Crit Care Resusc
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A pilot, randomised controlled trial of a rotational thromboelastometry-based algorithm to treat bleeding episodes in extracorporeal life support: the TEM Protocol in ECLS Study (TEMPEST).
Minimal evidence to guide haemostatic therapy for bleeding in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has resulted in wide variability in practice. We aimed to show that a goal-directed algorithm incorporating results from thromboelastometry (TEM) is feasible and safe for the timely management of bleeding episodes in adult patients receiving ECLS. ⋯ TEM allows assessment for coagulation status in a timely manner and its use for the treatment of bleeding episodes in adult patients receiving ECLS appears feasible and safe. Clinical benefit should be investigated in larger multicentre randomised trials.