Point-of-Care Coagulation Testing in Cardiac Surgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (04) ◽  
pp. 386-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenichi Tanaka ◽  
Daniel Bolliger

AbstractBleeding complications after cardiac surgery are common and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Their etiology is multifactorial, and treatment decisions are time sensitive. Point-of-care (POC) testing has an advantage over standard laboratory tests for faster turn-around times, and timely decision on coagulation intervention(s). The most common POC coagulation testing is the activated clotting time (ACT), used to monitor heparin therapy while on cardiopulmonary bypass. Viscoelastic coagulation tests including thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thromboelastography (TEG) have been recommended for the treatment of postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery because the ROTEM/TEG-guided treatment algorithms reduced the use of blood products. Other POC tests are commercially available, but there is sparse evidence for their routine use in cardiac surgery. These devices include heparin management systems, POC prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, POC fibrinogen assay, and whole blood platelet function tests. There are multiple confounding elements and conditions associated with cardiac surgery, which can significantly alter test results. Anemia and thrombocytopenia are regularly associated with deviations in many POC devices. In summary, POC coagulation testing allows for rapid clinical decisions in hematological interventions, and, when used in conjunction with a proper transfusion algorithm, may reduce blood product usage, and potentially complications associated with blood transfusion.

Hematology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 (1) ◽  
pp. 516-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Sara Bercovitz

Abstract There is a delicate balance between bleeding and clotting in patients on circuits such as ventricular assist devices or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Traditional coagulation tests, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and anti-factor Xa levels, are used to monitor patients on these devices. However, turnaround times and inability to assess global hemostasis, including platelets and fibrinogen have contributed to a recognition that faster, accurate, and more informative coagulation tests are needed. Activated clotting time is used to monitor heparin in patients on circuits and has the advantages of being a near-patient point-of-care test. However, its utility is limited to heparin monitoring. Viscoelastic tests (thromboelastometry and thromboelastography) are global, whole-blood coagulation tests, and whole-blood platelet aggregometry evaluates platelet function. Ideally, these tests can ensure that patients are within the therapeutic range of their antithrombotic medications, identify patients at risk for hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications, and guide management of acute bleeding complications. This ideal is currently hampered by a lack of studies that delineate clear ranges that are clinically relevant. Future research is needed to better understand the optimal use of point-of-care coagulation testing in patients on extracorporeal circuits and ventricular assist devices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Khalaf- Adeli ◽  
Mostafa Alavi ◽  
Alireza Alizadeh-Ghavidel ◽  
Ali Akbar Pourfathollah

Introduction: According to the several evidences, using thromboelastometry as a point of care test canbe effective in reduction in blood loss and transfusion requirements in cardiac surgeries. However,there are limited data regarding to the comparison of thromboelastometry and the standard coagulationtests. In this study, we compared thromboelastometry and standard coagulation tests (PT, PTT andfibrinogen level) in patients under combined coronary-valve surgery. Methods: Forty adult patients who were under on-pump combined coronary-valve surgery wereincluded in this study. Thromboelastometry tests Fibtem, Intem, Extem and Heptem), along withstandard coagulation tests (PT, PTT and fibrinogen assay) were simultaneously performed in two timepoints, before and after the pump (pre-CPB and post-CPB, respectively). Results: A total of 80 blood samples were analyzed. There were no significant correlation between PTtest and the CT-Extem parameter as well as PTT and CT-Intem parameter either in pre-CPB and post-CPB (P > 0.05). On the contrary, fibrinogen level had high correlation with A10-Fibtem and A10-Extemin pre-PCB (P < 0.05). 82% of PT and 84% of PTT measurements were outside the reference range,while abnormal CT in Extem and Intem was observed in 17.9%. Conclusion: For management of bleeding, adequate perioperative haemostatic monitoring isindispensable during cardiac surgery. Standard coagulation tests are time consuming and cannot beinterchangeably used with thromboelastomety and relying on their results to decide whether bloodtransfusion is necessary, leads to the inappropriate transfusion.


2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 560-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyvan Karkouti ◽  
Stuart A. McCluskey ◽  
Jeannie Callum ◽  
John Freedman ◽  
Rita Selby ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Cardiac surgery requiring the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is frequently complicated by coagulopathic bleeding that, largely due to the shortcomings of conventional coagulation tests, is difficult to manage. This study evaluated a novel transfusion algorithm that uses point-of-care coagulation testing. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with bypass at one hospital before (January 1, 2012 to January 6, 2013) and after (January 7, 2013 to December 13, 2013) institution of an algorithm that used the results of point-of-care testing (ROTEM®; Tem International GmBH, Munich, Germany; Plateletworks®; Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX) during bypass to guide management of coagulopathy were included. Pre- and postalgorithm outcomes were compared using interrupted time-series analysis to control for secular time trends and other confounders. Results: Pre- and postalgorithm groups included 1,311 and 1,170 patients, respectively. Transfusion rates for all blood products (except for cryoprecipitate, which did not change) were decreased after algorithm institution. After controlling for secular pre- and postalgorithm time trends and potential confounders, the posttransfusion odds ratios (95% CIs) for erythrocytes, platelets, and plasma were 0.50 (0.32 to 0.77), 0.22 (0.13 to 0.37), and 0.20 (0.12 to 0.34), respectively. There were no indications that the algorithm worsened any of the measured processes of care or outcomes. Conclusions: Institution of a transfusion algorithm based on point-of-care testing was associated with reduced transfusions. This suggests that the algorithm could improve the management of the many patients who develop coagulopathic bleeding after cardiac surgery. The generalizability of the findings needs to be confirmed.


Perfusion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-144
Author(s):  
Helena Argiriadou ◽  
Polychronis Antonitsis ◽  
Anna Gkiouliava ◽  
Evangelia Papapostolou ◽  
Apostolos Deliopoulos ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cardiac surgery on conventional cardiopulmonary bypass induces a combination of thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction which is strongly related to postoperative bleeding. Minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation has been shown to preserve coagulation integrity, though effect on platelet function remains unclear. We aimed to prospectively investigate perioperative platelet function in a series of patients undergoing cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation using point-of-care testing. Methods: A total of 57 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation were prospectively recruited. Anticoagulation strategy was based on individualized heparin management and heparin level–guided protamine titration performed in all patients with a specialized point-of-care device (Hemostasis Management System – HMS Plus; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Platelet function was evaluated with impedance aggregometry using the ROTEM platelet (TEM International GmbH, Munich, Germany). ADPtest and TRAPtest values were assessed before surgery and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Results: ADPtest value was preserved during surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (58.2 ± 20 U vs. 53.6 ± 21 U; p = 0.1), while TRAPtest was found significantly increased (90 ± 27 U vs. 103 ± 38 U; p = 0.03). Postoperative ADPtest and TRAPtest values were inversely related to postoperative bleeding (correlation coefficient: −0.29; p = 0.03 for ADPtest and correlation coefficient: −0.28; p = 0.04 for TRAPtest). The preoperative use of P2Y12 inhibitors was identified as the only independent predictor of a low postoperative ADPtest value (OR = 15.3; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Cardiac surgery on minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation is a platelet preservation strategy, which contributes to the beneficial effect of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation in coagulation integrity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. S56
Author(s):  
Wael Zghaibe ◽  
A.A. Klein ◽  
G. Blaudszun ◽  
K. Munting ◽  
M. Besser

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1167-1176
Author(s):  
Beatrice O. Ondondo

Major obstetric haemorrhage (MOH) is a leading cause of maternal death and morbidity, with the majority of deaths occurring within four hours of delivery. Therefore, prompt identification of women at risk of MOH is crucial for the rapid assessment and management of blood loss to urgently restore haemodynamic stability. Furthermore, as the rate of blood loss during MOH can increase rapidly in the time when laboratory results are awaited, the management of MOH could benefit from point-of-care coagulation testing by the ROTEM analyser which has a quicker turnaround time compared to standard laboratory coagulation tests. A number of studies indicate that ROTEM-based management of MOH has resulted in a significant reduction in massive transfusions and decreased transfusion of concentrated red cells (CRC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) due to a reduction in total blood loss. Several reports which have linked MOH to the depletion of fibrinogen reserves indicate that the reduction in CRC and FFP transfusions is largely due to an increase in early fibrinogen replacement therapy which corrects hypofibrinogenemia. This short report discusses preliminary findings on the impact of ROTEM point-of-care haemostasis analyser on the transfusion of various blood products to obstetric women experiencing MOH at the Royal Gwent Hospital in South wales. The number of blood products transfused following decisions based on the ROTEM analyser measurements (ROTEM group) was compared to historical transfusion data before the ROTEM analyser became available (Pre-ROTEM group). Blood product transfusion in the Pre-ROTEM group was guided by measurements of standard laboratory coagulation tests in conjunction with the established major haemorrhage protocols at the time. The findings indicate that the ROTEM analyser was effective in managing MOH at point-of-care and led to a reduction in the transfusion of CRC, FFP and platelets. However, contrary to published studies, the reduction in blood product usage was not accompanied by an increase in fibrinogen replacement transfusion therapy, suggesting that the ROTEM’s FIBTEM assay accurately quantified fibrinogen levels based on fibrin-clot firmness to enable an early diagnosis of hypofibrinogenemia. Early establishment of the absence of hypofibrinogenemia helped to prevent unnecessary transfusion of fibrinogen concentrate in this study. These findings support the adoption of routine use of ROTEM analysers at point-of-care on labour wards to manage MOH and reduce fibrinogen replacement therapy. The ease of use and rapidity of ROTEM tests could enable departure from globally directed correction of coagulopathy during MOH to a more focussed and precise target transfusion therapy, which will ultimately reduce blood product wastage (including fibrinogen concentrate) whilst minimising transfusion-associated side effects such as alloimmunisation, circulatory overload and dilutional coagulopathy.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2091-2091
Author(s):  
Pierre A. Toulon ◽  
Lién Abecassis ◽  
Motalib Smahi ◽  
Catherine Ternisien

Abstract Abstract 2091 Poster Board II-68 Collecting small volumes of blood may be necessary, particularly in pediatrics, or in case of difficult or recurrent sampling. The aim of this multicenter study, involving four hemostasis laboratories, was to compare hemostasis test results in plasma samples obtained using partial- and full-draw evacuated polymer collection tubes containing 0.109 M sodium citrate (1 vol./9 vol.) as the anticoagulant solution (VenoSafeTM, Terumo Europe, Leuven, Belgium). For that purpose, blood was collected into one full- and one partial-draw tube from patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKA, n=100), unfractionated heparin (UFH, n=89), or a low molecular weight derivative (LMWH, n=52), as well as from 136 untreated patients, including 13 hemophiliacs. Routine coagulation tests i.e. PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, and factor V, as well as factor VIII and anti-FXa activity when applicable, were measured using the routine techniques at each participating center. In addition, plasma PF-4 level, evaluated using an ELISA, was investigated in a subset of 36 healthy controls. In untreated patients incl. hemophiliacs as well as in those on either VKA or LMWH, no significantly relevant discrepancy (Bland-Altman) was found between tests results obtained using full- and partial-draw tubes. In contrast, anti-FXa activity in patients on UFH was significantly lower in partial- than in full-draw tubes [median=0.33 IU/mL (range: 0.00-1.11) vs. 0.39 (range: 0.05-1.32) respectively, p<0.0001]. Similarly, aPTT was significantly shorter in partial- than in the full-draw tubes, whereas other test results were not significantly different in the two tubes. That discrepancy was likely to be related to higher amount of PF4 released in plasma after increased platelet activation in partial-draw than in full-draw tubes [392 U/mL (range: 138-971) vs. 177 (range: 52-460) respectively, n=36; p<0.005)]. To further support that hypothesis, blood was collected, from 101 patients on UFH and from 104 untreated patients, into one partial-draw collection tube containing CTAD, a mixture of citrate and inhibitors of platelet activation, as the anticoagulant solution and one full-draw citrated tube, obtained from the same manufacturer. Comparison performed according to Bland-Altman of anti-FXa obtained in the two tubes failed to demonstrate any relevant difference, with a mean bias of +0.02 IU/mL that was identical throughout the measuring range of values [median=0.22 IU/mL (range: 0.06-1.16) vs. 0.20 (range: 0.03-1.15) respectively, n=101]. Moreover, in those patients on UFH, aPTT and other routine coagulation tests were not significantly different in the two tubes and the same applied to test results obtained in the plasma from untreated patients. These results suggest that samples collected into partial-draw citrated tubes allow accurate routine coagulation testing in all patients but those requiring UFH assessment, in which their use could lead to a significant underestimation of anticoagulation. In such cases, partial-draw tubes containing CTAD could be validly used to monitor heparin therapy, as well as to perform routine coagulation testing. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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