Allogeneic Blood Transfusion and Risk of Postoperative Complications in Patients with Mild and Moderate Anemia of Any Cause? A Retrospective Cohort Study in Total Revision Hip Surgery.

Introduction: Patients undergoing revision total hip surgery (RTHS) have a high prevalence of mild and moderate preoperative anemia, associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT) and postoperative complications in preoperatively mild compared to moderate anemic patients undergoing RTHS who did not receive a diagnostic anemia workup and treatment before surgery. Methods: We included 1,765 patients between 2007 and 2019 at a university hospital. Patients were categorized according to their severity of anemia using the WHO criteria of mild, moderate, and severe anemia in the first Hb level of the case. Patients were grouped as having received no ABT, 1-2 units of ABT, or more than 2 units of ABT. Need for intraoperative ABT was assessed in accordance with institutional standards. Primary endpoint was the compound incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included major/minor complications and length of hospital and ICU stay. Results: Of the 1,765 patients, 31.0% were anemic of any cause before surgery. Transfusion rates were 81% in anemic patients and 41.2% in nonanemic patients. The adjusted risks for compound postoperative complication were significantly higher in patients with moderate anemia (OR 4.88, 95% CI: 1.54-13.15, p = 0.003) but not for patients with mild anemia (OR 1.93, 95% CI: 0.85-3.94, p < 0.090). Perioperative ABT was associated with significantly higher risks for complications in nonanemic patients and showed an increased risk for complications in all anemic patients. In RTHS, perioperative ABT as a treatment for moderate preoperative anemia of any cause was associated with a negative compound effect on postoperative complications, compared to anemia or ABT alone. Discussion: ABT is associated with adverse outcomes of patients with moderate preoperative anemia before RTHS. For this reason, medical treatment of moderate preoperative anemia may be considered.

The KORE-INNOVATION trial, a prospective controlled multi-site clinical study to implement and assess the effects of an innovative peri-operative care pathway for patients with ovarian cancer: rationale, methods and trial design.

BACKGROUND: Advanced ovarian cancer is managed by extensive surgery, which could be associated with high morbidity. A personalized pre-habilitation strategy combined with an 'enhanced recovery after surgery' (ERAS) pathway may decrease post-operative morbidity. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of a combined multi-modal pre-habilitation and ERAS strategy on severe post-operative morbidity for patients with ovarian cancer (primary diagnosis or first recurrence) undergoing cytoreductive surgery. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: A personalized multi-modal pre-habilitation algorithm entailing a physical fitness intervention, nutritional and psycho-oncological support, completed by an ERAS pathway, reduces post-operative morbidity. TRIAL DESIGN: This is a prospective, controlled, non-randomized, open, interventional two-center clinical study. Endpoints will be compared with a three-fold control: (a) historic control group (data from institutional ovarian cancer databases); (b) prospective control group (assessed before implementing the intervention); and (c) matched health insurance controls. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with ovarian, fallopian, or primary peritoneal cancer undergoing primary surgical treatment (primary ovarian cancer or first recurrence) can be included. The intervention group receives an additional multi-level study treatment: (1) standardized frailty assessment followed by (2) a personalized tri-modal pre-habilitation program and (3) peri-operative care according to an ERAS pathway. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Inoperable disease or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, simultaneous diagnosis of simultaneous primary tumors, in case of interference with the overall prognosis (except for breast cancer); dementia or other conditions that impair compliance or prognosis. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: Reduction of severe post-operative complications (according to Clavien- Dindo Classification (CDC) III-V) within 30 days after surgery. SAMPLE SIZE: Intervention group (n=414, of which approximately 20% insure with the participating health insurance); historic control group (n=198); prospective control group (n=50), health insurance controls (for those intervention patients who are members of the participating health insurance). ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: The intervention phase started in December 2021 and will continue until June 2023. As of March 2023, 280 patients have been enrolled in the intervention group. The expected completion of the entire study is September 2024. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05256576.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Part I: anesthesia considerations based on an extended review of the literature.

"Placenta Accreta Spectrum" (PAS) describes abnormal placental adherence to the uterine wall without spontaneous separation at delivery. Though relatively rare, PAS presents a particular challenge to anesthesiologists, as it is associated with massive peripartum hemorrhage and high maternal morbidity and mortality. Standardized evidence-based PAS management strategies are currently evolving and emphasize: "PAS centers of excellence", multidisciplinary teams, novel diagnostics/pharmaceuticals (especially regarding hemostasis, hemostatic agents, point-of-care diagnostics), and novel operative/interventional approaches (expectant management, balloon occlusion, embolization). Though available data are heterogeneous, these developments affect anesthetic management and must be considered in planed anesthetic approaches. This two-part review provides a critical overview of the current evidence and offers structured evidence-based recommendations to help anesthesiologists improve outcomes for women with PAS. This first part discusses PAS management in centers of excellence, multidisciplinary care team, anesthetic approach and monitoring, surgical approaches, patient safety checklists, temperature management, interventional radiology, postoperative care and pain therapy. The diagnosis and treatment of hemostatic disturbances and preoperative prepartum anemia, blood loss, transfusion management and postpartum venous thromboembolism will be addressed in the second part of this series.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Part II: hemostatic considerations based on an extended review of the literature.

"Placenta Accreta Spectrum" (PAS) is a rare but serious pregnancy condition where the placenta abnormally adheres to the uterine wall and fails to spontaneously release after delivery. When it occurs, PAS is associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality - as PAS management can be particularly challenging. This two-part review summarizes current evidence in PAS management, identifies its most challenging aspects, and offers evidence-based recommendations to improve management strategies and PAS outcomes. The first part of this two-part review highlighted the general anesthetic approach, surgical and interventional management strategies, specialized "centers of excellence," and multidisciplinary PAS treatment teams. The high rates of PAS morbidity and mortality are often provoked by PAS-associated coagulopathies and peripartal hemorrhage (PPH). Anesthesiologists need to be prepared for massive blood loss, transfusion, and to manage potential coagulopathies. In this second part of this two-part review, we specifically reviewed the current literature pertaining to hemostatic changes, blood loss, transfusion management, and postpartum venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in PAS patients. Taken together, the two parts of this review provide a comprehensive survey of challenging aspects in PAS management for anesthesiologists.

Indications for the Use of Therapeutic Plasma in Adult Patients.

Background: Different preparations for therapeutic plasma are available on the market. The German hemotherapy guideline has been completely updated in 2020 and, for this purpose, has reviewed the evidence for the most frequent clinical indications for the use of therapeutic plasma in adult patients. Summary: The German hemotherapy guideline has reviewed the evidence for the following indications for the use of therapeutic plasma in the adult patient: massive transfusion and bleeding, severe chronic liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, plasma exchange for TTP, and the rare hereditary FV and FXI deficiencies. The updated recommendations for each indication are discussed on the background of existing guidelines and new evidence. For most indications, the quality of evidence is low due to missing prospective randomized trials or rare diseases. However, due to the "balanced" content of coagulation factors and inhibitors therapeutic plasma remains an important pharmacological treatment option in clinical situations with an already activated coagulation system. Unfortunately, the "physiological" content of coagulation factors and inhibitors limits the efficacy in clinical scenarios with high blood losses. Key Messages: The evidence for the use of therapeutic plasma for the replacement of coagulation factors due to massive bleeding is poor. Coagulation factor concentrates seem to be more appropriate for this indication, although the quality of evidence is also low. However, for diseases with an activated coagulation or endothelial system (e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation, TTP) the balanced replacement of coagulation factors, inhibitors, and proteases may be of advantage.

Does the use of chitosan covered gauze for postpartum hemorrhage reduce the need for surgical therapy including hysterectomy? A databased historical cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is still one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Recently effective PPH therapy with uterine packing with the chitosan-covered gauze was shown. This databased retrospective case-control study compares the therapy success of the chitosan tamponade with that of the balloon tamponade and medical therapy only. METHODS: All women who delivered at a university hospital between May 2016 and May 2019 with PPH were included. Based on the applied therapy, women were divided into three groups: medical therapy only, balloon tamponade and chitosan tamponade. The groups were compared in terms of therapy success, side-effects and reasons for PPH. Primary outcome was the need for surgical/radiological measures including hysterectomy, secondary outcomes were differences in hemoglobin levels, duration of inpatient stay, admission to intensive care unit, number of administered blood products and inflammation parameters. RESULTS: A total of 666 women were included in the study. 530 received medical therapy only, 51 the balloon tamponade and 85 the chitosan tamponade. There were no significant differences in the need for surgical therapy, but a significantly lower number of hysterectomies in the chitosan tamponade group than in the balloon tamponade group. There were no relevant differences in secondary outcomes and no adverse events related to the chitosan tamponade. Since the introduction of chitosan tamponade, the number of PPH related hysterectomies dropped significantly by 77.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The chitosan tamponade is a promising treatment option for PPH. It reduces the postpartum hysterectomy rate without increased side effects compared to the balloon tamponade.

Erythropoietin plus iron versus control treatment including placebo or iron for preoperative anaemic adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery suffer from preoperative anaemia. Preoperative anaemia is a risk factor for mortality and adverse outcomes in different surgical specialties and is frequently the reason for blood transfusion. The most common causes are renal, chronic diseases, and iron deficiency. International guidelines recommend that the cause of anaemia guide preoperative anaemia treatment. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) with iron supplementation has frequently been used to increase preoperative haemoglobin concentrations in patients in order to avoid the need for perioperative allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative rHuEPO therapy (subcutaneous or parenteral) with iron (enteral or parenteral) in reducing the need for allogeneic RBC transfusions in preoperatively anaemic adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid Embase, ISI Web of Science: SCI-EXPANDED and CPCI-S, and clinical trial registries WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov on 29 August 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared preoperative rHuEPO + iron therapy to control treatment (placebo, no treatment, or standard of care with or without iron) for preoperatively anaemic adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery. We used the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of anaemia: haemoglobin concentration (g/dL) less than 13 g/dL for males, and 12 g/dL for non-pregnant females (decision of inclusion based on mean haemoglobin concentration). We defined two subgroups of rHuEPO dosage: 'low' for 150 to 300 international units (IU)/kg body weight, and 'high' for 500 to 600 IU/kg body weight. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors collected data from the included studies. Our primary outcome was the need for RBC transfusion (no autologous transfusion, fresh frozen plasma or platelets), measured in transfused participants during surgery (intraoperative) and up to five days after surgery. Secondary outcomes of interest were: haemoglobin concentration (directly before surgery), number of RBC units (where one unit contains 250 to 450 mL) transfused per participant (intraoperative and up to five days after surgery), mortality (within 30 days after surgery), length of hospital stay, and adverse events (e.g. renal dysfunction, thromboembolism, hypertension, allergic reaction, headache, fever, constipation). MAIN RESULTS: Most of the included trials were in orthopaedic, gastrointestinal, and gynaecological surgery and included participants with mild and moderate preoperative anaemia (haemoglobin from 10 to 12 g/dL). The duration of preoperative rHuEPO treatment varied across the trials, ranging from once a week to daily or a 5-to-10-day period, and in one trial preoperative rHuEPO was given on the morning of surgery and for five days postoperatively. We included 12 trials (participants = 1880) in the quantitative analysis of the need for RBC transfusion following preoperative treatment with rHuEPO + iron to correct preoperative anaemia in non-cardiac surgery; two studies were multiarmed trials with two different dose regimens. Preoperative rHuEPO + iron given to anaemic adults reduced the need RBC transfusion (risk ratio (RR) 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 0.80; participants = 1880; studies = 12; I2 = 84%; moderate-quality evidence due to inconsistency). This analysis suggests that on average, the combined administration of rHuEPO + iron will mean 231 fewer individuals will need transfusion for every 1000 individuals compared to the control group. Preoperative high-dose rHuEPO + iron given to anaemic adults increased the haemoglobin concentration (mean difference (MD) 1.87 g/dL, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.49; participants = 852; studies = 3; I2 = 89%; low-quality evidence due to inconsistency and risk of bias) but not low-dose rHuEPO + iron (MD 0.11 g/dL, 95% CI -0.46 to 0.69; participants = 334; studies = 4; I2 = 69%; low-quality evidence due to inconsistency and risk of bias). There was probably little or no difference in the number of RBC units when rHuEPO + iron was given preoperatively (MD -0.09, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.05; participants = 1420; studies = 6; I2 = 2%; moderate-quality evidence due to imprecision).  There was probably little or no difference in the risk of mortality within 30 days of surgery (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.39 to 3.63; participants = 230; studies = 2; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence due to imprecision) or of adverse events including local rash, fever, constipation, or transient hypertension (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.28; participants = 1722; studies = 10; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence due to imprecision). The administration of rHuEPO + iron before non-cardiac surgery did not clearly reduce the length of hospital stay of preoperative anaemic adults (MD -1.07, 95% CI -4.12 to 1.98; participants = 293; studies = 3; I2 = 87%; low-quality evidence due to inconsistency and imprecision). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence suggests that preoperative rHuEPO + iron therapy for anaemic adults prior to non-cardiac surgery reduces the need for RBC transfusion and, when given at higher doses, increases the haemoglobin concentration preoperatively. The administration of rHuEPO + iron treatment did not decrease the mean number of units of RBC transfused per patient. There were no important differences in the risk of adverse events or mortality within 30 days, nor in length of hospital stay. Further, well-designed, adequately powered RCTs are required to estimate the impact of this combined treatment more precisely.

The impact of antenatal factor XIII levels on postpartum haemorrhage: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Our aim was to investigate the relationships between antenatal factor XIII (FXIII), fibrinogen levels, and blood loss at childbirth. METHODS: This prospective observational study evaluated an unselected cohort of pregnant women admitted for intended vaginal deliveries of singletons at term. To determine clotting factor levels, we obtained blood samples at a maximum of three days prior to vaginal delivery. A calibrated collecting drape was used to quantify blood loss in the third stage of labour. Moderate and severe PPH were diagnosed as blood losses ≥ 500 mL and ≥ 1000 mL, respectively. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, we determined whether coagulation factors and their interactions could independently predict (severe) PPH. RESULTS: We analysed 548 vaginal deliveries that occurred during the study period. Of those, 78 (14.2%) lost ≥ 500 mL and 18 (3.3%) lost ≥ 1000 mL of blood. The mean pre-delivery FXIII activity in women with PPH (79.33% ± 15.5) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than in women without PPH (86.45% ± 14.6). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis detected antenatal FXIII cutoff levels of 83.5% and 75.5% for PPH and severe PPH, respectively. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that FXIII alone (p < 0.001) and its interaction with fibrinogen (p = 0.03) significantly predicted PPH. FXIII was not significantly correlated with blood loss among patients with severe PPH. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that antenatal FXIII levels may have a significant influence on PPH. The interaction between FXIII and fibrinogen might also provide slight advantages in forecasting PPH.

Crystalloid coloading vs. colloid coloading in elective Caesarean section: postspinal hypotension and vasopressor consumption, a prospective, observational clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Maternal hypotension is a common side effect of spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section. The combination of colloid coloading and vasopressors was considered our standard for its prevention and treatment. As the safety of hydroxyethyl starch is under debate, we replaced colloid with crystalloid coloading. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that the mean blood pressure drop is greater when coloading with crystalloids. DESIGN: Prospective, observational clinical trial. SETTING: Two-centre study conducted in Berlin, Germany. PATIENTS: Parturients scheduled for a Caesarean section were screened for eligibility. INTERVENTION: The study protocol and patient monitoring were based on the standard operating procedure for Caesarean section in both centres. The data from the crystalloid group were prospectively collected between November 2014 and July 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the median drop in mean blood pressure after induction of spinal anaesthesia. Secondary endpoints were incidence of hypotension (drop > 20% of baseline systolic pressure /drop < 100 mmHg), vasopressor and additional fluid requirements (mL), incidence of bradycardia (heart rate < 60 beats per minute), blood loss, Apgar score, and umbilical artery pH. In case of hypotension, patients received phenylephrine or cafedrine/theodrenaline according to their heart rate. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 345 prospectively enrolled patients (n = 193 crystalloid group vs. n = 152 colloid group) were analysed. The median drop in mean blood pressure was greater in the crystalloid group [34 mmHg (25; 42 mmHg) vs. 21 mmHg (13; 29 mmHg), p < 0.001]. Incidences of hypotension [93.3% vs. 83.6%, p: 0.004] and bradycardia [19.7% vs. 9.9%, p: 0.012] were also significantly greater in the crystalloid group. Vasopressor requirements, blood loss and neonatal outcome were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Crystalloid coloading was associated with a greater drop in mean blood pressure and a higher incidence of hypotension when compared with colloid coloading. Neonatal outcome was, however, unaffected by the type of fluid. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00006783 ( http://www.drks.de ).

Can prepartum thromboelastometry-derived parameters and fibrinogen levels really predict postpartum hemorrhage?

BACKGROUND: Decreased postpartum rotational thromboelastometric parameters of coagulation (ROTEM®) and fibrinogen levels have been associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, the predictive power of prepartum ROTEM® parameters and fibrinogen levels (Fbgpre) for PPH remains unknown. METHODS: This prospective observational pilot study included 217 healthy pregnant women. Maximum clot firmness (FIBTEM-MCF), fibrinogen levels and standard coagulation parameters were measured upon admission to the delivery room for labor and within 1 h after vaginal delivery. Blood loss was measured with a calibrated collecting drape during the third stage of labor. PPH was defined as blood loss ≥500 mL. Predictors for bleeding were identified via receiver operating characteristic analyses and bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: Women with and without PPH did not differ in median FIBTEM-MCF [23 mm (25th percentile 20 mm, 75th percentile 26 mm) vs. 23 mm (19 mm, 26 mm), respectively; P=0.710] or mean Fbgpre (4.57±0.77 g/L vs. 4.45±0.86 g/L, respectively; P=0.431). Blood loss and prepartum coagulation parameters were not correlated (FIBTEM-MCF, rs=-0.055, P=0.431; Fbgpre, rs=-0.017, P=0.810). The areas under the curves (predictive power for PPH) for FIBTEM-MCF and Fbgpre and were 0.52 (0.41-0.64, P=0.699) and 0.53 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.40-0.65, P=0.644], respectively. Neither FIBTEM-MCF nor Fbgpre was associated with PPH. However, primiparity [odds ratio (OR) 4.27, 95% CI 1.32-13.80, P=0.015) and urgent cesarean section (2.77, 1.00-7.67, P=0.050) were independent predictors of PPH. CONCLUSIONS: ROTEM® parameters, Fbgpre and postpartum blood loss were not associated, nor did these factors predict PPH. Sufficiently powered prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

[Update in Obstetric Anesthesia - Tried and Trusted Methods, Controversies and New Perspectives]. / Geburtshilfliche Anästhesie: Altbewährtes, Kontroversen und neue Perspektiven ­ Teil 2.

Since 1975, a plethora of lectures within the context of annual meetings relevant for the clinical care has been summarized in "what's new in obstetric anesthesia" by the society for Obstetric anesthesia and Perinatology which can be recommended to everyone interested in anaesthesiology in the delivery room. After the death of Gerard W. Ostheimer, Professor of Anaesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, it became renamed the Gerard W. Ostheimer "what's new in obstetric anesthesia" lecture to honor his contributions to regional anesthesia and obstetric anaesthesia. Each year the event held by selected professional representatives and their imprint in leading anesthesia journals give insight into a critical appraisal of recent literature and the possible consequences for - but not only - the anaesthetic delivery room practice.A similar event has been established in Germany for more than 16 years (first event on April 1, 2000, most recently held on February 27, 2016, in Munich): the obstetrical anesthesia symposium of the academic working group "regional anesthesia and obstetrical anesthesia" [1], [2]."Evergreens" or "hot topics" with regard to anaesthesiological delivery room practice are presented and discussed regularly. The lectures often reveal the subtle change of the issues being debated much earlier than traditional textbook chapters do. This manuscript summarizes important findings from the last symposium held in 2016. Part I focuses on relevant causes for maternal morbidity and mortality as well as preventive measures, pregnancy in obese patients and sepsis in obstetric anaesthesia. Part II addresses established standards and new perspectives in the direct obstetric setting regarding epidural analgesia, post-dural puncture headache, anaesthesia and analgesia during and after caesarean section, haemodynamic monitoring during cesarean section and postpartum haemorrhage.

[Update in Obstetric Anesthesia: Tried and Trusted Methods, Controversies and New Perspectives - Part 1]. / Geburtshilfliche Anästhesie: Altbewährtes, Kontroversen und neue Perspektiven ­ Teil 1.

Since 1975, a plethora of lectures within the context of annual meetings relevant for the clinical care has been summarized in "what's new in obstetric anesthesia" by the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology which can be recommended to everyone interested in anaesthesiology in the delivery room. After the death of Gerard W. Ostheimer, Professor of Anaesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, it became renamed the Gerard W. Ostheimer "what's new in obstetric anesthesia" lecture to honor his contributions to regional anesthesia and obstetric anaesthesia. Each year the event held by selected professional representatives and their imprint in leading anesthesia journals give insight into a critical appraisal of recent literature and the possible consequences for - but not only - the anaesthetic delivery room practice.A similar event has been established in Germany for more than 16 years: the obstetrical anesthesia symposium of the academic working group "regional anesthesia and obstetrical anesthesia" 1, 2."Evergreens" or "hot topics" with regard to anaesthesiological delivery room practice are presented and discussed regularly. The lectures often reveal the subtle change of the issues being debated much earlier than traditional textbook chapters do. This manuscript summarizes important findings from the last symposium held in 2016. Part I focuses on relevant causes for maternal morbidity and mortality as well as preventive measures, pregnancy in obese patients and sepsis in obstetric anaesthesia. Part II addresses established standards and new perspectives in the direct obstetric setting regarding epidural analgesia, post-dural puncture headache, anaesthesia and analgesia during and after caesarean section, haemodynamic monitoring during cesarean section and postpartum haemorrhage.

Evaluation of measured postpartum blood loss after vaginal delivery using a collector bag in relation to postpartum hemorrhage management strategies: a prospective observational study.

AIM: To evaluate the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH via routine use of a pelvic drape to objectively measure blood loss after vaginal delivery in connection with PPH management. METHODS: This prospective observational study was undertaken at the obstetrical department of the Charité University Hospital from December 2011 to May 2013 and evaluated an unselected cohort of planned vaginal deliveries (n=1019 live singletons at term). A calibrated collecting drape was used to meassure blood loss in the third stage of labor. PPH and severe PPH were defined as blood loss ≥500 mL and ≥1000 mL, respectively. Maternal hemoglobin content was evaluated at admission to delivery and at the first day after childbirth. RESULTS: During the study period, 809 vaginal deliveries were analysed. Direct measurement revealed a median blood loss of 250 mL. The incidences of PPH and severe PPH were 15% and 3%, respectively. Mean maternal hemoglobin content at admission was 11.9±1.1 g/dL, with a mean decrease of 1.0±1.1 g/dL. Blood loss measured after vaginal delivery correlated significantly with maternal hemoglobin decrease. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PPH incidence may be higher than indicated by population-based data. Underbuttocks drapes are simple, objective bedside tools to diagnose PPH. Blood loss should be quantified systematically if PPH is suspected.

Predelivery maternal fibrinogen as a predictor of blood loss after vaginal delivery.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated whether fibrinogen level during the first stage of labor is associated with bleeding severity in the third stage of labor. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 1019 pregnant women with planned vaginal delivery. Upon admission to delivery, maternal fibrinogen levels, hemoglobin content, and coagulation parameters were evaluated. Blood loss in the third stage of labor was systematically measured using a calibrated collecting drape. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of PPH (blood loss ≥500 mL) and S-PPH (blood loss ≥1000 mL). RESULTS: Among 809 vaginal deliveries, mean maternal predelivery fibrinogen was 4.65 ± 0.77 g/L, PPH incidence was 12 %, S-PPH incidence was 3.5 %, and median blood loss was 250 mL. Fibrinogen levels were significantly lower in women with S-PPH (4.22 ± 0.82 g/L) than without S-PPH (4.67 ± 0.75 g/L; p = 0.004), but did not significantly differ between women with PPH (4.67 ± 0.84 g/L) and those without PPH (4.67 ± 0.75 g/L; p = 0.985). Instrumental delivery and predelivery fibrinogen levels were independent predictors of S-PPH. Primiparous status, birth weight >4000 g, genital tract laceration, episiotomy and instrumental delivery were independent predictors of PPH. CONCLUSION: For each 1 g/L increase of predelivery fibrinogen level, the risk of S-PPH after vaginal delivery decreases by a factor of 0.405 (95 % CI 0.219-0.750; p = 0.004).

Management of direct oral anticoagulants-associated bleeding in the trauma patient.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article emphasizes the differentiated management of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)-associated bleeding in trauma patients to generate a severity adjusted treatment protocol. RECENT FINDINGS: The management of DOAC-associated bleeding should take severity, mortality risk, and haemodynamic effects of the trauma-induced bleeding into account. SUMMARY: The different pharmacological properties of DOACs are important for the management of trauma-induced bleeding. Comorbidities like renal impairment and liver dysfunction prolong their half-life. Patients with minor bleeding in stable clinical condition can be managed by a 'wait and see' approach. Moderate bleeding is suggested to be managed by a primarily conservative approach. In life-threatening bleeding, the administration of activated or nonactivated factor concentrates seems justified, together with supportive measures as part of an advanced management protocol. The administration of specific antidotes may be an alternative in the future. A monoclonal antibody to dabigatran (idarucizumab) has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, whereas antidotes to Factor X activated inhibitors (andexanet and aripazine) are still under development. Sufficiently powered studies with clinical and safety outcome measures are still missing for all specific antidotes at this time.

Impact of ascites on the perioperative course of patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing extensive cytoreduction: results of a study on 119 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the cornerstone of multimodal therapy and considered as a high-risk surgery because of extensive multivisceral procedures. In most patients, ascites is present, but its impact on the surgical and clinical outcomes is unclear. METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients undergoing surgical cytoreduction because of EOC between 2005 and 2008 were included. All surgical data and the individual tumor pattern were collected systematically based on a validated documentation tool (intraoperative mapping of ovarian cancer) during primary surgery. The amount of ascites was determined at the time of surgery, and 3 groups were classified (no ascites [NOA, n = 56], low amount of ascites [< 500 mL, n = 42], and high amount of ascites [HAS > 500 mL, n = 21]). RESULTS: Group NOA compared with HAS showed less transfusions of packed red blood cells (median [quartiles], 0 [0-2] vs 0 [0-2] vs 3 [1-4] U; P < 0.001) and fresh frozen plasma (median [quartiles], 0 [0-2] vs 0 [0-4] vs 2 [2-6] U; P < 0.001). In addition, in patients with ascites, noradrenaline was administered more frequently and in higher doses. The postoperative length of stay in the intensive care unit was significantly shorter in the NOA versus the group with low amount of ascites and HAS (median [quartiles], 1 [0-1] vs 1 [0-2] vs 2 [1-5] days; P < 0.001). The hospital length of stay is extended in HAS compared with that in NOA (median [quartiles], 16 [13-20] vs 17 [14-22] vs 21 [17-41] days; P = 0.004). Postoperative complications were increased in patients with ascites at the time of surgery (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a high amount of ascites at cytoreductive surgery because of EOC is associated with higher amounts of blood transfusions, whereas the length of hospital stay and the postoperative intensive care unit treatment are significantly prolonged compared with those of patients without ascites.

[Perioperative management and therapy of bleeding complications]. / Perioperatives Management und Therapie von Blutungskomplikationen.

The new oral anticoagulants directly inhibit either thrombin (Dabigatran, Pradaxa®,) or activated Factor X (rivaroxaban, Xarelto®, and apixaban, Eliquis®) and have been approved for thromboprophylaxis after hip and knee replacement surgery and stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Moreover, rivaroxaban has been approved for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis, prevention of pulmonary embolism and anticoagulation after acute myocardial infarction. The direct FXa-inhibitor edoxaban (Lixiana®) expects approval for the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation in Germany in 2014. The half lives of all direct anticoagulants range between 8 and 17 hours. Dabigatran (Pradaxa®) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) are mainly excreted by the kidneys, apixaban (Eliquis®) by the liver (75%) and edoxaban (Lixiana®) by the kidneys (40%) and the faeces in 60%. Prior to surgery a shorter cessation is expected compared to the vitamin k antagonists phenprocoumon (Marcumar®, Falithrom®) and warfarin (Coumadin®). For acute bleedings caused by the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran (Pradaxa®) hemodialysis is recommended to eliminate the drug from the plasma. Due to the high protein binding the direkt FXa-inhibitors rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) and apixaban (Eliquis®) can not be hemodialysed. For edoxaban (Lixiana®) no data on elimination by renal replacement therapy are available. In case of life-threatening bleeding the replacement of a prothrombin complex preparation (PCC) containing the factors II, VII, IX and X and, second line, activated factor concentrates as recombinant factor VIIa or activated prothrombin complex preparations are recommended.

Die perioperative Gabe von Tranexamsäure. / The Perioperative Application of Tranexamic Acid.

The application of tranexamic acid (TXA) during endoprosthetic surgical procedures has significantly increased in recent years. Due its ability to reduce perioperative blood loss and avert the need for blood transfusions as well as wound drainage, TXA is becoming part of a 'standard practice'. However, TXA is currently not approved for the application during endoprosthetic procedures and therefore, a benefit-risk analysis should always be conducted. Prophylactic administration of TXA without prior patient consent is only justified if fibrinolytic bleeding is expected and there are no contraindications or relevant risk factors for thromboembolic complications. Respectively, no patient consent is required when a therapeutic dose of TXA is administered in the context of fibrinolytic bleeding. The following guidelines provide updated recommendations based on the current state of knowledge on TXA optimal timing, routes of administration and dosing regimen.

[The costs of preoperative anemia in hip joint revision surgery]. / Die Kosten der präoperativen Anämie bei Hüftgelenkrevisionsoperationen.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is highly prevalent in patients before hip joint revision surgery (HJRS) and is associated with an increased complication rate. This paper is the first to investigate costs, real diagnosis-related group (DRG) revenues and case coverage of preoperative anemia in elective HJRS. METHODS: Medical data, transfusions, costs, and revenues of all patients undergoing HJRS at two campuses of the Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin between 2010 and 2017 were used for subgroup analyses and linear regressions. RESULTS: Of 1187 patients included 354 (29.8%) showed preoperative anemia. A total of 565 (47.6%) patients were transfused with a clear predominance of anemic patients (72.6% vs. 37.0%, p < 0.001). Costs (12,318€ [9027;20,044€] vs. 8948€ [7501;11,339€], p < 0.001) and revenues (11,788€ [8992;16,298€] vs. 9611€ [8332;10,719€], p < 0.001) were higher for preoperatively anemic patients and the coverage was deficient (-1170€ [-4467;1238€] vs. 591€ [-1441;2103€], p < 0.001). In anemic patients, case contribution margins decreased with increasing transfusion rates (p ≤ 0.001). Comorbidities had no significant economic impact. CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia and perioperative transfusions in HJRS are associated with increased treatment costs and a financial undercoverage for healthcare providers and health insurance companies. Concepts for the treatment of preoperative anemia (e.g. patient blood management) could reduce treatment costs in the medium term.

[Emergency caesarean section and interdisciplinary emergency concepts for the delivery room - "What to do if it is urgent?"]. / Notsectio und interdisziplinäre Notfallkonzepte im Kreißsaal - "Und wenn es schnell gehen soll?"

Resolute and rapid action in obstetric emergencies is essential for the child and/or maternal survival. Therefore emergency caesarean section and the emergency actions for peripartal haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, fetal bradycardia, hypertension and embolism should be interdisciplinarily coordinated. Interdisciplinary emergency concepts for the major complications could help to optimise their therapy taking structural conditions and legal requirements into account. Emergency concepts should include the alarm- procedure, communication, logistics, the priority steps in therapy as well as the analysis of the passed obstetric emergency. A regular interdisciplinary training of the major obstetric emergencies may help to avoid unnecessary loss of time.