Early Goal-Directed Hemostatic Therapy for Severe Acute Bleeding Management in the Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Review.

This is a narrative review of the published evidence for bleeding management in critically ill patients in different clinical settings in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to describe "The Ten Steps" approach to early goal-directed hemostatic therapy (EGDHT) using point-of-care testing (POCT), coagulation factor concentrates, and hemostatic drugs, according to the individual needs of each patient. We searched National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE for publications relevant to management of critical ill bleeding patients in different settings in the ICU. Bibliographies of included articles were also searched to identify additional relevant studies. English-language systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials, observational studies, and case reports were reviewed. Data related to study methodology, patient population, bleeding management strategy, and clinical outcomes were qualitatively evaluated. According to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, EGDHT guided by viscoelastic testing (VET) has been associated with a reduction in transfusion utilization, improved morbidity and outcome in patients with active bleeding. Furthermore, literature data showed an increased risk of severe adverse events and poor clinical outcomes with inappropriate prophylactic uses of blood components to correct altered conventional coagulation tests (CCTs). Finally, prospective, randomized, controlled trials point to the role of goal-directed fibrinogen substitution to reduce bleeding and the amount of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion with the potential to decrease mortality. In conclusion, severe acute bleeding management in the ICU is still a major challenge for intensive care physicians. The organized and sequential approach to the bleeding patient, guided by POCT allows for rapid and effective bleeding control, through the rational use of blood components and hemostatic drugs, since VET can identify specific coagulation disorders in real time, guiding hemostatic therapy with coagulation factor concentrates and hemostatic drugs with individual goals.

Efficacy/effectiveness and safety of emicizumab prophylaxis of people with hemophilia A: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emicizumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for prophylaxis against bleeds for people with hemophilia A (PwHA). A systematic review was conducted evaluating the efficacy/effectiveness and the safety of emicizumab as prophylaxis for PwHA compared to prophylaxis with factor VIII (FVIII) or bypassing agents (BPA), respectively in patients without and with inhibitors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Database-directed search strategies were performed in Aug/26/2022 and updated in Mar/16/2023. Studies evaluating the prophylaxis with emicizumab versus prophylaxis with FVIII or BPA in PwHA without or with inhibitors, respectively, were selected by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Annualized bleeding rates for total treated bleeding events (ABR-all) were evaluated by meta-analysis. The quality of studies and certainty of evidence were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included. The standard mean differences for ABR-all were -0.6 (95%CI -1.0 to -0.2, p-value = 0.0002), among PwHA without inhibitors, and -1.7 (95%CI -2.4 to -0.9, p-value <0.00001), among PwHA with inhibitors. However, there was moderate heterogeneity in both meta-analyses. The most frequent adverse event was injection site reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Emicizumab prophylaxis was superior in reducing the ABR-all when compared with prophylaxis with FVIII or BPA.

Comparison between two different local hemostatic methods for dental extractions in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy: a within-person, single-blind, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) provides additional risk reduction of ischemic events compared to aspirin monotherapy, at cost of higher bleeding risk. There are few data comparing new techniques for reducing bleeding after dental extractions in these patients. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effectiveness of the HemCon Dental Dressing (HDD) compared to oxidized cellulose gauze. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized study included 60 patients on DAPT who required at least two dental extractions (120 procedures). Each surgical site was randomized to HDD or oxidized regenerated cellulose gauze as the local hemostatic method. Intra-oral bleeding time was measured immediately after the dental extraction and represents our main endpoint for comparison of both hemostatic agents. Prolonged bleeding, platelet reactivity measured by Multiplate Analyser (ADPtest and ASPItest) and tissue healing comparison after 7 days were also investigated. RESULTS: Intra-oral bleeding time was lower in HDD compared with control (2 [2-5] vs. 5 [2-8] minutes, P=0.001). Prolonged postoperative bleeding was observed in 7 cases (11.6%), all of them successfully managed with local sterile gauze pressure. More HDD treated sites presented better healing when compared with control sites [21 (36.8%) vs. 5 (8.8%), P=0.03]. There was poor correlation between platelet reactivity and intra-oral bleeding time. CONCLUSIONS: In patients on DAPT, HDD resulted in a lower intra-oral bleeding time compared to oxidized cellulose gauze after dental extractions. Moreover, HDD also seems to improve healing conditions.

Long-term prophylaxis: what are our options and how to define success?

Currently, we are at an enviable place in hemophilia treatment. Although full prophylaxis with standard half-life recombinant or plasma-derived factor concentrates has been definitively shown to be inadequate for full protection against bleeding and arthropathy, a number of novel therapies with improved hemostatic enhancement are clinically available or in promising clinical trials. In order to compare outcomes among a number of very efficacious therapies, it is necessary to have sensitive tools employed in long-term follow-up for several years for participants with no or minimal joint disease. The tool kit must be comprehensive, with outcomes of bleeding, factor level restoration or hemostatic capacity, joint structure, joint function, pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. This article reviews the history of prophylaxis, the promise of emerging therapies, and the sensitive tools used to assess long-term efficacy for joint structure and function.

Eltrombopag para purpura trombocitopénica inmune / Eltrombopag for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PROBLEMA DE SALUD PURPURA TROMBOCITOPÉNICA INMUNE: La trombocitopenia inmune primaria o púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática (PTI) es una condición autoinmune usualmente benigna caracterizada por el aumento de la destrucción plaquetaria y la subóptima producción plaquetaria. Está definida como la presencia de plaquetas disminuidas y ausencia de otras causas de trombocitopenia. Esta condición se considera poco frecuente con una incidencia estimada anual entre 50-100 casos por millón de personas a nivel mundial (5 -10 x 100,000). Las manifestaciones clínicas de la PTI son variables, y puede ir desde casos asintomáticos, hasta sangrado de las mucosas, o incluso hemorragias desde cualquier sitio corporal. Para llegar al diagnóstico de PTI se debe cumplir los siguientes criterios: Trombocitopenia (recuento plaquetario menor a 100 x 109/L); ausencia de enfermedad infecciosa aguda concomitante (mononucleosis, hepatitis, etc.); y ausencia de patología sistémica de base (lupus eritematoso sistémico, síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirido, linfoma, entre otras). En caso de que la PTI se asocie a alguna patología reconocible será secundaria a dicha enfermedad (5, 6). Nueve por ciento de los pacientes adultos puede tener una remisión espontánea (por lo general en los primeros 3-6 meses tras el diagnostico) y entre un 3 - 15% desarrollará una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica en los siguientes años. El riesgo de hemorragia se encuentra asociado a recuentos de plaquetas inferiores a 30 x 109/I y es mayor en pacientes de edad avanzada. El objetivo del tratamiento es inducir el aumento plaquetario y reducir el riesgo de sangrado. Son plausibles de tratamiento aquellos pacientes con recuentos plaquetários ¬¬¬¬ menor ou igual a 30 x 109/L. TRATAMIENTO ACTUAL/ COMPARADOR: El comparador es considerado como el procedimiento con mayor probabilidad de ser reemplazado en la práctica clínica de la intervención solicitada Eltrombopag, para lo cual el comparador actual son los mejores cuidados de soporte en tercera línea. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas Pubmed: (Criterios de búsqueda y términos MeSH) Se filtró la búsqueda a Estudios Clínicos fase III, controlados randomizados, Revisiones Sistemáticas, Metaanálisis, Guías de Práctica Clínica, además se limitó la búsqueda estudios en humanos. También se realizó búsqueda manual en otras bases de datos bibliográficas (Cochrane, NIH, TRIP DATABASE), en buscadores genéricos de internet, agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y financiadores de salud. Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas, meta-análisis, estudios clínicos aleatorizados y controlados, guías de práctica clínica, evaluaciones de tecnología sanitaria, evaluaciones económicas y políticas de cobertura de otros sistemas de salud. CONCLUSIONES: Eficacia: Eltrombopag ha demostrado ser eficaz incrementando los recuentos de plaquetas en pacientes diagnosticados de PTI refractarios a otros tratamientos tanto en los estudios pivótales como en estudios de extensión, pero este resultado se ha estudiado frente a placebo y aun no existen estudios que lo comparen frente a otros tratamientos activos. Además, Ninguno de los estudios incluyó la supervivencia general, por tanto, no es posible confirmar si los agonistas de receptores de TPO ayudan a prolongar la vida. El efecto de Eltrombopag sobre la incidencia de sangrado no está claro. Se ha estudiado de cómo una variable secundaria y de forma ambigua ya que no se ha estimado según la gravedad del sangrado. Por lo anterior Eltrombopag solo se recomienda como una opción para el tratamiento de la trombocitopenia idiopática crónica en adultos si la condición es refractaria a los tratamientos activos y terapias de rescate y se tiene enfermedad severa con un alto riesgo de sangrado que necesita frecuentes terapias de rescate. Seguridad: En cuanto a la seguridad, el tratamiento con Eltrombopag no presentó diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de eventos adversos severos y totales, incluso con una ligera ventaja respecto a placebo por lo que se considera con un perfil de seguridad aceptable. Los resultados de calidad de vida no fueron concordantes entre los estudios Conveniencia: Eltrombopag posee mejor adecuación dada su administración por vía oral, pero presenta potenciales interacciones con otros fármacos de uso habitual. Respecto al manejo, la fase inicial de ajuste de dosis requiere un estrecho seguimiento de los pacientes, para aumento o disminución de esta respecto a la respuesta plaquetaria. Costo: El tratamiento con Eltrombopag presenta un importante impacto económico para el hospital por lo que se deberían seleccionar los pacientes que más se beneficiarían del tratamiento.

Immune complications and their management in inherited and acquired bleeding disorders.

Disorders of coagulation, resulting in serious risks for bleeding, may be caused by autoantibody formation or by mutations in genes encoding coagulation factors. In the latter case, antidrug antibodies (ADAs) may form against the clotting factor protein drugs used in replacement therapy, as is well documented in the treatment of the X-linked disease hemophilia. Such neutralizing antibodies against factors VIII or IX substantially complicate treatment. Autoantibody formation against factor VIII leads to acquired hemophilia. Although rare, antibody formation may occur in the treatment of other clotting factor deficiencies (eg, against von Willebrand factor [VWF]). The main strategies that have emerged to address these immune responses include (1) clinical immune tolerance induction (ITI) protocols; (2) immune suppression therapies (ISTs); and (3) the development of drugs that can improve hemostasis while bypassing the antibodies against coagulation factors altogether (some of these nonfactor therapies/NFTs are antibody-based, but they are distinct from traditional immunotherapy as they do not target the immune system). Choice of immune or alternative therapy and criteria for selection of a specific regimen for inherited and autoimmune bleeding disorders are explained. ITI serves as an important proof of principle that antigen-specific immune tolerance can be achieved in humans through repeated antigen administration, even in the absence of immune suppression. Finally, novel immunotherapy approaches that are still in the preclinical phase, such as cellular (for instance, regulatory T cell [Treg]) immunotherapies, gene therapy, and oral antigen administration, are discussed.

Experimental Evaluation of Chitosan Membrane and Collagen Sponge (TachoSil®) as Sealants in Cardiovascular Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study are to experimentally evaluate the haemostatic effects of two organic substances, a membrane of chitosan and a collagen sponge coated with thrombin and human fibrinogen (TachoSil®), in sealing 7-0 needle stitches holes on the femoral arteries of rats as well as to evaluate local histological reactions. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were included, and four holes were made in each common femoral artery. In the control group, haemostasis was achieved only by compression with gauze sponge; and in the two other groups, haemostasis was achieved with application of one of these two substances. RESULTS: Membrane of chitosan and TachoSil® showed a power to reduce the time to achieve haemostasis compared with the control group (P=0.001), and the haemostatic effects of these two substances were comparable. There was lower blood loss in the groups where these two substances were used when compared with the control group, but no difference was found comparing the two substances. CONCLUSION: The use of these sealants did not promote more adhesion or local histological reactions when compared to the control group. Since chitosan is easy to find in nature, has a positive effect to promote haemostasis, and did not bring considerable local reactions, it might be used as a sealant in cardiovascular surgery.

Ovarian function following use of various hemostatic techniques during treatment for unilateral endometrioma: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of hemostatic techniques (bipolar energy versus hemostatic sealants versus suture) on the ovarian reserve of patients submitted to laparoscopic cystectomy for the surgical excision of unilateral endometrioma. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial conducted in a teaching hospital included 84 patients with unilateral endometrioma. The patients underwent laparoscopic stripping for excision of the unilateral endometrioma between March 2018 and February 2020. Three different hemostatic techniques-bipolar energy (Group 1), hemostatic sealants (Group 2), and suture (Group 3)-were compared. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured before, and 1 and 6 months after surgery to determine changes in ovarian function. RESULTS: Following surgery, AMH levels decreased in all the groups; however, this decrease was not statistically significant. Comparison between groups showed no statistically significant differences in AMH levels between the three hemostatic techniques used. Six months after surgery, median AMH levels were: 1.65 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 0.62-2.08 ng/mL) in Group 1, 1.87 ng/mL (IQR 1.27-2.97 ng/mL) in Group 2, and 1.53 ng/mL (IQR 1.18-2.44 ng/mL) in Group 3. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that there is no difference between the different hemostatic techniques used in laparoscopic cystectomy for the treatment of unilateral endometriomas. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03430609. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03430609.

Eficacia de los agentes hemostáticos para el control de hemorragias externas en sanidad militar / Effectiveness of hemostatic agents to control external bleeding in military health

Introducción: Es creciente el uso de nuevos agentes hemostáticos para controlar la hemorragia en entornos militares. Objetivos: Sintetizar y analizar la evidencia disponible sobre la eficacia de diferentes agentes hemostáticos utilizados en ambientes tácticos, transportados por los combatientes del ejército. Desarrollo: Se realizó una revisión narrativa de artículos publicados en inglés y español, en las bases de datos Medline (PubMed), Cochrane, Web of Science y en revistas, protocolos, libros y manuales del ámbito de urgencias y emergencias en el campo de batalla, que analizaron el fenómeno de estudio y cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Tras la búsqueda y selección de los estudios, 7 artículos fueron incluidos en la síntesis narrativa. En los estudios se utilizaron los siguientes agentes hemostáticos QuikClot®, HemCon®, Celox® y el ChitoGauze HemCon®; en la mayoría de los estudios, los agentes hemostáticos tuvieron una eficacia superior al 88 por ciento para detener, disminuir y controlar la hemorragia externa en víctimas de combate, sobre todo en zonas de unión (articulaciones) y para reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad. Solo QuikClot® tuvo efectos secundarios negativos, al provocar quemaduras. El correcto manejo de los agentes hemostáticos requiere de formación previa, lo que evita errores de administración. Conclusiones: Los agentes hemostáticos son eficaces para el abordaje de la hemorragia externa y aumentan la supervivencia en víctimas de combate. Es necesario formar a los profesionales para evitar errores en su manejo. Futuros estudios deben indagar cuál de estos agentes es más eficaz(AU)

Introduction: The use of new hemostatic agents to control hemorrhage in military environments is growing. Objectives: To synthesize and analyze the available evidence about the effectiveness of the different hemostatic agents utilized in tactical environments that are transported by army fighters. Development: A narrative review of articles published in English and Spanish, in Medline (PubMed), Cochrane and Web of Science, and magazines, protocols, books, and manuals in the field of emergency and battlefield emergencies, who analyzed the study phenomenon and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After searching and selecting the studies, 7 articles were included in the narrative synthesis. In the studies, the following hemostatic agents were used QuikClot®, HemCon®, Celox®, and ChitoGauze HemCon®, in most studies, hemostatic agents were more than 88 percent effective in stopping, reducing, and controlling external hemorrhage in combat victims, especially in union areas, also decreasing morbidity and mortality. Only QuikClot® had negative side effects causing burns. The correct handling of hemostatic agents requires prior training, which avoids administration mistakes. Conclusions: Hemostatic agents are effective for treating external hemorrhage in combat victims and increasing their survival. It is necessary to train professionals to avoid mistakes in their handling. Future studies should investigate which of these agents is more effective(AU)

Comparison of hemostatic efficacy of topical Ankaferd Blood Stopper on heparinized and nonheparinized rats in bleeding related to liver injury

Purpose: In this study, hemostatic efficacy of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), a new generation hemostatic agent, was compared in the presence of heparin effect. Methods: Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were divided into two main groups as heparinized and nonheparinized, and these two main groupswere divided into six subgroups as control, Surgicel and ABS (n = 8). Grade 2 liver injury was performed on rats as standard. All groups were compared in terms of weight, laceration surface area, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), bleeding time, bleeding amount, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, macroscopic and microscopic reactions to the agent used. Results: Whereas there was no statistically significant difference between weight, laceration surface area, PT, INR and preoperative Hb values in the heparinized and nonheparinized groups, postoperative Hb, bleeding time, bleeding amount and aPTT values were statistically different (p 0.05). In the heparin-hemostat interaction, the ABS group had the lowest bleeding in the heparinized group in terms of the amount of bleeding compared to the control and Surgicel groups (F = 0.764; p = 0.047). In macroscopic and microscopic comparison, there was no difference between the groups in terms of cell necrosis andfresh bleeding (p > 0.05), it was found that the Surgicel group had statistical significantly higher reaction scores (p < 0.05) than the other groups in terms of other parameters. Conclusions: Ankaferd Blood Stopper can be safely and effectively used in surgical practice and in patients with additional diseases requiring heparinization, since it causes minimal reaction in the liver and decreases the amount of bleeding especially in the heparinized group.(AU)

Intraoperative Hemostatic Management of a Cardiohepatic Transplant With Rotational Thromboelastometry: A Case Report.

Cardiohepatic transplantation represents a double hemostatic challenge. Given the absence of specific guidelines and current evidence, we designed a 5-step approach based on rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). A 60-year-old male patient with cirrhosis and myocarditis underwent a 9-hour transplantation. Bleeding occurred after weaning from extracorporeal circulation. Evidence of reduced clot strength triggered fibrinogen and platelet replacement therapy. During liver transplant, only hemoglobin optimization was necessary. In conclusion, hemostatic management protocols for cardiohepatic transplants should consider the specific coagulopathy mechanisms underlying each surgical phase. Because whole blood testing is essential for their diagnosis, we recommend using ROTEM for optimal coagulation management.

Treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding with hemostatic powder (TC-325): a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Hemostatic powder (TC-325) is a new tool for treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding that allows the treatment of large surfaces with active bleeding. The aim was to describe the initial success of TC-325 for the control of GI bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a multicenter cohort study with patients admitted to the endoscopy service for GI bleeding. A format was generated to standardize the information obtained in each center. It was determined whether this treatment had been used as a single therapy or as a combination therapy. Descriptive statistics with medians and ranges, or averages with SD according to distribution. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients with 104 endoscopic procedures were included. The median number of endoscopic procedures was 1 (1-3). In the first procedure, the initial success rate was 98.8% (n = 80), failure rate was 1.2% (n = 1), and rebleeding rate was 20% (n = 16). The majority of rebleeding cases occurred within the first 3 days (12/16, 75%). There was no association between rebleeding and etiology (malignant or benign; P = 0.6). In first procedure, 44 (54%) cases had monotherapy with TC-325 and 37 (46%) cases had a combined endoscopic therapy. There were no differences in initial success or rebleeding rates when TC-325 was used as monotherapy versus combined therapy (P = 0.7). The mortality rate was 4% (3/81). CONCLUSION: TC-325 is effective for achieving initial control of bleeding in patients with different GI etiologies. The rate of bleeding recurrence is considerable in both patients with benign and malignant etiology.

[Uso de etamsilato para reducir el sangrado posoperatorio y el índice de transfusión en la artroplastia total de cadera. Ensayo clínico controlado]. / Use of ethamsylate to reduce postoperative bleeding and transfusion index in total hip arthroplasty. A randomized clinical trial.

ANTECEDENTES: El sangrado secundario es una de las principales causas de morbilidad después de la cirugía. El etamsilato se ha utilizado con buenos resultados para disminuir el sangrado en diversas patologías, como metrorragias, sangrado intraventricular, prostatectomías, cirugías de catarata y amigdalectomías. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad del etamsilato para disminuir el sangrado en la cirugía de reemplazo total de cadera. MÉTODO: La población se dividió en dos grupos. En el grupo control se realizó la hemostasia de manera convencional; en el grupo experimental se administró etamsilato. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 34 pacientes, de los cuales 17 fueron aleatorizados al grupo de etamsilato y 17 al grupo control. No hubo diferencias en las características de la población entre los dos grupos. Al comparar los valores de hemoglobina preoperatoria y a las 24, 48 y 72 horas posquirúrgicas entre ambos grupos, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Tampoco hubo diferencia en el hematocrito ni en la cuantificación del gasto por drenaje a las 24 y 48 horas. Hubo tres pacientes transfundidos en el grupo de etamsilato y siete en el grupo de control, lo cual no difirió significativamente (p = 0.62). CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio no se demostró un efecto sobre la reducción de la hemorragia en pacientes sometidos a reemplazo total de cadera con el uso de etamsilato. BACKGROUND: Secondary bleeding is one of the leading causes of morbidity after the surgery. Ethamsylate has been used with good results to decrease bleeding in various pathologies such as metrorrhagia, intraventricular bleeding, prostatectomies, cataract surgeries and tonsillectomies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the hemostatic agent ethamsylate to decrease bleeding in total hip replacement surgery. METHOD: The population were divided into two groups, in the control group was performed the hemostasis conventionally; in the experimental group ethamsylate was administered. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included, of whom 17 were randomized to the group of ethamsylate and 17 randomized to the control group. There were no differences in the characteristics of the population between the two groups. Comparing preoperative hemoglobin levels and at 24, 48 and 72 postsurgical hours between the control group and ethamsylate group there was no statistically significant difference. There was also no difference in the levels of hematocrit. In the quantification of expenditure by the drainage there was no difference between the groups at 24 and 48 hours. There were three patients transfused in the ethamsylate group and seven in the control group, which did not differ significantly (p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: An effect on the reduction of bleeding in patients undergoing total hip replacement with the use of hemostatic agent ethamsylate was not demonstrated in this study.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SURGICAL HEMOSTATIC SPONGES IN LIVER INJURY: STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining effective hemostasis either in the traumatic or surgical lesions of parenchymal viscera, especially the liver, has always been a challenge. AIM: Comparative study between the use of different hemostatic sponges in hepatic wound and their capacity of integration to cells in a short period. METHODS: Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Through laparotomy a standardized wound in hepatic right lobe was made. The animals were treated with three sponges, being gelatin in group I, equine collagen in group II, and oxidized cellulose in group III. The hemostatic capacity was analysed. On the 7º day after surgery samples for histology analysis (H&E and picrosirius) were collected for inflammatory evaluation and collagen quantification (types I and III) with polarized microscopy. RESULTS: All materials used had similar haemostatic effects, with no significant difference in hemostasis time. In the assessment of tissue repair and adhesions provoked, as well as analysis of the inflammatory process, the gelatin sponge presented greater inflammation and adhesions to the contiguous structures to the procedure in relation to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Animals which had their wounds treated with collagen and regenerated cellulose sponges presented better results in relationship to the ones treated with gelatin sponge.

Thromboelastometry profile in critically ill patients: A single-center, retrospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion therapy is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and costs. Conventional coagulation tests (CCT) are weak bleeding predictors, poorly reflecting coagulation in vivo. Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) provides early identification of coagulation disorders and can guide transfusion therapy by goals, reducing blood components transfusion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe coagulation profile of critically ill patients using ROTEM and evaluate the association between CCT and thromboelastometry. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted in medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to ICU between November 2012 and December 2014, in whom ROTEM analyses were performed for bleeding management were included in this study. The first ROTEM and CCT after ICU admission were recorded simultaneously. Additionally, we collected data on blood components transfusion and hemostatic agents immediately after laboratory tests results. RESULTS: The study included 531 patients. Most ROTEM tests showed normal coagulation profile [INTEM (54.8%), EXTEM (54.1%) and FIBTEM (53.3%)] with divergent results in relation to CCT: low platelet count (51.8% in INTEM and 55.9% in EXTEM); prolonged aPTT (69.9% in INTEM and 63.7% in EXTEM) and higher INR (23.8% in INTEM and 27.4% in EXTEM). However 16,7% of patients with normocoagulability in ROTEM received platelet concentrates and 10% fresh frozen plasma. CONCLUSION: The predominant ROTEM profile observed in this sample of critically ill patients was normal. In contrast, CCT suggested coagulopathy leading to a possibly unnecessary allogenic blood component transfusion. ROTEM test may avoid inappropriate allogeneic blood products transfusion in these patients.

Tranexamic acid as a local hemostasis method after dental extraction in patients on warfarin: a randomized controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The present work is a controlled, blinded, and randomized clinical trial comparing hemostatic measures for the control of post-tooth extraction hemorrhage in patients on anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 37 patients (37.8% male and 62.2% female) with a mean age of 45.5 years. After randomization, 20 patients were allocated to the control group (conventional hemostasis measures) and 17 to the study group (addition of local tranexamic acid). All variables that could influence the outcome were similar between the groups and no significant difference was seen (p > 0.05). RESULTS: In the assessment of immediate hemostasis, for the control group, the time to achieve cessation of bleeding was 9.1 (± 3.6) minutes. For the study group this was much lower, and this difference (6.018 / confidence interval of 95%, 4.677 to 7.359) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In evaluating the control of intermediate hemorrhage, the use of tranexamic acid was more significantly associated with the absence of bleeding, especially in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thus, this measure of local hemostasis in topical form with gauze compression and irrigation was shown to be more effective in reducing the time to attain immediate hemostasis, and in preventing intermediate hemorrhage.