The influence of laboratory coagulation tests and clotting factor levels on Rotation Thromboelastometry (ROTEM(R)) during major surgery with hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the association between standard laboratory tests, coagulation factor concentrations, and Rotation Thromboelastometry (ROTEM® delta, TEM® International GmbH, Munich, Germany) in patients undergoing major surgery with hemorrhage. METHODS: In 45 patient's fibrinogen, factor VIII, factor XIII, International Normalized Ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time, hemoglobin, leukocytes, and platelet count were simultaneously measured intraoperatively with ROTEM (EXTEM, INTEM, FIBTEM, APTEM) measurements. ROTEM parameters were: clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF), and α-angle. Demographic and laboratory data were expressed as mean ± SD and median [range]; nonparametric Spearman rank correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed; P-values ≤0.003 were considered significant. RESULTS: Significant correlations (P ≤ 0.003) were found for CFT, α-angle, and MCF, in EXTEM, INTEM, and APTEM with platelets, INR, and fibrinogen. Factor VIII (18 measurements) showed a strong correlation (r ≥ 0.7 or r ≤ -0.7; all P ≤ 0.003) with MCF, CFT, and α-angle of EXTEM, INTEM, MCF of FIBTEM excluding CT of EXTEM, INTEM, FIBTEM and strong significant correlation for α-angle of APTEM and moderate for CFT and MCF of APTEM. A significant moderate to strong correlation of factor XIII with MCF of EXTEM, INTEM, FIBTEM, and APTEM was found. Hemoglobin was moderately correlated (r = 0.3-0.7 or r = -0.3 to -0.7) with MCF in APTEM (P = 0.003). A moderate to strong correlation of the standard coagulation tests with all ROTEM parameters was found, in particular the CT. The aPTT correlated significantly moderate to strong with CT, CFT, α-angle, and MCF of INTEM. However, multiple linear regressions were not able to show an influence of INR on ROTEM parameters except for APTEM-MCF. A significant impact of the aPTT on INTEM-CT was found. EXTEM, INTEM, and APTEM are significantly influenced by fibrinogen and platelets. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the clinical assumption that EXTEM, INTEM, and APTEM are associated with fibrinogen and platelets levels; INTEM-CT significantly to aPTT; and FIBTEM significantly to fibrinogen. Factor VIII showed a significant correlation with all ROTEM parameters except CT of EXTEM, INTEM, FIBTEM, and CFT and MCF of APTEM.

Is dilutional coagulopathy induced by different colloids reversible by replacement of fibrinogen and factor XIII concentrates?

BACKGROUND: In this in vitro trial, we assessed the effect on blood coagulation of 60% dilution with different colloids and investigated reversibility by replacement of factor XIII (F XIII), fibrinogen, and the combination of fibrinogen and F XIII. METHODS: Using the blood of 12 volunteers, the following measurements were performed at baseline and after 60% dilution with (hydroxyethyl starch solutions) HES 130/0.42, gelatin, or balanced gelatin solution: blood gas analyses, coagulation factor concentrations (F I, F II, F VII, F VIII, F XIII), impedance aggregometry (Multiplate®), and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Then F XIII and fibrinogen as well as a combination of both were added, in concentrations corresponding to 6 g fibrinogen and 1250 IU F XIII in adults. ROTEM measurements and determination of factor concentrations were again performed. RESULTS: Colloid dilution led to a significant reduction of fibrinogen polymerization, especially with HES. Platelet function was impaired by all colloids, with gelatin having a significantly greater effect (area under the curve, collagen Test, P ≤ 0.008) than HES and balanced gelatin solution. The substitution of F XIII only did not improve clot formation. Substitution of fibrinogen improved the polymerization of fibrinogen in dilutions with gelatin and balanced gelatin solution (P = 0.002), whereas HES-induced coagulopathy could not be corrected. The combination of fibrinogen and F XIII showed a better effect than the addition of fibrinogen only for certain variables. CONCLUSION: Coagulation and platelet function are impaired by all 3 colloids. However, in vitro gelatin-induced coagulopathy was significantly more reversible than HES-induced coagulopathy.

Hyperfibrinolysis diagnosed by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is associated with higher mortality in patients with severe trauma.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether hyperfibrinolysis and its severity was associated with outcome of traumatized and nontraumatized patients. METHODS: From April 2008 to April 2010, all emergency patients with hyperfibrinolysis were enrolled in this study. Hyperfibrinolysis patients were divided into traumatized (trauma hyperfibrinolysis group) and nontraumatized (nontrauma hyperfibrinolysis group). The trauma hyperfibrinolysis group was matched with 24 polytrauma patients without hyperfibrinolysis (matched trauma group). Data from rotational thromboelastometry measurements, blood gas analysis (metabolic state), laboratory analysis, injury severity score, and 30-day mortality were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with hyperfibrinolysis were identified (13 traumatized, 22 nontraumatized). Overall mortality for hyperfibrinolysis was 54%. Mortality in the trauma hyperfibrinolysis group (77%±12%) was significantly higher than in the nontrauma hyperfibrinolysis group (41%±10%; P=0.001, 95% CI 5%-67%) and the matched trauma group (33%±10%; P=0.009, 95% CI 13%-74%). Hyperfibrinolysis is significantly (P=0.017) associated with mortality in trauma patients. In the blood gas analysis representing the metabolic state, only pH (P=0.02) and potassium (P=0.01) were significantly lower in the trauma hyperfibrinolysis group compared to the nontrauma hyperfibrinolysis group. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from hyperfibrinolysis is significantly higher in trauma compared with nontrauma patients, and hyperfibrinolysis is an independent factor predicting mortality in trauma patients. Rotational thromboelastometry provides real-time recognition of hyperfibrinolysis allowing early treatment.