesthesia care providers found Visual Clot well-designed, intuitive, and easy to learn. Participants highlighted its usefulness in emergencies, especially for clinicians inexperienced in coagulation management. However, the lack of quantitative information is an area for improvement.

Quick model-based viscoelastic clot strength predictions from blood protein concentrations for cybermedical coagulation control

Cybermedical systems that regulate patient clotting in real time with personalized blood product delivery will improve treatment outcomes. These systems will harness popular viscoelastic assays of clot strength such as thromboelastography (TEG), which help evaluate coagulation status in numerous conditions: major surgery (e.g., heart, vascular, hip fracture, and trauma); liver cirrhosis and transplants; COVID-19; ICU stays; sepsis; obstetrics; diabetes; and coagulopathies like hemophilia. But these measurements are time-consuming, and thus impractical for urgent care and automated coagulation control. Because protein concentrations in a blood sample can be measured in about five minutes, we develop personalized, phenomenological, quick, control-oriented models that predict TEG curve outputs from input blood protein concentrations, to facilitate treatment decisions based on TEG curves. Here, we accurately predict, experimentally validate, and mechanistically justify curves and parameters for common TEG assays (Functional Fibrinogen, Citrated Native, Platelet Mapping, and Rapid TEG), and verify results with trauma patient clotting data.

Clinical value of thromboelastography in predicting the risk of recurrence of acute ischemic stroke.

Thromboelastography (TEG) can objectively reflect the formation, development and rupture process of thrombosis in patients, but there are limited data on whether TEG can be used as a predictive tool for recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke. To explore the TEG risk of recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke predictive value. A total of 441 patients with acute ischemic stroke who met the research criteria in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. TEG was measured in all patients, and the main parameters of TEG (R value, indicating coagulation reaction time; K value and Angle, the rate of blood clot formation; MA value, indicating the maximum amplitude). The primary outcome of this study was ischemic stroke recurrence. Recurrent events included cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, TIA, and were determined by combining imaging events and clinical events. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Fifty-six patients (12.7%) had recurrence. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that: Age [OR = 1.078, 95%CI(1.024, 1.135)], triglyceride [OR = 1.541, 95%CI(1.033, 2.298)], glycosylated hemoglobin [OR = 1.401, 95%CI(1.097, 1.790)], history of hypertension [OR = 16.046, p < 0.05], 95%CI(4.726, 54.489), R value [OR = 0.533, 95%CI(0.351, 0.809)], MA value [OR = 1.399, 95%CI(1.004, 1.949)] were independent influencing factors for hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke. TEG has some value in predicting recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and the MA value in TEG [AUC = 0.806 (95%CI:0.747-0.867), with a sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 70.4%], predicted the most significant efficiency of AIS recurrence.

Tailoring transfusion strategy using thromboelastogram in goal-directed massive transfusion: Impact on transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes.

We compared the overall clinical outcome in formula-based protocol (1:1:1) and thromboelastogram (TEG)-guided goal-based massive transfusion (MT) in the resuscitation of patients with hemorrhagic shock. This was a retro-prospective case-control study conducted over a period of 2 years among the patients who received MT using a 1:1:1 fixed ratio protocol (controls, Group A) and goal-based protocol (cases, Group B) guided through TEG. Patients were matched for the type and severity of the clinical conditions. Utilization of blood components, clinical outcomes, transfusion-related complications, and total mortality rates were compared between the groups. There were 113 patients in the formula-based group and 109 patients in the goal-based transfusion group who were matched for injury severity scores. The total blood components utilized were 1867 and 1560, respectively, with a 17.7% reduction associated with the use of TEG. Patients were divided into normal, hypo, and hypercoagulable based on TEG, and a higher transfusion rate was associated with hypocoagulable TEG (942 vs. 610). The prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, R time, and K time had a significant positive correlation with the need to transfuse more than 20 blood components, whereas platelet count, base excess, alpha angle, MA, and CI had a negative correlation (r = 0.268, P < 0.001). At the end of goal-directed transfusion, 75% of the patients were free of transfusion support (vs. 65.4%) and only 6.9% of the patients had coagulopathy (vs. 31.8%) compared to formula-based resuscitation with a 10% reduction in mortality. TEG-guided goal-based approach helped to reduce blood component utilization with a reduced incidence of coagulopathy at the end of the MT while improving patient survival.

Thromboelastography in Long-Term Antiplatelet Therapy for Patients Diagnosed with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Undergoing Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Retrospective Study.

To compare low- vs high-power HoLEP effects on coagulation in patients on antiplatelet (AP) therapy via thromboelastography (TEG). 210 patients was retrospectively analyzed and stratificated into three discrete groups, specifically: Group A (AP therapy, high-power HoLEP, n = 72); Group B (AP therapy, low-power HoLEP, n=73); Group C (no AP therapy, low-power HoLEP, n = 65). Baseline characteristics and coagulation profiles via TEG were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors associated with hematuria. Furthermore, parameters such as IPSS, Qmax, post-void residual volume V2 and PSA levels were recorded during 1year follow-up. No differences in terms of baseline characteristics across all groups. Significant differences were observed in the duration of enucleation, morcellation, bladder irrigation, post-operative catheterization, length of hospital stay and the extent of hemoglobin reduction (F = 54.06, 8.54, 6.68, 9.24, 17.06, 5.97, p <0.05). No differences were noted in postoperative hematuria, urine retention, transfusion rates, and SUI (x1 2 = 1.082 ; x2 2=0.197,; x3 2=3.981;x4 2=0.816, p >0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that prostate volume emerged as an independent risk factor for hematuria (OR 1.080, 95% CI: 1.007-1.158, p =0.031). Clinical outcomes including Qmax, IPSS, V2, and PSA demonstrated significant enhancement during 1 year follow-up. Compared to HP-HoLEP, LP-HoLEP effectively reduces surgical and subsequent processing times, decreases hospital stay duration, and diminishes hemoglobin decline, offering a viable option without discontinuing AP therapy.

Challenges in prophylactic therapy with Emicizumab in patients with hemophilia A: Focus on monitoring tests

Abstract This study presents a transversal investigation that we performed at Fundeni hospital (Bucharest, Romania) into the therapeutic benefits and efficacy of Emicizumab, a non-factor therapy, in the context of hemophilia A. Ten patients diagnosed with hemophilia A were closely monitored using clinical and laboratory resources during Emicizumab treatment, with an average of 12.8 months. Among these patients, six exhibited anti-factor VIII inhibitors, changing the medical strategy and adding complexity to their clinical profiles. A comprehensive approach was adopted to assess the coagulation status of patients under Emicizumab therapy. The study employed several key coagulation monitoring tools, including thrombin generation time (TGT) and thrombelastography (TEG). These methodologies generated valuable results in evaluating the patients’ coagulation profiles during the treatment regimen. Additionally, traditional coagulation assays were utilized to gain a profound understanding of the overall coagulation dynamics and to evaluate the therapeutic response. During prophylaxis with Emicizumab all patients experienced a reduced number of bleeding events. Moreover, a subset of these patients underwent major surgical procedures (orthopedic joint replacements, cholecystectomy) with successful outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of Emicizumab therapy as an effective option for hemophilia A patients, including those with inhibitors. Our research provides physicians several insights, offering a potential avenue for improved patients’ care and treatment strategies that translate in enhanced quality of life for hemophilia A patients undergoing Emicizumab therapy.