Early treatment with Fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, ADP-encapsulated Liposomes (H12-(ADP)-liposomes) ameliorates post-partum hemorrhage with coagulopathy caused by amniotic fluid embolism in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Amniotic fluid embolism is an unpredictable and sometimes lethal complication of childbirth. Fibrinogen γ-chain peptide-coated, ADP-encapsulated Liposomes (H12-(ADP)-liposomes), which were developed as a platelet substitute, may be useful to control postpartum hemorrhage with consumptive coagulopathy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a hemodynamically stable amniotic fluid embolism animal model and evaluate the efficacy of H12-ADP-liposome infusion in the initial management of postpartum hemorrhage complicated with amniotic fluid embolism-involved coagulopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant New Zealand white rabbits (28th day of pregnancy or normal gestation period of 29-35 days) underwent cesarean delivery, followed by intravenous administration of amniotic fluid (a total of 3.0 mL administered in 4 doses over 9 minutes). Thereafter, uncontrolled postpartum hemorrhage was induced by transecting the right midartery and concomitant vein in the myometrium. After initial bleeding for 5 minutes, rabbits received isovolemic fluid resuscitation through the femoral vein with an equivalent volume of blood loss every 5 minutes for 60 minutes. The transfusion regimens included platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma, and a bolus administration of H12-ADP-liposomes followed by platelet-poor plasma transfusion (8 rabbits per group). Moreover, 60 minutes after initiation of bleeding, rabbits received surgical hemostasis by ligation of bleeding vessels, except in cases with spontaneous hemostasis. RESULTS: The administration of amniotic fluid caused thrombocytopenia (56±3 × 103/µL) and prolonged both clotting time (before administration: 130.0±3.0 to 171.0±5.0 seconds) and prothrombin time (4.5±0.1 to 4.7±0.1 seconds). After the initial 5-minute bleeding in the rabbits, the mean arterial pressure fell to 43±2 mm Hg. Platelet-poor plasma transfusion alone further prolonged clotting time and prothrombin time at 60 minutes (192.0±10.0 and 5.2±0.1 seconds, respectively) with decreasing mean arterial pressure to <40 mm Hg. By contrast, the administration of H12-ADP-liposomes followed by platelet-poor plasma transfusion reduced the prolonged clotting time (153.0±5.0 seconds) and prothrombin time (4.9±0.1 seconds) similar to platelet-rich plasma transfusion (154.0±11.0 and 4.9±0.1 seconds, respectively) at 60 minutes. These rabbits maintained a mean arterial pressure of >45 mm Hg throughout the experiment. H12-ADP-liposome infusion and platelet-poor plasma transfusion and platelet-rich plasma transfusion yielded spontaneous hemostasis in 4 of 8 rabbits, whereas platelet-poor plasma transfusion did not stop bleeding in any of the rabbits. The total blood loss was 59±17 mL in the H12-ADP-liposomes and platelet-poor plasma group, which was half of that in the platelet-poor plasma group (124±10 mL). CONCLUSION: H12-ADP-liposome infusion may be effective in the initial management of postpartum hemorrhage complicated with amniotic fluid embolism, resulting in mitigation of consumptive coagulopathy.

Effect of intravenous fluid therapy for acute alcohol intoxication on length of time from arrival at the emergency department until awakening: A prospective observational cohort study.

Aim: To evaluate the association of intravenous fluid (IVF) therapy on the length of time from arrival at the emergency department (ED) until awakening in cases of acute alcohol intoxication. Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in the ED of the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital during October 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Patients with 1,000 mL bolus of lactated Ringer's solution and those without bolus were compared. The primary outcome was the length of time until awakening. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay in the ED and occurrence of conditions requiring extra care. Predictors of the occurrence of any event requiring extra care were identified. Results: We included 201 patients, of whom 109 received IVF and 92 did not. No significant difference existed in the baseline characteristics between the groups. The median length of time until awakening did not significantly differ between the groups (P = 0.77). Multivariable regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, hemoglobin, blood alcohol concentration, and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score demonstrated that the regression coefficient of IVF for length of time until awakening was -9.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], -36.2 to 17.2). Hemoglobin (regression coefficient, 10.1; 95% CI, 0.38-19.9) and initial GCS score (regression coefficient, -7.51; 95% CI, -10.8 to -4.21) were significantly associated with length of time. Conclusion: IVF therapy was not associated with the length of time until awakening in patients with acute alcohol intoxication in the ED. Routine IVF administration was unnecessary.

Snakebite and local envenomation by Boiruna maculata treated without antivenom.

BACKGROUND: When snake breeders are bitten by rare snakes, deciding whether to administer snake antivenom can be challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man was bitten on the right finger by Boiruna maculata. The next day, his right upper limb exhibited pronounced local manifestations of envenomation. At the first consultation, a dark purple bleeding spot and a necrotic site were present under the fang marks at the bitten finger and his affected limb showed extensive swelling and redness. Snake antivenom was not administered because it was difficult to identify the snake and obtain the antivenom. We performed the pressure immobilization technique to his limb. The patient's symptoms peaked in severity on the second day of illness. He was discharged with marked improvement. CONCLUSIONS: We have experienced a case of snakebite envenomation by Boiruna maculata.