Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis
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Semin. Thromb. Hemost. · Feb 2015
ReviewHypercoagulability and venous thromboembolism in burn patients.
To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review on the subject of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and hypercoagulability in burn patients. Specific changes in coagulability are reviewed using data from thromboelastography and other techniques. ⋯ The incidence and risk factors associated with VTE in burn patients are then examined, followed by the use of low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis and monitoring techniques using antifactor Xa levels. The need for large, prospective trials in burn patients is highlighted, especially in the areas of VTE incidence and safe, effective thromboprophylaxis.
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Semin. Thromb. Hemost. · Feb 2015
ReviewVenous thromboembolism prophylaxis in critically ill patients.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is recognized as a common complication in critically ill patients. Risk factors including critical illness, mechanical ventilation, sedative medications, and central venous catheter insertion are major contributing factors to the high risk of VTE. Because of their impaired cardiopulmonary reserve, PE arising from thrombosis in the deep veins of the calf that propagates proximally is poorly tolerated by critically ill patients. ⋯ As a result, over the past decades, VTE prophylaxis had become a standard of preventive measure in the intensive care unit (ICU). In clinical practice, the rate of VTE prophylaxis varies and may be inadequate in some centers. A perception of a high bleeding risk in critically ill patients is a major concern for most physicians that may lead to inadequate prophylaxis.
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Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass determines a serious imbalance of the hemostatic system. The clinical pattern is multifactorial, involving patient-related, drug-related, and surgery-related factors. As a result, the patient is prone to both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. ⋯ Thromboembolic complications are the other side of the coin, and their prevention is still a matter of debate. Consumption of natural anticoagulants and endothelial disturbance are important mechanisms underlying this condition. Strategies to limit antithrombin (AT) consumption or to correct low postoperative levels of AT are still a matter of discussion.
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Semin. Thromb. Hemost. · Feb 2015
Observational StudyFibrinogen level deteriorates before other routine coagulation parameters and massive transfusion in the early phase of severe trauma: a retrospective observational study.
In trauma, hemostatic functions should be maintained appropriately to prevent massive bleeding. This study elucidated the time-dependent changes in platelet count and coagulation variables, and the effects of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) on these changes during the early phase of trauma. Trauma patients with an injury severity score ≥16 were enrolled. ⋯ Routine coagulation parameters reached their critical levels earlier in DIC patients than patients without DIC. Massive transfusion was performed more frequently in DIC patients, who met the criteria earlier. During the early phase of trauma, fibrinogen levels deteriorate earlier than other routine coagulation parameters, especially in DIC patients.
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Point-of-care (POC) testing in hemostasis has experienced a significant increase in the spectrum of available tests and the number of tests performed. Short turn-around time and observation of rapid changes in test results are facilitated. The quality control process in POC testing must encompass a preanalytic (collection), analytic (measurement), and postanalytic (clinical response) phase. ⋯ In experienced hands the PFA CT and WBA and TEG are recommended combinations. Application of POC testing depends strictly on whether it improves medical care and patient outcome. More POC test systems are in the research pipeline, but only a few will resist the ravages of time.