Hamostaseologie
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Unexplained intraoperative coagulopathies continue to be a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The pathophysiology behind unexplained intraoperative coagulopathies is of great variety and complexity (preexisting coagulopathies, dilutional coagulopathy, interactions of medications etc.). We have shown in prospective studies that patients undergoing elective surgery who develop "unexplained" intraoperative coagulopathies have significantly less FXIII per unit thrombin available at any point in time (i.e. already preoperatively) than patients without such coagulopathies. ⋯ Patients undergoing elective surgery, without clinically obvious coagulopathy but increased preoperative fibrin monomer concentration (as a marker of decreased crosslinking capacity) are at risk for increased intraoperative blood loss. This new concept helps to explain the pathophysiology behind unexplained intraoperative coagulopathies and thus allows for corresponding treatment strategies. Further clinical studies for early detection and interventions in patients with such coagulopathies are necessary.
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Review
[Replacement therapy of coagulation factor preparations: antithrombin, FFP, PPSB, FXIII, rFVIIa].
Replacement therapy of coagulation factor preparations (AT, FFP, PPSB, FXIII, rFVIIa) are frequently used on the Intensive Care Units. Indications, dosage, specific effects and side effects have to be considered.
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Although prehospital cardiac arrest has an incidence of 40-90/100,000 inhabitants per year, there has been a lack of therapeutic options to improve the outcome of these patients. Of all cardiac arrests, 50-70% are caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Thrombolysis has been shown to be a causal and effective therapy in patients with AMI or PE who do not suffer cardiac arrest. ⋯ In-hospital and prehospital case series and clinical studies suggest that thrombolysis during CPR may cause a restoration of spontaneous circulation and survival even in patients that have been resuscitated conventionally without success. In addition, there is evidence for an improved neurological outcome in patients receiving a thrombolytic therapy during during CPR. A large randomized, double-blind multicenter trial that has started recently is expected to show if this new therapeutic option can generally improve the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest.
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Molecular genetic aspects of the inherited bleeding disorders haemophilia A and B, deficiencies of factor VII and X are described. The spectrum of the mutations is characterized. ⋯ Clinics and genetics of the rare inherited bleeding disorders known as factor VII and factor X deficiency are summarized. The mutations spectrum, the role of polymorphisms, the bleeding pattern and genotype-phenotype relations are described.
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We report on a man (age: 49 years), who died from severe meningococcal sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and extended skin necrosis. We discuss in detail the pathophysiology of the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis during sepsis. The article discusses new therapeutic concepts in the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation in meningococcal sepsis, too.