Comparing modified Lee and White method against 20-minute whole blood clotting test as bedside coagulation screening test in snake envenomation victims

Abstract Background: Twenty-minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) and Modified Lee and White (MLW) method are the most routinely employed bedside tests for detecting coagulopathic snake envenomation. Our study compared the diagnostic utility of MLW and 20WBCT for snakebite victims at a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, South India. Methods: This single-center study recruited 267 patients admitted with snake bites. 20WBCT and MLW were performed simultaneously at admission along with the measurement of Prothrombin Time (PT). The diagnostic utility of 20WBCT and MLW was determined by comparing the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy at admission with an INR value > 1.4. Results: Out of 267 patients, 20 (7.5%) patients had VICC. Amongst those who had venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), MLW was prolonged for 17 patients, (Sn 85% 95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.1-96.0) whereas 20WBCT was abnormal for 11 patients (Sn 55%, 95% CI: 32.04-76.17). MLW and 20WBCT were falsely positive for the same patient (Sp 99.6%, 95% CI: 97.4-99.9%). Conclusion: MLW is more sensitive than 20WBCT to detect coagulopathy at the bedside amongst snakebite victims. However, further studies are necessary for standardizing bedside coagulation tests in snakebite cases.

Anesthesia strategy for factor X deficiency coagulopathy: case report

Abstract Factor X deficiency ranks among the rarest coagulopathies and has a variable presentation spectrum. We intend to present a proposal for anesthesia protocol for individuals with the coagulopathy. The excision of an ovarian neoplasm was proposed for a 26-year-old, female, ASA II patient, with congenital Factor X deficiency. Physical examination and lab tests were normal, except for Prothrombin Time (PT) 22.1s (VR: 8-14s), International Normalized Ratio (INR) 1.99 (VR: 0.8-1.2) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) 41.4s (VR: 25-37s). We concluded that a history of bleeding should always be investigated, along with a pre-anesthetic coagulation study.

Estandarización del índice internacional normalizado en pacientes pre-quirúrgicos del Hospital San Juan de Dios de Cuenca / Standarization of the Internacional Normalized Index in pre-surgical patients at Hospital San Juan de Dios of Cuenca / Padronização do Índice Normalizado Internacional em pacientes pré-cirúrgicos do Hospital San Juan de Dios em Cuenca

El índice internacional normalizado (INR, por sus siglas en inglés), es un tipo de cálculo matemático que se basa en las pruebas de tiempo de protrombina. La seguridad y eficacia de la terapia dependen del efecto anticoagulante que reciban dentro del margen terapéutico fijado por el médico en base al estudio de sus tiempos de coagulación, específicamente expresado como el intervalo de INR. Establecer los rangos de referencia del INR aplicado en resultados obtenidos en pacientes del sexo masculino y femenino en edades entre los 18 hasta 60 años de edad en el Hospital San Juan de Dios de Cuenca, durante los meses de enero a junio del año 2021. Los datos fueron recopilados de 699 pacientes que acudieron a consulta externa del Hospital San Juan de Dios de Cuenca del área de hematología, que incluyen valores de tiempo de tromboplastina y su referente INR en base al ISI establecido en el reactivo emitido por el fabricante. Se establecieron los valores normales de INR los cuales varían en referencia al sexo del paciente. Para el sexo masculino valores con límite inferior 0,82 y límite superior 1,16; para el sexo femenino con límite inferior de 0,51 y el límite superior de 1,51. Los valores de INR tienen variaciones de acuerdo al sexo siendo los valores de hombres mas altos en relación al de las mujeres en el rango inferiores, Evidentemente los factores influyentes van en relación del sexo, edad, dieta y sobretodo la genética del paciente.

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a type of mathematical calculation based on prothrombin time testing. The safety and efficacy of therapy depend on the anticoagulant effect they receive within the therapeutic range set by the physician based on the study of their clotting times, specifically expressed as the INR range. To establish the reference ranges of the INR applied in results obtained in male and female patients between 18 and 60 years of age at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Cuenca, during the months of January to June 2021. The data were collected from 699 patients who attended the outpatient clinic of the Hospital San Juan de Dios de Cuenca in the hematology area, including thromboplastin time values and their INR referent based on the ISI established in the reagent issued by the manufacturer. Normal INR values were established, which vary according to the patient's sex. For the male sex values with a lower limit of 0.82 and an upper limit of 1.16; for the female sex with a lower limit of 0.51 and an upper limit of 1.51. The INR values vary according to sex, with the values for men being higher in relation to those for women in the lower range. Evidently, the influencing factors are related to sex, age, diet and above all the patient's genetics.

A Relação Internacional Normalizada (INR) é um tipo de cálculo matemático baseado em testes de tempo de protrombina. A segurança e eficácia da terapia depende do efeito anticoagulante que recebem dentro da faixa terapêutica estabelecida pelo médico com base no estudo de seus tempos de coagulação, expressa especificamente como a faixa INR. Estabelecer as faixas de referência do INR aplicadas em resultados obtidos em pacientes do sexo masculino e feminino com idade entre 18 e 60 anos no Hospital San Juan de Dios em Cuenca, durante os meses de janeiro a junho de 2021. Os dados foram coletados de 699 pacientes que compareceram ao ambulatório do Hospital San Juan de Dios de Cuenca na área de hematologia, incluindo os valores de tempo de tromboplastina e sua referência INR baseada no ISI estabelecido no reagente emitido pelo fabricante. Foram estabelecidos valores normais de INR, que variam de acordo com o sexo do paciente. Para o sexo masculino, com um limite inferior de 0,82 e um limite superior de 1,16; para o sexo feminino, com um limite inferior de 0,51 e um limite superior de 1,51. Os valores de INR variam de acordo com o sexo, sendo os valores para os homens maiores em relação àqueles para as mulheres na faixa inferior. Evidentemente, os fatores de influência estão relacionados ao sexo, idade, dieta e, acima de tudo, à genética do paciente.

The relationship between homocysteine, coagulation dysfunction and breast cancer risk / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the correlation of homocysteine (HCY) and coagulation function index with the risk of breast cancer and its clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: The HCY, coagulation function test index, and clinicopathological information of female breast cancer patients (333 cases) treated in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 were collected, and female patients with benign breast (225 cases) were selected during the same period for the control group. The t-test was used to compare measurement data with normal distribution, D-Dimer data were distributed discreetly and described by median, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups. The chi-square test was used to compare enumeration data, and the Logistic regression analysis was used for the risk analysis. Results: The levels of HCY, fibrinogen (Fbg), protein C (PC), and median D-Dimer (D-D) in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients group [(13.26±5.24) μmol/L, (2.61±0.83) g/L, (117.55±19.67)%, and 269.68 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the control group [(11.58±0.69) μmol/L, (2.49±0.49) g/L, (113.42±19.82)% and 246.98 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The prothrombin time (PT), PT(INR), α2-antiplasmin (α2-AP) levels [(10.19±0.63) s, 0.91±0.07 and (110.64±13.93)%, respectively] were lower than those in the control group [(10.58±0.65) s, 0.93±0.01 and (123.81±14.77) %, P<0.05]. The serum levels of PC and median D-D in premenopausal breast cancer patients [(112.57±17.86)% and 242.01 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the control group [(105.31±22.31)% and 214.75 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of PT(INR), α2-AP [0.91±0.07 and (111.29±12.54)%, respectively] were lower than those of the control group[0.98±0.15 and (120.17±16.35)%, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of HCY and median D-D in postmenopausal breast cancer patients [(14.25±5.76) μmol/L and 347.53 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in the control group [(11.67±2.38) μmol/L and 328.28 ng/ml, P<0.05]. The levels of PT, PT(INR), antithrombin Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ), α2-AP levels [(10.18±0.66) s, 0.87±0.09, (97.30±12.84)% and (110.13±14.96)%] were lower than those in the control group [(10.38±0.61) s, 0.90±0.08, (102.89±9.12)%, and (127.05±12.38)%, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of α2-AP and median D-D in T2-4 stage breast cancer patients [(111.69±14.41)% and 289.25 ng/ml, respectively] were higher than those in Tis-1 stage patients [(108.05±12.37)% and 253.49 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of PT, PT (INR), Fbg, AT-Ⅲ, α2-AP, median D-D [(10.62±0.63) s, 0.95±0.06, (3.04±1.52) g/L, (103.21±9.45)%, (118.72±14.77)% and 331.33 ng/ml, respectively] in breast cancer patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those of patients without lymph node metastasis [(10.42±0.58) s, 0.93±0.06, (2.52±0.54) g/L, (95.20±13.63)%, (106.91±13.13)% and 263.38 ng/ml, respectively, P<0.05]. In non-menopausal breast cancer patients, the level of HCY [(12.63±4.41) μmol/L] in patients with T2-4 stage was higher than that of patients with Tis-1 stage [(10.70±3.49) μmol/L, P=0.010], and the level of thrombin time [(19.35±0.90) s] of patients with T2-4 stage was lower than that of patients with Tis-1 stage [(19.79±1.23) s, P=0.015]. The levels of PT(INR), Fbg, AT-Ⅲ, α2-AP [0.97±0.56, (3.37±2.34) g/L, (102.38±8.77)% and (120.95±14.06)%] in patients with lymph node metastasis were higher than those of patients without lymph node metastasis [0.94±0.05, (2.36±0.48) g/L, (94.56±14.37)% and (109.51±11.46)%, respectively, P<0.05]. Among postmenopausal breast cancer patients, the levels of AT-Ⅲ and α2-AP in T2-4 stage patients [(98.48±11.80)% and (111.84±15.35)%, respectively] were higher than those in patients with the Tis-1 stage [(94.12±14.98)% and (105.49±12.89)%, respectively, P<0.05]. The levels of AT-Ⅲ and α2-AP in N1-3 stage patients [(103.74±9.94)% and (117.29±15.23)%] were higher than those in N0 stage patients [(95.75±13.01)% and (108.39±14.42)%, P<0.05]. Conclusions: HCY and abnormal coagulation function are related to the risk of breast cancer, T stage and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time reference intervals in dogs, by gender and age group using the Start®4 (Stago) / Intervalos de referência para o tempo de protrombina e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada no cão de acordo com a idade e o gênero utilizando o Start ® 4 (Stago)

Prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are useful tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of coagulation disorders in Veterinary Medicine. Our objectives were: to establish reference intervals (RI) for PT and a PTT for the dog using the Start®4 (Stago), to compare the obtained RI with literature; to evaluate the effects of gender and age on the coagulation profile. Plasma samples of 122 healthy dogs (57 males; 65 females) aged between 4 months and 18 years, divided into three age groups (0-2 years old; 3-10 years old; > 10 years old) and grouped in to males and females were analysed. The RI were estimated following the ASVCP guidelines with the Reference Value Advisor software. The RI were: PT 6.7'' to 10.8''; aPTT 9.0'' to 14.8''. PT was significantly higher in females than in males. Dogs aged 10 years or older have significantly higher mean aPTT times than younger dogs. RI comparison showed a considerable percentage of cases outside the reference RI of the literature (PT - 79.3%; aPTT - 77.1%), demonstrating the need of each laboratory to calculate its own RI. The RI established in this study are applicable for the coagulation profile assessment in dogs.

O tempo de protrombina (TP) e o tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPa) são ferramentas úteis para o diagnóstico e monitorização das alterações da coagulação em Medicina Veterinária. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: estabelecer intervalos de referência (IR) para TP e TTPa para o cão utilizando o Start®4 (Stago), de modo a comparar os IR obtidos com a literatura; avaliar os efeitos do sexo e da idade no perfil da coagulação. Foram usadas amostras de plasma de 122 cães saudáveis (57 machos; 65 fêmeas) com idades entre quatro meses e 18 anos, divididos em três grupos (0-2 anos; 3-10 anos; > 10 anos) e agrupados em machos e fêmeas. Os IR foram calculados seguindo as diretrizes da ASVCP com o software Reference Value Advisor. Os IR obtidos foram: PT 6,7 '' a 10,8 ''; TTPa 9,0 '' a 14,8 ''. O TP foi significativamente maior nas fêmeas do que nos machos. Os cães com 10 anos ou mais apresentaram tempos médios de TTPa significativamente maiores do que cães mais jovens. A comparação de IR mostrou uma percentagem considerável de casos fora do IR de referência da literatura (TP - 79,3%; TTPa - 77,1%), confirmando a necessidade de cada laboratório calcular seu próprio IR. Os IR estabelecidos neste estudo são aplicáveis na avaliação do perfil hemostático em cães.

Atrial Fibrillation and Use of Rivaroxaban: Performance of the Prothrombin Time / INR as a Function of Time After Blood Collection

Abstract Background Traditionally, the most effective therapy in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been oral anticoagulation with vitamin K inhibitors, particularly warfarin, whose disadvantages and adverse effects have led to their replacement by "direct oral anticoagulants", as factor X inhibitor. Objectives This study aimed to conduct a brief approach on atrial fibrillation (AF) and use of Rivaroxaban, and to comparatively evaluate the prothrombin time / International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) in patients with AF in use of this oral anticoagulant, depending on the time elapsed between the last administration of the drug and the time of blood sample venipuncture. Methods We evaluated 34 patients with AF in use of Rivaroxaban by using PT / INR, distributed into a subgroup with blood collection time ≤ 12 hours (n = 7) and > 12 hours after the last drug intake (n = 27). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the groups and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results An analysis as a function of time between the Rivaroxaban intake and blood collection, revealed that PT / INR suffers the greatest effect up to 12 hours after ingestion of the drug, dropping to levels close to normal in subsequent hours before the next dose. Conclusion We concluded that, in contrast to warfarin, the knowledge of the time interval between drug intake and blood collection from patients taking Rivaroxaban is essential to properly interpret a laboratory test to assess hemostasis, particularly PT and its derivatives. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Coagulation Indexes and Their Prognostic Significance in Patients with Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the relationship between coagulation indexes and prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).@*METHODS@#A total of 99 newly diagnosed MM patients treated in Gansu Provincial Hospital from October 2017 to October 2019 were enrolled. Plasma thromboplastin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer (D-D), platelet (PLT), and other laboratory indexes were detected. The relationship between coagulation indexes and clinical characteristics of MM patients was analyzed. The differences in survival rates among MM patients with different levels of coagulation indexes were compared, and the effect of each clinical index on the prognosis of MM patients was analyzed by univariate and multivariate.@*RESULTS@#Each coagulation index was correlated to sex, disease classification and stage, and β@*CONCLUSION@#Coagulation function is correlated with multiple clinical indicators of patients with MM and plays an important role in their prognosis.

Utilidad del tiempo de protrombina y el tiempo parcial de tromboplastina activada en la valoración preoperatoria de la hemostasia en pediatría / Usefulness of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time in the preoperative assessment of hemostasis in pediatrics

Para evaluar la hemostasia preoperatoriamente una historia clínica y examen físico dirigidos están indicados, siendo el uso de pruebas de coagulación recomendados solo cuando existe alguna indicación, y no de rutina; OBJETIVO: el presente estudio pretende conocer la utilidad del TP y APTT en la valoración preoperatorio de coagulopatías en cirugías programadas menores y ambulatorias. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional en un hospital quirúrgico terciario; seleccionamos pacientes sometidos a procedimientos menores y ambulatorio, excluyendo aquellos con comorbilidades, riesgo quirúrgico de sangrado alto o con medicación que interfiera con la coagulación. RESULTADOS: se reclutaron 69 pacientes, se aplicó la historia clínica y el examen físico dirigido identificando 1 paciente sospechoso de trastorno de coagulación (posteriormente descartado); Se realizaron 218 exámenes complementarios: 69 rutinarios (TP, APTT, hemograma) y 149 no rutinarios (Indicados de forma arbitraria), obteniendo valores medios en rangos normales y no pudiendo identificar o descartar trastornos de coagulación con ellos, pero observando un 21% (15 casos) resultados anormales, lo que adicionalmente ocasiono conductas para confirmar o corregir estos valores, que van desde repetir la prueba a transfundir hemoderivados; generando un costo promedio global de 102 Bs. por paciente, sin un beneficio o cambio en la conducta clínica o quirúrgica, CONCLUSIÓN: el estudio estableció que las pruebas rutinarias de screening preoperatorio tienen poca utilidad y son poco costo-beneficiosas en la valoración de la hemostasia para procedimientos menores o ambulatorios, en comparación de una historia clínica y examen físico dirigido; siendo apropiada su indicación cuando existan hallazgos anormales en el examen físico e historia clínica o en base a enfermedades concomitantes.

To evaluate hemostasis preoperatively, a directed clinical history and physical examination are indicated, and the use of routine coagulation being recommended when there is some indication, and not routine; OBJECTIVE: the present study aims to know the usefulness of PT and APTT in the preoperative assessment of coagulopathies in scheduled minor and outpatient surgeries. METHODS: a prospective, observational study was conducted in a tertiary surgical hospital; We select patients undergoing minor and outpatient procedures, excluding those with comorbidities, surgical risk of high bleeding, or with medication that interferes with coagulation. RESULTS: 69 patients were recruited, the clinical history and the directed physical examination were applied, identifying 1 patient suspected of coagulation disorder (later discarded); 218 complementary tests were performed: 69 routine (PT, APTT, blood count) and 149 non-routine (arbitrarily indicated), obtaining mean values in normal ranges and not being able to identify or rule out coagulation disorders with them, but observing 21% ( 15 cases) abnormal results (false positives), which additionally led to behaviors to confirm or correct these values, ranging from repeating the test to transfusing blood products; generating a global average cost of 102 Bs. per patient, without a benefit or change in clinical or surgical behavior. CONCLUSION: the study established that routine preoperative screening tests have little utility and are little cost-beneficial in the assessment of the hemostasis for minor or outpatient procedures, compared to a history and directed physical examination; its indication being appropriate when there are abnormal findings in the physical examination and clinical history or based on concomitant diseases.

Effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in rats / Efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e complexo rocurônio-sugamadex sobre a coagulação em ratos

Abstract Background and objectives: Sugammadex is an alternative pharmacological drug capable of reversing neuromuscular blockades without the limitations that are presented by anticholinesterase drugs. Coagulation disorders that are related to treatment with sugammadex were reported. The exact mechanism of the effects on coagulation are not fully understood. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and the rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in an experimental model in rats. Methods: This is an experimental randomized animal study. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: the Control Group; the Ssal Group - 0.5 mL of intravenous saline; the Sugammadex Group - intravenous sugammadex (100 mg kg−1); and the Rocuronium-Sugammadex Group - intravenous solution with rocuronium (3.75 mg kg−1) and sugammadex (100 mg kg−1). Anesthesia was performed by using isoflurane with controlled ventilation. Coagulation factors were measured 10 minutes after the end of the preoperative preparation and 30 minutes after the administration of the drugs in accordance with the chosen groups. Results: Platelet counts, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times were similar between the groups and between the moments within each group. There were reductions in the plasma fibrinogen levels between sample times 1 and 2 in the Rocuronium-Sugammadex group (p = 0.035). Conclusions: The rocuronium-sugammadex complex promoted reductions in plasma fibrinogen counts, although the levels were still within normal limits.

Resumo Introdução e objetivos: O sugamadex é uma substância farmacológica alternativa capaz de reverter o bloqueio neuromuscular sem as limitações apresentadas pelos anticolinesterásicos. Entretanto, há relatos de transtornos de coagulação relacionados ao tratamento com sugamadex sem que mecanismos exatos de seus efeitos sobre a coagulação sejam totalmente compreendidos. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e do complexo rocurônio-sugamadex sobre a coagulação em um modelo experimental com ratos. Métodos: Este é um estudo randomizado experimental animal. Ratos Wistar foram aleatoriamente designados aos seguintes grupos: grupo controle; Grupo Ssal - 0,5 mL de solução salina intravenosa; Grupo sugamadex - sugamadex intravenoso (100 mg.kg-1); e Grupo rocurônio-sugamadex - solução intravenosa com rocurônio (3,75 mg.kg-1) e sugamadex (100 mg.kg-1). A anestesia foi realizada utilizando-se isoflurano com ventilação controlada. Os fatores de coagulação foram medidos 10 minutos após o final do preparo pré-operatório e 30 minutos após a administração de drogas de acordo com os grupos escolhidos. Resultados: Contagem de plaquetas, tempo de protrombina e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada foram semelhantes entre os grupos e entre os momentos dentro de cada grupo. Houve redução nos níveis de fibrinogênio plasmático entre os tempos 1 e 2 no grupo rocurônio-sugamadex (p = 0,035). Conclusões: O complexo rocurônio-sugamadex promoveu reduções na contagem de fibrinogênio plasmático, apesar de os níveis continuarem dentro dos limites normais.

Impact of Anticoagulation Intensity in Korean Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Is It Different from Western Population?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although anticoagulation with warfarin is recommended as an international normalized ratio (INR) of prothrombin time between 2.0 and 3.0 and mean time in the therapeutic range (TTR) ≥70%, little has been proven that universal criteria might be suitable in Korean atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.METHODS: We analyzed 710 patients with non-valvular AF who took warfarin. INR value and clinical outcomes were assessed during 2-year follow-up. Intensity of anticoagulation was assessed as mean INR value and TTR according to target INR range. Primary net-clinical outcome was defined as the composite of new-onset stroke and major bleeding. Secondary net-clinical outcome was defined as the composite of new-onset stroke, major bleeding and death.RESULTS: Thromboembolism was significantly decreased when mean INR was over 1.6. Major bleeding was significantly decreased when TTR was over 70% and mean INR was less than 2.6. Mean INR 1.6–2.6 significantly reduced thromboembolism (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.85), major bleeding (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.81), primary (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29–0.84) and secondary (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28–0.74) net-clinical outcomes, whereas mean INR 2.0–3.0 did not. Simultaneous satisfaction of mean INR 1.6–2.6 and TTR ≥70% was associated with significant risk reduction of major bleeding, primary and secondary net-clinical outcomes.CONCLUSIONS: Mean INR 1.6–2.6 was better than mean INR 2.0–3.0 for the prevention of thromboembolism and major bleeding. However, INR 1.6–2.6 and TTR ≥70% had similar clinical outcomes to INR 2.0–3.0 and TTR ≥70% in Korean patients with non-valvular AF.

Level of Coagulation Function Indexes and Its Clinical Significance in Patients with Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the level of coagulation function indexes in patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and its clinical significance.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 32 patients with initial LPL (LPL group) and physical examination data of 25 healthy persons (control group) who underwent physical examination in our hospital during the same period were collected. The differences of platelet (Plt), D-Dimer (D-D), fibrinogen (Fib), thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thrombin time (APTT) between the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The Plt count in LPL group [ (137.06±40.14)×10/L] was significantly lower than that in control group [ (215.07±33.25)×10/L], D-D [ (1.01±0.16) mg/L, PT [ (13.01±1.37) s] and APTT [ (40.96±7.24) s] in LPL group were significantly higher than those in control group [ (0.37±0.09) mg/L, (11.96±0.87) s, (25.07±5.13) s] (P＜0.01); there was no significant difference in TT and Fib levels between the two groups (P＞0.05). There was no significant difference in Plt, D-D, Fib, AP, TT and APTT among LPL patients secreting different types of immunoglobulin (Ig) (P＞0.05). After treatment, the coagulation function of LPL patients returned to normal, and no death cases occurred due to hemorrhage or thrombosis.@*CONCLUSION@#LPL patients have hypercoagulable state blood and abnormal coagulation function, but which not closely relates to with the type of Ig secreted by patients.

Clinical observation of 6 severe COVID-19 patients treated with plasma exchange or tocilizumab / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of plasma exchange and tocilizumab in treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#Six patients with severe COVID-19 admitted in First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 25 to February 25, 2020. Three patients were treated with plasma exchange and three patients were treated with tocilizumab. The effect on excessive inflammatory reaction of plasma exchange and tocilizumab was observed.@*RESULTS@#The C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased and the lymphocyte and prothrombin time were improved in 3 patients after treatment with plasma exchange; while inflammation level was not significantly decreased, and lymphocyte and prothrombin time did not improve in 3 patients treated with tocilizumab.@*CONCLUSIONS@#For severe COVID-19 patients with strong inflammatory reaction, plasma exchange may be preferred.

Clinical characteristics of 34 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit in Hangzhou, China / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

OBJECTIVE@#This study summarizes and compares clinical and laboratory characteristics of 34 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China from Jan. 22 to Mar. 5, 2020.@*METHODS@#A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups, including those who required noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with additional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in 11 patients. Clinical features of COVID-19 patients were described and the parameters of clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The rates of the acute cardiac and kidney complications were higher in IMV cases than those in NIV cases. Most patients had lymphocytopenia on admission, with lymphocyte levels dropping progressively on the following days, and the more severe lymphopenia developed in the IMV group. In both groups, T lymphocyte counts were below typical lower limit norms compared to B lymphocytes. On admission, both groups had higher than expected amounts of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), which over time declined more in NIV patients. The prothrombin time was increased and the levels of platelet, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and IL-6 were higher in IMV cases compared with NIV cases during hospitalization.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Data showed that the rates of complications, dynamics of lymphocytopenia, and changes in levels of platelet, hemoglobin, BUN, D-dimer, LDH and IL-6, and prothrombin time in these ICU patients were significantly different between IMV and NIV cases.

Association of vitamin D deficiency with clinical outcomes in critically ill Korean children

COVID-19 diagnosis in a patient with critical limb ischemia: complications and clinical outcomes / Diagnóstico de COVID-19 em paciente com isquemia crítica do membro: complicações e desfechos clínicos

Abstract A 67-year-old male diabetic patient with systemic arterial hypertension was admitted to the emergency department with a necrotic ulcer in the left external malleolus and no palpable popliteal or pedal pulses. Arterial Duplex ultrasound identified femoropopliteal occlusion, with popliteal refilling below the knee and a patent peroneal artery. An endovascular procedure was performed, requiring retrograde access to the popliteal artery to re-establish blood flow and deploy a popliteal stent. Technical success was achieved and the patient underwent debridement of the wound. Two days later, about 48 hours after the operation, the patient began to exhibit respiratory symptoms, with coughing and dyspnea. He immediately underwent a chest CT that identified ground glass opacities, the crazy-paving pattern, and bilateral air bronchogram in the lungs. A reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was positive for SARS-Cov-2. The patient was moved to an intensive care unit and put on mechanical ventilation. Both hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin were administered. Despite appropriate treatment, the patient died 4 days after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Resumo Paciente do sexo masculino, 67 anos, diabético, hipertenso, foi admitido no pronto-socorro com histórico de úlcera necrótica no maléolo externo esquerdo, sem pulsos poplíteos e distais palpáveis. A ultrassonografia Doppler arterial identificou oclusão femoropoplítea, com reenchimento da artéria poplítea infragenicular e perviedade da artéria fibular. Foi realizado procedimento endovascular, com necessidade de acesso retrógrado na artéria poplítea para restabelecer o fluxo sanguíneo e realizar implante de stent poplíteo. O sucesso técnico foi alcançado e, em seguida, o paciente foi submetido ao desbridamento da ferida. No segundo dia, cerca de 48 horas de pós-operatório, o paciente apresentou quadro respiratório com tosse e dispneia. Foi submetido a uma tomografia computadorizada do tórax, que identificou opacidades em vidro fosco e broncograma aéreo bilateralmente nos pulmões, com teste de reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivo para SARS-Cov-2. O paciente foi transferido para uma unidade de terapia intensiva, necessitando de ventilação mecânica. Recebeu hidroxicloroquina e azitromicina. Apesar do tratamento em suporte intensivo, o paciente morreu 4 dias após o diagnóstico de COVID-19.

Influência do tempo de centrifugação em testes de coagulação: tempo de protrombina e tempo de tromboplastina parcial / Influence of the centrifuge time in coagulation tests: prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time

Objetivo: Analisar os testes de coagulação: tempo de protrombina (TP) e tempo de tromboplastina parcial (TTP) em diferentes tempos de centrifugação da amostra da biológica, com relação ao protocolo padrão do Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Métodos: As amostras foram divididas em cinco alíquotas de 1 mL. Foi realizada a centrifugação em 15, 10, 5, 2 e 1 minuto, com velocidade de 1500 g. O TP e TTP foram imediatamente analisados em aparelho automatizado. Os plasmas foram analisados para presença de elementos residuais: eritrócitos, leucócitos e plaquetas. Resultados: Observou-se alteração dos valores do TP nos tempos de centrifugação 10, 5, 2 e 1 minuto e do TTP em 5, 2 e 1 minuto, com relação ao protocolo padrão. Na interpretação de Bland Altman, observou-se um viés significativo do limite clínico aceitável para o TP e para o TTP em todos os tempos de centrifugação, com relação ao protocolo padrão. Apenas no tempo de centrifugação de 15 minutos não foram encontradas células residuais nas amostras analisadas. Conclusão: O tempo de centrifugação de 15 minutos é o ideal para remoção completa das células sanguíneas residuais e para garantia da confiabilidade dos resultados dos testes de coagulação TP e TTP.

Objective: To analyze the coagulation tests: prothrombin test (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) in different centrifugation times of the sample, in relation to the standard protocol of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods: The selected samples were splitted up into five aliquots of 1 mL. Centrifugation of these aliquots was carried out at 15, 10, 5, 2 and 1 minute at 1500 g. The PT and PTT were analyzed in an automated apparatus. The plasmas were analyzed for presence of residual elements: erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. Results: The results showed a change in the values of PT at the 10, 5, 2 and 1 minute centrifugation times and the PTT at 5, 2 and 1 minutes, relative to the standard protocol. In the interpretation of Bland Altman, a significant bias of the acceptable clinical limit for TP and TTP at all centrifugation times was observed, relative to the standard protocol. Only in the 15 minute centrifugation time no residual cells were found in the analyzed samples. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the 15-minute centrifugation time is ideal for complete removal of residual blood cells and to ensure the reliability of the results of the PT and PTT coagulation

Association of coagulation profile with microvascular complications and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus - a study at a tertiary care center in Delhi

Abstract Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance, corresponds to approximately 90% of cases of diabetes worldwide. Hyperglycemia in diabetes contributes to hyperfibrinogenemia and activates the coagulation cascade thereby producing atherothrombotic events. Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the coagulation profile (activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and fibrinogen) in Type 2 diabetes and to analyze correlations between body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and duration of diabetes with coagulation parameters. Methods This study included 60 type 2 diabetics and 30 controls. Diabetic patients were grouped in two sets based on the presence or absence of microvascular complications. The demographic profile and clinical details were recorded. Fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, coagulation parameters such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen along with other biochemical parameters were investigated. Results There were statistically significant differences in the coagulation parameters between the two groups of diabetics (with and without complications). The present study also found significant correlations between age and the duration of diabetes with and without complications and coagulation parameters such as the activated partial thromboplastin time, which was found to be significantly lower, and fibrinogen, which was found to be significantly higher in subjects with complications compared to subjects without complications. Conclusion Clinical tests for prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen are relatively inexpensive and readily available. The present study shows that shortened prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and increased fibrinogen levels might be useful hemostatic markers in diabetic patients, especially in those at high-risk for thrombotic complications.

Comparative analysis of unperforated and perforated appendicitis in laboratory values of patients who visited emergency center

OBJECTIVE: Unperforated and perforated acute appendicitis need to be differentiated because appendicitis with a free perforation requires an emergency operation to prevent contamination inside the bowel from spreading into the peritoneal cavity. The sensitivity of imaging tests is not reliable enough alone for determining the existence of a perforation. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in laboratory values between unperforated and perforated acute appendicitis to help distinguish perforated acute appendicitis. METHODS: The laboratory values and demographic data of a total of 175 patients who visited the emergency room and were diagnosed with acute appendicitis were collected. The time elapsed from symptom presentation to the ER visit, length of admission, patient demographics, and laboratory values, including sex, age, leukocyte count, neutrophil %, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio (INR), serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total and direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were analyzed. RESULTS: The factors associated with appendix perforations were an elevated leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil %, CRP, serum glucose and total bilirubin; and delayed PT and INR. CONCLUSION: Acute appendicitis patients without definite imaging evidence of the perforation but with the laboratory values suggesting a perforation, such as elevated leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil %, CRP, serum glucose, and total bilirubin; and delayed PT, and INR should raise concern for a possible undiscovered perforation.

The comparison of desflurane and sevoflurane on postoperative hepatic function of infant with biliary atresia undergoing Kasai operation

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia is an extrahepatic progressive obliterate cholangiopathy that occurs in infants. Kasai procedure, a surgical method that can help re-establish bile flow from the liver into the intestine, is its first line treatment. Since infants with biliary atresia already have advanced hepatic dysfunction, all kinds of schemes should be considered to minimize further liver damage during surgery. The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative hepatic functions between the two commonly used inhalational anesthetics in infants undergoing the Kasai procedure (i.e., desflurane and sevoflurane). METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center, and parallel group study included 40 children undergoing Kasai procedure. They were randomly allocated to Group S (sevoflurane) or Group D (desflurane). All the patients were anesthetized with designated anesthetic agent with the end-tidal concentration of about 0.8–1 minimum alveolar concentration. Postoperative hepatic functions were assessed by aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, prothrombin time, and total bilirubin. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were selected for the study. In both groups, AST, ALT were increased in magnitude to the peak on postoperative day 0 and decreased to preoperative value at postoperative day 3. There were no significant differences between the groups in any laboratory results related to liver function. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane and desflurane, inhalation anesthetics for maintaining anesthesia used in infants undergoing the Kasai procedure, did not show any difference in preserving postoperative hepatic function.