Dynamic Changes of Hemostasis in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Undergoing Craniotomy: Association with in-Hospital Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces complex systemic hemostatic alterations associated with secondary brain damage and death. We specifically investigated perioperative changes of hemostasis in patients with isolated TBI undergoing major neurosurgery and searched for their influence on outcome. METHODS: Serial analysis (four time points, T0-T3) of conventional coagulation assay and rotational thromboelastometry data acquired during 72 h from admission of 68 patients who underwent craniotomy to remove hematoma and/or to decompress the brain was performed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of hypocoagulation and increased clotting activity, coagulation parameters between survivors and nonsurvivors, and cutoff values of coagulation parameters predictive of mortality. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 22%. The prevalence of hypocoagulation according to rotational thromboelastometry decreased from 35.8% (T0) to 15.9% (T3). Lower fibrinogen levels, hyperfibrinolysis and fibrinolysis shutdown in the early period (T0-T1) following TBI were associated with higher mortality. Optimal cutoff values were identified: fibrin polymerization thromboelastometry (FIBTEM) clot amplitude at 10 min after clotting time ≤ 13 mm at T0 and FIBTEM clot amplitude at 10 min after clotting time ≤ 16.5 mm at T1 increased the odds of death by 6.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54-23.13, p = 0.010) and 9.7 (95% CI 2.06-45.36, p = 0.004), respectively. FIBTEM maximum clot firmness ≤ 14.5 mm at T0 and FIBTEM maximum clot firmness ≤ 18.5 mm at T1 increased the odds of death by 6.3 (95% CI 1.56-25.69, p = 0.010) and 9.1 (95% CI 1.88-44.39, p = 0.006). Fibrinogen < 3 g/L on postoperative day 1 (T1) was associated with a 9.5-fold increase of in-hospital mortality (95% CI 1.72-52.98, p = 0.01). Increased clotting activity was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational thromboelastometry adds important information for identifying patients with TBI at increased risk of death. Early fibrinogen-related coagulation disorders are associated with mortality of patients with TBI undergoing major neurosurgical procedures. Maintenance of higher fibrinogen levels might be necessary for neurosurgical patients with acute TBI.

Prophylactic Dose of Oxytocin for Uterine Atony during Caesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review.

Objective-to overview, compare and generalize results of randomized clinical trials analyzing different oxytocin doses to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, initiate and maintain uterine contraction after Caesarean delivery. Methods-'PubMed', 'EMBASE', 'CENTRAL', and 'CINAHL' electronic databases were searched for clinical trials analyzing the effectiveness of different dose of oxytocin given intravenously during surgery for uterine contraction and to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. A systematic review of relevant literature sources was performed. Results-our search revealed 813 literature sources. A total of 15 randomized clinical trials, comparing different doses of oxytocin bolus and infusion used after caesarean delivery have met the selection criteria. Conclusion-oxytocin bolus 0.5-3 UI is considered an effective prophylactic dose. Recommended effective prophylactic oxytocin infusion dose is 7.72 IU/h, but it is unanswered whether we really need a prophylactic infusion of oxytocin if we choose effective bolus dose size and rate. Adverse hemodynamic effects were observed when a 5 UI oxytocin bolus was used. However, topics such as bolus dose size, infusion dose size and requirement as well as bolus injection rate, still remain unanswered. The doses that are recommended in the guidelines of peripartum hemorrhage prophylaxis are not confirmed by randomized controlled double-blind trials and more research should cover this topic.

Implementation of Thromboelastometry for Coagulation Management in Isolated Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Undergoing Craniotomy.

BACKGROUND Coagulopathy (CP) is a modifiable factor linked with secondary brain damage and poor outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A shift towards goal-directed coagulation management has been observed recently. We investigated whether rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) based management could be successfully implemented in TBI patients and improve outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective, case-control study was performed. Adult patients with isolated TBI requiring craniotomy were included in this study. All patients underwent standard coagulation tests (SCT). Patients were identified as either in control group or in case group. Patients in the case group were additionally tested with ROTEM to specify their coagulation status. Management of the patients in the control group was based on SCT, whereas management of patients in the case group was guided by ROTEM. Outcome measures were as follows: CP rate, protocol adhesion, blood loss, transfusions, progressive hemorrhagic injury (PHI), re-intervention, Glasgow coma score (GCS) and Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at discharge, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS There were 134 patients enrolled (65 patients in the control group and 69 patients in the case group). Twenty-six patients in the control group (40%) were found to be coagulopathic (control-CP subgroup) and 34 patients in the case group (49.3%) were found to be coagulopathic (case-CP subgroup). Twenty-five case-CP patients had ROTEM abnormalities triggering protocolized intervention, and 24 of them were treated. Overall ROTEM-based protocol adhesion rate was 85.3%. Postoperative ROTEM parameters of case-CP patients significantly improved, and the number of coagulopathic patients decreased. The incidence of PHI (control versus case group) and neurosurgical re-intervention (control-CP versus case-CP subgroup) was in favor of ROTEM guidance (P<0.05). Mortality and GCS and GOS at discharge did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS ROTEM led to consistent coagulation management, improved clot quality, and decreased incidence of PHI and neurosurgical re-intervention. Further studies are needed to confirm benefits of ROTEM in cases of TBI.

Diagnosis of HELLP Syndrome: A 10-Year Survey in a Perinatology Centre.

HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count) syndrome is a severe and rapidly progressing condition that requires distinct diagnostic considerations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Mississippi triple-class system on the HELLP syndrome diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in a perinatology centre during a 10-year period, and consider its effectiveness and necessity in everyday practice. A retrospective observational cohort study was carried out using the medical records of a tertiary perinatology centre with the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome from the period of time between 2005 and 2014. The patients who fit the HELLP syndrome diagnosis were grouped by the Mississippi triple-class system. The means of diagnosis and treatment outcomes within those groups were analysed statistically. There was insufficient statistical evidence of the blood pressure levels corresponding to the severity of patients' condition (p > 0.05 in all of the groups). The clinical presentation varied within all of the classes, and the only objective means of diagnosis and evaluation of progression of the condition were laboratory tests. Even though HELLP syndrome is considered a hypertensive multi-organ disorder of pregnancy, the level of hypertension does not correlate to the severity of the condition; hence, the diagnosis should be based on biochemical laboratory evidence. Vigilance in suspicion and the recognition of HELLP syndrome and appropriate treatment are essential in order to ensure better maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Labor epidural analgesia and the incidence of instrumental assisted delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of labor epidural analgesia on the course of labor and to determine its association with instrumental assisted delivery rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed during 2007-2011 aiming to identify the relation between epidural analgesia (EA) and instrumental assisted delivery (IAD) rate. All patients in whom instrumental assistance for delivery was applied were allocated into either case (parturients who received EA and had IAD) or control (parturients who did not receive EA but had IAD) groups. Maternal demographic data, pregnancy and delivery characteristics as well as neonatal short-term outcome were studied. RESULTS: A total of 7675 vaginal deliveries occurred during the study period and 187 (2.43%) patients had IAD. Vacuum extraction was applied to 67 (2.16%) parturients who received EA, and to 120 (2.61%) who did not. The median duration of the first stage of labor was 510 min in the EA group as compared to 390 min in the control group (P=0.001). The median duration of the second stage of labor among cases and controls was 60 and 40 min, respectively (P<0.0005). Cases more often had their labor induced by oxytocin 80.3% as compared to 58.3% among controls (P=0.003). There was no significant association between the use of EA and increased IAD rate (OR=0.81; 95% CI, 0.60-1.09). CONCLUSIONS: Labor EA did not increase the incidence of IAD and the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, but was associated with prolonged first and second stages of labor.

Cesarean delivery in severe pulmonary hypertension: a case report.

Pregnancy in a woman with pulmonary hypertension carries a prohibitively high risk of maternal mortality, and pregnancy is contraindicated in such patients. Some women decide to continue with their pregnancy despite being aware of possible fatal maternal outcome. The management of pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy is a challenge and requires a multiprofessional approach. We report the case of a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension, who successfully underwent elective cesarean section under epidural anesthesia at 38 weeks of gestation and discuss major issues associated with the obstetric and anesthetic management of pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension.

The usage of blood components in obstetrics.

Major obstetric hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even though blood transfusion may be a life-saving procedure, an inappropriate usage of blood products in obstetric emergencies especially in cases of massive bleeding is associated with increased morbidity and risk of death. Thorough knowledge of the etiology, pathophysiology, and optimal therapeutic options of major obstetric hemorrhage may help to avoid lethal outcomes. There are evidence-based data about some risks related with transfusion of blood components: acute or delayed hemolytic, febrile, allergic reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury, negative immunomodulative effect, transmission of infectious diseases, dissemination of cancer. This is why the indications for allogeneic blood transfusion are restricted, and new safer methods are being discovered to decrease the requirement for it. Red cell alloimmunization may develop in pregnancy; therefore, all pregnant women should pass screening for irregular antibodies. Antierythrocytic irregular antibodies may occur due to previous pregnancies or allogeneic red blood cell transfusions, and it is important for blood cross-matching in the future. Under certain circumstances, such as complicated maternal history, severe coagulation abnormalities, severe anemia, the preparation of cross-matched blood is necessary. There is evidence of very significant variation in the use of blood products (red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, or cryoprecipitate) among clinicians in various medical institutions, and sometimes indications for transfusion are not correctly motivated. The transfusion of each single blood product must be performed only in case of evaluation of expected effect. The need for blood products and for their combination is necessary to estimate for each patient individually in case of obstetric emergencies either. Indications for transfusion of blood components in obstetrics are presented in order to improve the skills of doctors and to optimize therapeutic options in obstetric emergencies.

The influence of dexamethasone and ketolgan on postoperative nausea and vomiting and estimation of risk factors in women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone and ketolgan on postoperative nausea and vomiting and to evaluate risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical study was carried out. One hundred fifty-three ASA I-II women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic operations were randomized into three groups: dexamethasone group (n=51), ketolgan group (n=51), and control group (n=51). Patients in the dexamethasone group were given 4 mg of dexamethasone intravenously before the induction of general anesthesia, the ketolgan group received 30-mg ketolgan intravenously, and control group did not receive any medication. The incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting were registered 24 hours after the surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the dexamethasone group was 13.8%; in the ketolgan group, 37.3%, and in the control group, 58.9% (P=0.026). Patients with a history of migraine suffered from postoperative nausea and vomiting in 70.3% of cases and migraine-free patients in 25.8% of cases (P=0.015). Opioids for postoperative analgesia increased the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting as compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P=0.00002). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative medication with dexamethasone significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Avoidance of opioids for postoperative analgesia reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Migraine and motion sickness are independent risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

[Infusion solutions of gelatin derivates]. / Zelatinos infuziniai tirpalai.

Besides crystalloids, colloids are used for the treatment of hypovolemia and shock. They are high-molecular-weight proteins of bovine origin with properties of more rapid replacement of circulating blood volume. Iso-oncotic character provides the volume effect (approximately equal to 100%) close to the volume intravenously infused with the duration of action for 2-4 hours. Gelatin solutions are excreted with urine and feces in unchanged form without prolonged fixation in organism. Even in case of acute renal failure, gelatin peptides do not accumulate due to increased activity of proteolytic enzymes; therefore, they are the first-choice colloids. Gelatin solutions do not change coagulation as other colloids; just they may cause hemodilution as crystalloids do, so they are safe in case of hemorrhage and thrombocytopenia. There is a decreased risk of bleeding when gelatin solutions are used in surgery as compared with other colloids; in addition, they protect from hypotension due to vasodilatation in epidural or spinal analgesia. Gelatin solutions may cause compensatory hyperemia and increase of cardiac output, cardiac index, myocardial contractility, mean arterial blood pressure, and diuresis; in addition, oxygen delivery to the tissues improves. The dosage depends on clinical condition of a patient, and it is suggested to be 100-2000 mL and even more, for isovolemic hemodilution--20 mL/kg of body weight. Adverse reactions such as anaphylactoid or anaphylactic to gelatin derivates are rare and similar to other colloids.

[Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome]. / Hemolizes, padidejusio kepenu fermentu kiekio kraujo serume ir trombocitopenijos sindromas.

HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome is a severe, life-threatening pregnancy pathology, which occurs in 0.2-0.8% of all pregnancies, and approximately 10% (2-20%) of pregnancies are complicated with severe preeclampsia. This syndrome usually develops in the third trimester of pregnancy in preeclamptic patients, sometimes it occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy, and very rarely HELLP syndrome may develop within 48-72 hours after delivery. Diagnosis is complicated as there are no specific clinical signs, therefore, this syndrome may be confused with other pathologies like acute fatty liver of pregnancy, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, hemolytic uremic syndrome, appendicitis, and etc. The patients with HELLP syndrome should be treated in the tertiary care hospital, where appropriate diagnostics and multidisciplinary help for mother and fetus can be assured. When the syndrome was described for the first time, L. Weinstein recommended prompt delivery as the only possible treatment. Current studies show that conservative treatment of patients with HELLP syndrome is safe, without an increase in morbidity and mortality. That is why now many authors agree that treatment approach should be based on the estimated gestational age and the condition of the mother and fetus.

[Comparison of two different methods of analgesia. Postoperative course after colorectal cancer surgery]. / Skirtingu skausmo malsinimo metodu veiksmingumo ivertinimas bei ju itaka pooperacinei eigai po storosios zarnos vezio rezekciniu operaciju.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study is to compare two methods of postoperative analgesia in colorectal cancer patients after resectional operations, and to evaluate advantages and limitations of each method on the postoperative course of these patients. METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled to undergo elective colorectal cancer surgery were randomized into two groups; after general anesthesia, one group received epidural analgesia (n=50) and the second one - intramuscular pethidine analgesia (n=50). Visual analogue scale at rest and on coughing was used to compare intensiveness of pain between the two groups during the day of surgery and first three postoperative days. Patients' mood and self-satisfaction were evaluated using self-assessment manikin scale. Side effects of both analgesia techniques were registered. All complications and postoperative hospital stay were also evaluated. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale pain scores at rest and on coughing were significantly better in epidural analgesia group as compared to systemic intramuscular pethidine analgesia group (p<0.05). Additional analgesics were needed for 10 (20%) and 28 (56%) patients respectively to keep visual analogue scale pain scores below 5. Adverse effects such as profound sedation, nausea and vomiting were more frequent in systemic intramuscular pethidine group, but pruritus - very uncommon to compare with epidural analgesia group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in respect to complications and postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural analgesia has demonstrated significantly better effectiveness than intramuscular pethidine analgesia after colorectal cancer surgery with fewer adverse events. Self-assessment manikin scores showed better self-satisfaction in patients of epidural analgesia group as compared to patients in systemic pethidine group.