Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jan 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialLow-molecular-weight heparin and unfractionated heparin in prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis in critically ill patients undergoing major surgery.
The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) and a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in critically ill surgical patients undergoing major surgery. This was a randomized prospective study in which critically ill patients scheduled to undergo major elective surgery were allocated to receive subcutaneously either LMWH once daily and a placebo injection containing sterile 0.9% normal saline or 5000 IU UFH twice daily subcutaneously. Each patient was evaluated postoperatively clinically and confirmed by Doppler study for development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). ⋯ However, minor hemorrhagic complications such as wound hematoma and surgical site bleeding were significantly more in the heparin group as compared with the LMWH group. Both UFH 5000 units subcutaneously twice daily and LMWH 40 mg once daily provide highly effective and well tolerated prophylaxis for critically ill surgical patients. Considering the advantage of once-daily dosing, a wider adoption of prophylaxis with LMWH may be justified on the basis of patient acceptability and saving of nursing time.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyCarbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 increases the velocity of thrombus growth and strength in hemophilia A, hemophilia B and factor VII-deficient plasmas.
Carbon monoxide derived from carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) has been demonstrated to enhance normal plasma thrombus speed of growth and strength in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM-2) improves the velocity of formation and strength of hemophiliac plasma thrombi as determined by thrombelastography. Plasma deficient (<1% normal activity) in factor VIII (FVIII; n = 11 individuals), factor IX (FIX; n = 5 individuals) or factor VII (FVII; n = 4 individuals) was exposed to 0 or 100 micromol CORM-2, with coagulation initiated with tissue factor. ⋯ Lastly, CORM-2 exposure increased FVII-deficient plasma velocity of formation (45%) and strength (63%). CORM-2 markedly enhanced the velocity of clot growth and strength in hemophiliac plasma. These findings serve as the rationale to determine whether CORMs could be utilized as hemostatic agents.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jan 2010
Case ReportsAlgorithm-based coagulation management of catastrophic amniotic fluid embolism.
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare, but often catastrophic, complication of pregnancy and associated with severe coagulopathy. We present an algorithm-based approach in managing coagulopathy and hemorrhage in a fatal case of histopathologically proven AFE. ⋯ Stop of extensive hyperfibrinolysis with tranexamic acid, stabilization of initial clot formation with high-dose fibrinogen and platelet transfusions, and use of prothrombin complex concentrate together with a 1: 1 transfusion regimen of red packed cells and fresh frozen plasma was successful to control diffuse bleeding and restore clot firmness after hysterectomy. Stable clotting situation was maintained despite further clinical deterioration and development of multiple organ failure in this patient.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyEvaluation of coagulation stages of hemorrhaged swine: comparison of thromboelastography and rotational elastometry.
Thromboelastography (TEG) or rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) assesses blood viscoelastic properties and clotting kinetics that can be measured by Haemoscope TEG and Pentapharm ROTEM devices using slightly different methodologies. These devices were compared by measuring blood samples associated with various degrees of coagulopathy. Blood samples, collected from swine undergoing three types of severe injury and resuscitation protocol resulting in normal, hypercoagulopathy, and hypocoagulopathy, were assessed with TEG or ROTEM before the surgical procedures, and after injury, fluid resuscitation, and simulated hospital phase. ⋯ Overall, TEG readings were higher than ROTEM readings; this disparity between the two instruments was attenuated with hypercoaguable samples. Both devices yielded similar information regarding the status of coagulation related to trauma. Because of operating characteristics, the same instrument should be used for monitoring the same patient or study.
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Blood Coagul. Fibrinolysis · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyAssessment of platelet response to clopidogrel with multiple electrode aggregometry, the VerifyNow P2Y12 analyzer and platelet Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein flow cytometry.
Multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA) adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test is able to detect the platelet response to clopidogrel. The values obtained with MEA ADPtest correlate with those obtained with light transmission aggregometry and peri-interventional MEA ADPtest measurements are highly associated with the risk of early stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. The main purpose of the present study was to correlate MEA ADPtest with the VerifyNow P2Y12 analyzer, Platelet VASP flow cytometry and the MEA ADPtest HS in order to test if these assays can substitute for each other. ⋯ Of the 12 patients in the upper quintile of postclopidogrel values according to MEA ADPtest, seven were in the upper quintile according to VerifyNow P2Y12 (P < 0.001), six were in the upper quintile according to MEA ADPtest HS (P = 0.004) and three were in the upper quintile according to VASP (P = 0.63). Therefore, the studied whole blood assays cannot substitute for each other. Each assay with prognostic significance will have to undergo the ultimate test for individualized antiplatelet therapy in form of an adequately powered randomized clinical trial that shows that adjustment of antiplatelet therapy is beneficial for the patient.