• E G Pivalizza, D C Abramson, and A Harvey.
• Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 77030, USA.
• J Clin Anesth. 1997 Sep 1; 9 (6): 442-5.

Study ObjectiveTo examine whole blood coagulation in uremic patients presenting for surgery with the thromboelastogram and the Sonoclot analyzer.DesignProspective, observational study.SettingOperating rooms of a university-affiliated hospital.Patients30 ASA physical status II and III patients with chronic renal failure, and 30 age-matched and gender-matched patients with normal renal function, presenting for elective surgery.InterventionsBlood sampling for thromboelastograph and Sonoclot analysis immediately after anesthetic induction, prior to surgical incision.Measurements And Main ResultsThromboelastographic indices of coagulation, reflecting coagulation factor function (R time), fibrinogen-platelet interaction (K time and alpha angle), and qualitative platelet function (maximum amplitude) were hypercoagulable in the uremic group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Fibrinolysis (%) was decreased in the uremic group (p < 0.05). Fibrin formation (initial slope) and platelet function (time to peak) of the Sonoclot trace also were hypercoagulable in the uremic group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe high incidence of arteriovenous graft and fistulae thromboses in uremic patients belies in vitro laboratory evidence of platelet dysfunction. We have demonstrated perioperative hypercoagulability in uremic patients with viscoelastic measures of whole blood coagulation. These data suggest that traditional concern for coagulopathy and platelet dysfunction in uremic patients may require re-assessment in light of this "pro-thrombotic" state.

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