A systematic review of thromboelastography utilization in vascular and endovascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Thromboelastography (TEG) is diagnostic modality that analyzes real-time blood coagulation parameters. Clinically, TEG primarily allows for directed blood component resuscitation among patients with acute blood loss and coagulopathy. The utilization of TEG has been widely adopted in among other surgical specialties; however, its use in vascular surgery is less prominent. We aimed to provide an up-to-date review of TEG utilization in vascular and endovascular surgery. METHODS: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature review with the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "TEG and arterial events", "TEG and vascular surgery", "TEG and vascular", "TEG and endovascular surgery", "TEG and endovascular", "TEG and peripheral artery disease", "TEG and prediction of arterial events", "TEG and prediction of complications ", "TEG and prediction of thrombosis", "TEG and prediction of amputation", and "TEG and amputation" was performed in Cochrane and PubMed databases to identify all peer-reviewed studies of TEG utilization in vascular surgery, written between 2000 and 2021 in the English language. The free-text and MeSH subheadings search terms included diagnosis, complications, physiopathology, surgery, mortality, and therapy to further restrict the articles. Studies were excluded if they were not in humans or pertaining to vascular or endovascular surgery. Additionally, case reports and studies with limited information regarding TEG utilization were excluded. Each study was independently reviewed by two researchers to assess for eligibility. RESULTS: Of the 262 studies identified through the MeSH strategy, 15 studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed and summarized. Literature on TEG utilization in vascular surgery spanned cerebrovascular disease (n = 3), peripheral arterial disease (n = 3), arteriovenous malformations (n = 1), venous thromboembolic events (n = 7), and perioperative bleeding and transfusion (n = 1). In cerebrovascular disease, TEG may predict the presence and stability of carotid plaques, analyze platelet function before carotid stenting, and compare efficacy of antiplatelet therapy after stent deployment. In peripheral arterial disease, TEG has been used to predict disease severity and analyze the impact of contrast on coagulation parameters. In venous disease, TEG may predict hypercoagulability and thromboembolic events among various patient populations. Finally, TEG can be utilized in the postoperative setting to predict hemorrhage and transfusion requirements. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides an up-to-date summarization of TEG utilization in multiple facets of vascular and endovascular surgery.

Platelet Depletion after Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Endovascular Repair is Associated with Clinically Relevant Hemorrhagic Complications.

BACKGROUND: Thoraco-abdominal endovascular aortic repair (TA-EVAR) can be associated with platelet depletion (PD); the present study aims to evaluate PD incidence after TA-EVAR and to investigate its possible predictors and its influence on hemorrhagic complications and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all TA-EVAR from 2010 to 2021 was performed to identify patients with PD, (reduction > 60%). Spontaneous hemorrhages considered were: intracranial or any hemorrhages requiring surgery. Risk factors for PD, correlation with hemorrhagic complications and 30-day mortality were investigated by uni/multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 158 TA-EVAR were considered, 35(22%) female, 86(54%) extended thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) (Crawford type I, II, III), 79(50%) staged procedure, 31(20%) urgent treatment (symptomatic/ruptured). PD was identified in 42 (27%) patients and correlated to female sex, thrombus-free aortic lumen > 50mm, urgent treatment, extensive TAAA, blood transfusion >3 units and staged procedure at the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis confirmed a significant correlation between PD and thrombus-free aortic lumen > 50mm, urgent treatment, blood transfusion > 3 units and staged procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-7.0), P = 0.04, OR 3.2 (95% CI 1.01-8.6), P= 0.03, OR 3.16 (95% CI 1.23-7.7), P = 0.03 and OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.2-6.2), P= 0.04, respectively). Overall, 13 hemorrhagic complications occurred (8 intracranial and 5 peripheral); PD was associated with higher risk of hemorrhagic complications (9/42 - 21% vs. 4/116 - 3%, OR: 7.6 [95% CI: 2.2-26.3], P= 0.001) and a higher risk of 30-day mortality in elective cases 4/25 - 16% vs. 3/101 - 3%, OR: 6.2 (95% CI: 1.3-29.8), P= 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: PD is a relatively common event after TA-EVAR and is associated with thrombus-free aortic lumen > 50mm, urgent treatment, blood transfusion > 3 units and staged procedure. Hemorrhagic complications and mortality are increased under these circumstances.

Impact of Platelet Count on Perioperative Bleeding in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing Surgical Treatments of Liver Cancer.

In patients with cirrhosis with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count [PC] <50 × 109 /L) and undergoing invasive procedures, it is common clinical practice to increase the PC with platelet transfusions or thrombopoietin receptor agonists to reduce the risk of major periprocedural bleeding. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between native PC and perioperative bleeding in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgical procedures for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We retrospectively evaluated 996 patients with cirrhosis between 1996 and 2018 who underwent surgical treatments of HCC by liver resection (LR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) without prophylactic platelet transfusions. Patients were allocated to the following three groups based on PC: high (>100 × 109 /L), intermediate (51-100 × 109 /L), and low (≤50 × 109 /L). PC was also analyzed as a continuous covariate on multivariable analysis. The primary endpoint was major perioperative bleeding. The overall event rate of major perioperative bleeding was 8.9% and was not found to differ significantly between the high, intermediate, and low platelet groups (8.1% vs. 10.2% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.48). On multivariable analysis, greater age, aspartate aminotransferase, lower hemoglobin, and treatment with LR (vs. RFA) were found to be significant independent predictors of major perioperative bleeding, with associations with disease etiology and year of surgery also observed. After adjusting for these factors, the association between PC and major perioperative bleeding remained nonsignificant. Conclusion: Major perioperative bleeding was not significantly associated with PC in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgical treatment of HCC, even when their PC was <50 × 109 /L. With the limit of a retrospective analysis, our data do not support the recommendation of increasing PC in patients with severe thrombocytopenia in order to decrease their perioperative bleeding risk.

Baseline mean platelet volume is a strong predictor of major and life-threatening bleedings after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has important prognostic implications. This study sought to evaluate the impact of baseline mean platelet volume (MPV) on bleeding events after TAVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients undergoing TAVR between February 2010 and May 2019 were included. Low MPV (L-MPV) was defined as MPV ≤10 fL and high MPV (H-MPV) as MPV >10 fL. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major/life-threatening bleeding complications (MLBCs) at one-year follow-up. Among 1,111 patients, 398 (35.8%) had L-MPV and 713 (64.2%) had H-MPV. The rate of MLBCs at 1 year was higher in L-MPV patients compared with H-MPV patients (22.9% vs. 17.7% respectively, p = 0.034). L-MPV was associated with vascular access-site complications (36.2% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.012), early (<30 days) major bleeding (15.6% vs. 9.4%, p<0.01) and red blood cell transfusion >2 units (23.9% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.01). No impact of baseline MPV on overall death, cardiovascular death and ischemic events (myocardial infarction and stroke) was evidenced. Multivariate analysis using Fine and Gray model identified preprocedural hemoglobin (sHR 0.84, 95%CI [0.75-0.93], p = 0.001), preprocedural L-MPV (sHR 1.64, 95%CI [1.16-2.32], p = 0.005) and closure time adenosine diphosphate post-TAVR (sHR 2.71, 95%CI [1.87-3.95], p<0.001) as predictors of MLBCs. CONCLUSIONS: Preprocedural MPV was identified as an independent predictor of MLBCs one year after TAVR, regardless of the extent of platelet inhibition and primary hemostasis disorders.

The Efficacy of Chitosan Hemostatic Pad on Hemostatic Function in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chitin is a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide that can promote wound healing and stop bleeding. This paper investigates the effects of the addition of a chitin hemostatic patch on the time to arterial hemostasis, bleeding time, and reduction of the risk of bleeding and hematoma in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. METHODS: Databases were searched for published clinical studies. The subjects were patients who received cardiac catheterization and had a chitin hemostatic patch added at the site of arterial puncture, while the control group received routine hemostatic treatment. The research quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, version 2.0, and the meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan software. RESULTS: After searching literature databases, five randomized controlled trials were retrieved and included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that adding a chitin hemostatic patch could shorten the time to arterial hemostasis in patients, who received cardiac catheterization (Std. Mean Difference, -0.58; P < .001). In the subgroup analysis, the grouped effect of the chitin hemostatic patch on the bleeding time showed that the bleeding time was not significantly shortened after adding a chitin hemostatic patch in patients in the experimental group (RR, 0.78). At the same time, this measure did not significantly reduce the risk of arterial bleeding (RR, 0.49) or hematoma (RR, 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the meta-analysis showed that adding a chitin hemostatic patch at the site of arterial puncture in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization significantly reduced the time to hemostasis, but did not significantly reduce the incidence of bleeding and hematoma.

Prognostic value of haemoglobin drop in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of in-hospital haemoglobin drop in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing invasive therapy remains insufficiently investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study included 3838 patients with ACS with admission and in-hospital nadir haemoglobin values available. Haemoglobin drop was defined as a positive difference between admission and nadir haemoglobin values. The primary endpoint was one-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS: In-hospital haemoglobin drop occurred in 3142 patients (82%). Patients were categorized into 4 groups: no haemoglobin drop (n = 696 patients), <3 g/dl haemoglobin drop (n = 2703 patients), 3 to <5 g/dl haemoglobin drop (n = 344 patients) and ≥5 g/dl haemoglobin drop (n = 95 patients). The primary endpoint occurred in 156 patients: 17 patients (2.5%) in the group with no haemoglobin drop, 81 patients (3.0%) in the group with <3g/dl haemoglobin drop, 37 patients (10.9%) in the group with 3 to <5 g/dl haemoglobin drop and 21 patients (22.2%) in the group with ≥5 g/dl haemoglobin (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.45; p < .001 for one g/dl haemoglobin drop). The association of haemoglobin drop with one-year mortality remained significant after exclusion of patients with in-hospital overt bleeding (adjusted HR = 1.27 [1.11-1.46]; p < .001 for one g/dl haemoglobin drop). The lowest haemoglobin drop associated with mortality was 1.23 g/dl in all patients (HR = 1.03 [1.02-1.04]) and 1.13 g/dl in patients without overt bleeding (HR = 1.03 [1.01-1.04]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, in-hospital haemoglobin drop was associated with higher risk of one-year mortality even in the absence of overt bleeding.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of systemic and topical intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid in primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent used to reduce bleeding in major surgical procedures. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the systemic and topical intra-articular administration of TXA in total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Patients (N = 123) scheduled for primary unilateral THA were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group; TXA, systemic, repeated 1 g bolus; TXA, topically intra-articularly, 2 g in 50 mL saline. Primary readouts used were intra- and postoperative bleeding, transfusion requirement, postoperative hemoglobin levels and complications. RESULTS: Both systemic and topical intra-articular TXA administrations decreased bleeding and transfusion requirements. Topical intra-articular use of TXA led to the reduction in intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and affected hemoglobin levels compared with control. Systemic administration of TXA led to a significant reduction of postoperative bleeding and transfusion rate compared with control and was not different in efficacy and complication incidence when compared to topical administration of TXA. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in THA is an effective and safe concept in practice. The dose of 2 g TXA topically intra-articularly and a repeated bolus of 1 g TXA systematic led to lower intra- and postoperative bleeding and a significantly lower transfusion rate than the control group. Topical intra-articular TXA administration could be a reasonable alternative in high-risk patients.

Impact of ABO blood group on bleeding complications after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

Excessive bleeding is a serious complication associated with impaired survival after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Different ABO blood groups are associated with variable levels of circulating von Willebrand factor and therefore potentially altered risks of surgical haemorrhage. The current study aimed to assess the impact of blood group on bleeding complications after ATAAD surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study including 336 patients surgically treated for ATAAD between January 2004 and January 2019. Patients with blood group O were compared with non-O patients. In total, 152 blood group O patients were compared with 184 non-O patients. There were no differences in rates of massive bleeding (27.0 vs. 25.5%, P = 0.767) or re-exploration for bleeding (16.4 vs. 13.0%, P = 0.379) in blood group O and non-O patients, respectively. Median chest tube output 12 h after surgery was 520 ml (350-815 ml) in blood group O and 490 ml (278-703 ml) in non-O patients (P = 0.229). Blood group O patients received more fibrinogen concentrate (6.1 ±â€Š4.0 vs. 4.9 ±â€Š3.3 g, P = 0.023) but administered units of packed red blood cells [5 (2-8) vs. 4 (2-9) U, P = 0.736], platelets [4 (2-4) vs. 3 (2-5) U, P = 0.521] or plasma [4 (1-7) vs. 4 (0-7) U, P = 0.562] were similar. This study could not demonstrate any association between blood group and bleeding after surgery for ATAAD. It cannot be ruled out that potential differences were levelled out by blood group O patients receiving significantly more fibrinogen concentrate.

Viscoelastic testing to assess the effects of rapid fibrinogen concentrate administration after cardiopulmonary bypass: insights from the REPLACE study.

Haemorrhage during and following surgery results in increased morbidity and mortality. Low plasma fibrinogen levels have been associated with increased blood loss and transfusion requirements. Fibrinogen supplementation has been shown to reduce bleeding in coagulopathic patients. This post hoc study evaluated fibrinogen repletion and pharmacokinetic data from the REPLACE study. One hundred and fifty-two adult patients undergoing elective aortic surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with defined bleeding of 60-250 g at first 5 min bleeding mass were included in the phase III trial. Patients were randomized to receive either fibrinogen concentrate (FCH) or placebo following CPB removal. Plasma fibrinogen levels and viscoelastic testing parameters (ROTEM-based FIBTEM and EXTEM assays) were measured before, during, and after study treatment administration. A mean dose of 6.3 g FCH was administered in the FCH group, with a median infusion duration of 2 min. Immediately following completion of FCH administration, a rapid increase in plasma fibrinogen levels to near baseline (median change from baseline -0.10 g/l) was seen in the FCH group but not in the placebo group (median change from baseline -1.29 g/l). FCH administration also caused an immediate increase in FIBTEM maximum clot firmness (MCF) to 23 mm and improvements in EXTEM coagulation time and clot formation time by the end of infusion. There was a strong correlation between the plasma fibrinogen level and FIBTEM MCF. Treatment with high doses of FCH with a rapid infusion time resulted in immediate recovery to baseline levels of plasma fibrinogen and viscoelastic testing parameters.

Plasma D-dimer and FDP are promising biomarkers to predict perioperative fibrinolysis and bleeding following primary total joint arthroplasty: A STROBE compliant article.

ABSTRACT: Perioperative bleeding is associated with postoperative hyperfibrinolysis caused by surgical trauma in the setting of total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/ TKA). The study aimed to clarify the dynamics of postoperative fibrinolytic activity and the values of fibrin degeneration products and thromboelastography (TEG) to guide precisive antifibrinolytic therapy.Forty three patients undergoing primary unilateral THAs and 40 TKAs were included to the prospective observational cohort study. Venous blood sample at different time points (preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours) were drawn to test D-dimer, fibrin (-ogen) degradation products (FDP) and TEG.The TEG parameters associated with coagulation (R, K, α, MA, and CI) and fibrinolysis (estimate percent lysis and Ly30) were all in normal range although had a higher level than preoperative time (P < .05). The postoperative levels of D-dimer and FDP were higher than preoperative level (P < .05). The dynamics of D-dimer and FDP presented a bimodal pattern, which peaked at 6 hours postoperatively, then remained and decreased until 24 hours, but would rebound at 48 hours postoperatively with smaller amplitude. Moreover, FDP6h (P = .028), D-Dimer6h (P = .044), FDP12h (P = .009), D-dimer12h (P = .007), and FDP48h (P = .016) were all correlated with total blood loss on POD3.FDP and D-dimer were effective and practical markers for prediction of acute postoperative fibrinolytic activity, which peaked at 6 hours after end of surgery and would maintain for at least 24 hours.

Incidence and risk factors for major bleeding among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Findings from the Norwegian Coronary Stent Trial (NORSTENT).

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding is a concern after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and subsequent dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We herein report the incidence and risk factors for major bleeding in the Norwegian Coronary Stent Trial (NORSTENT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: NORSTENT was a randomized, double blind, pragmatic trial among patients with acute coronary syndrome or stable coronary disease undergoing PCI during 2008-11. The patients (N = 9,013) were randomized to receive either a drug-eluting stent or a bare-metal stent, and were treated with at least nine months of DAPT. The patients were followed for a median of five years, with Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3-5 major bleeding as one of the safety endpoints. We estimated cumulative incidence of major bleeding by a competing risks model and risk factors through cause-specific Cox models. RESULTS: The 12-month cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 2.3%. Independent risk factors for major bleeding were chronic kidney disease, low bodyweight (< 60 kilograms), diabetes mellitus, and advanced age (> 80 years). A myocardial infarction (MI) or PCI during follow-up increased the risk of major bleeding (HR = 1.67, 95% CI 1-29-2.15). CONCLUSIONS: The 12-month cumulative incidence of major bleeding in NORSTENT was higher than reported in previous, explanatory trials. This analysis strengthens the role of chronic kidney disease, advanced age, and low bodyweight as risk factors for major bleeding among patients receiving DAPT after PCI. The presence of diabetes mellitus or recurrent MI among patients is furthermore a signal of increased bleeding risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Unique identifier NCT00811772; http://www.clinicaltrial.gov.

Creatine kinase and bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The association between elevated creatine kinase (CK) and bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains incompletely investigated. We undertook this study to assess whether there is an association between elevated CK activity and the risk for bleeding in contemporary patients with ACS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This post hoc analysis of a randomized trial included 3368 patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. CK was measured serially in all patients until hospital discharge. The main outcome was 30-day incidence of major bleeding (type 3 to 5 bleeding according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria). RESULTS: Patients were categorized in groups according to the peak CK tertiles: 1st tertile (CK ≤259 U/L; n = 1127 patients), 2nd tertile (CK ≥260 to 990 U/L; n = 1119 patients), and 3rd tertile (CK ≥ 991 U/L; n = 1122 patients). Peak CK activity was higher in patients with bleeding than those without bleeding (771 [316-1845] U/L vs. 496 [190-1357] U/L; P <.001). Bleeding occurred in 26 patients (2.3%) with peak CK within 1st tertile, 39 patients (3.5%) with peak CK within 2nd tertile, and 54 patients (4.8%) with peak CK within 3rd tertile (univariable hazard ratio [HR]=1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 1.81, P =.012, per tertile increment in CK values). After adjustment, peak CK activity remained significantly associated with the 30-day bleeding (HR = 1.67 [1.16-2.41]; P =.006 per unit increment in logarithmic CK values). The C statistic of the multivariable model with CK activity was 0.807 [0.770-0.842]. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, peak CK activity was independently associated with increased 30-day incidence of bleeding.

Cardiopulmonary bypass-induced coagulopathy in pediatric patients: The role of platelets in postoperative bleeding. A preliminary study.

Pediatric patients are particularly prone to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced coagulopathy mainly due to hemodilution, consumption of coagulation factors and hypothermia. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible role of platelet count and function as it relates to the bleeding risk after CPB in the pediatric population. All consecutive patients (age <13 years) scheduled for elective cardiac surgery between January 2019 and November 2019 were retrospectively considered for the study. We gathered demographic characteristics, perioperative laboratory data (mainly platelet count and function), transfusion requirements, and blood loss for each patient. Patients with a chest tube output during the first 24 hours after surgery >75th percentile were bleeders (cases). Controls were nonbleeders. A total of 31 patients were enrolled [median age 17 (4-57) months]. A significant postoperative reduction in platelet count (P < .001) and function either in ADP-test (P < .001), TRAP-test (P < .001) and ASPI-test (P < .001) was found, with positive correlations between chest tube output within the first 24 hours after surgery and postoperative impairment of platelet count (R = 0.553, P = .001), ADP-test (R = 0.543, P = .001), TRAP-test (R = 0.627, P < .001) and ASPI-test (R = 0.436, P = .014). Eight children (26%) experienced major postoperative bleeding. Bleeders were significantly younger (P = .015) and underwent longer CPB duration (P = .015). Despite no significant differences in postoperative platelet count and function between cases and controls, the postoperative reduction (Δ) in platelet count (P = .002) and function in ADP-test (P = .007), TRAP-test (P = .020) and ASPI-test (P = .042) was significantly greater in bleeders vs. nonbleeders. A ΔPLT >262 500 ×109 /L, a ΔADP-test >29 U, a ΔTRAP-test >44 U and a ΔASPI-test >26 U showed to be predictive of major postoperative bleeding. Postoperative bleeding in children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB was linked to younger age, longer CPB duration, and significant postoperative reduction in platelet count and function. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and define strategies to reduce postoperative bleeding in these patients.

Blood Substitutes and Oxygen Therapeutics: A Review.

Despite the exhaustive search for an acceptable substitute to erythrocyte transfusion, neither chemical-based products such as perfluorocarbons nor hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers have succeeded in providing a reasonable alternative to allogeneic blood transfusion. However, there remain scenarios in which blood transfusion is not an option, due to patient's religious beliefs, inability to find adequately cross-matched erythrocytes, or in remote locations. In these situations, artificial oxygen carriers may provide a mortality benefit for patients with severe, life-threatening anemia. This article provides an up-to-date review of the history and development, clinical trials, new technology, and current standing of artificial oxygen carriers as an alternative to transfusion when blood is not an option.

The feasibility of multiple-tract mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy as an overnight surgery for the treatment of complex kidney stones.

To demonstrate the feasibility of applying multiple-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as an overnight surgery for treatment of complex kidney stones. We reviewed a prospectively collected database of all multiple-tract PCNL planned as overnight surgery performed by a single surgeon since 2018. A clinical pathway including the removal of nephrostomy tube and discharge on the morning after surgery was carried out. A definition for tube removal was outlined. Ability to adhere to the pathway and achieving the described parameters and whether any resulting complications occurred were determined. A total of 136 consecutive patients were enrolled with mean stone burden of 960.5 mm2 and 5.1 cm. Mean operative time was 71.7 ± 30.7 min. The average hemoglobin drop was 17.6 ± 12.2 g/L, and the incidence of drop > 25 g/L was 21.9%. Overall, 125 patients (91.9%) but 11 patients were discharge on postoperative day 1. One case required readmission. Among the 11 patients, 7 patients (5.1%) underwent a delayed tube removal (≥ 2 days) and 4 patients underwent complications after next-day nephrostomy tube removal, including renal colic (2 cases), hydrothorax (1 case), and fever (1 case). Postoperative fever or severe hematuria was the major reason for delayed nephrostomy tube removal. The total complication rate was 8.8% (n = 12). Multiple-tract PCNL as an overnight surgery can be safely performed by experienced surgeons in most patients. An early nephrostomy tube removal could be achieved in nearly 95% patients.

Impact of vascular abnormality on contrast-enhanced CT and high C-reactive protein levels on postoperative pancreatic hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A multi-institutional, retrospective analysis of 590 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: /Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of CT findings and perioperative characteristics to predict post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH): a critical complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: The records of 590 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at three institutes between 2012 and 2018 were included. The presence of a vascular wall abnormality or ascites with high density (vascular abnormality) on postoperative day (POD) 5-10 contrast-enhanced CT (early CT), perioperative characteristics, and any PPH or pseudoaneurysm formation (PPH events) were analyzed through a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: PPH events occurred in 48 out of 590 patients (8%). The vascular abnormality on early CT and the C-reactive protein (CRP) value on POD 3 were independent risk factors for PPH events after POD5 (vascular abnormality: odds ratio 6.42, p = 0.001; CRP on POD 3: odds ratio 1.17, p = 0.016). The sensitivity of vascular abnormality for PPH events was 24% (7/29), and the positive predictive value was 30% (7/23). The combination of vascular abnormality and a high CRP value (≥15.5 mg/dL) on postoperative day 3 had a higher positive predictive value of 64% (7/11) than the vascular abnormality alone. None of the seven PPH events that occurred more than one month after surgery were foreseen via early CT. CONCLUSION: The combination of vascular abnormality and high CRP value was associated with increasing risk of PPH events after pancreaticoduodenectomy, but the low sensitivity of early CT must be noted as an important shortcoming. The normal findings on early CT could not eliminate the risk of late PPH.

Decreased hemoglobin as a quantifiable indicator of renal arterial embolization in post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy hemorrhage.

To determine quantifiable indicators for post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) renal arterial embolization. A total of 2043 patients who underwent PCNL from September 2012 to March 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Post-operative hemorrhage patients were extracted and divided into two groups according to treatment methods (conservative methods or super-selective renal arterial embolization [SRAE]). Demographic characteristics and hemorrhage outcomes were compared between the two groups by univariable analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to reveal the association between hemorrhage outcome factors and SRAE. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to determine the optimized cut-off value for SRAE. We identified 71 patients who had post-PCNL hemorrhage. Seventeen and 54 patients comprised the SRAE and conservative groups, respectively. No significant differences in demographic characteristics were found between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed that the differences in decreased hemoglobin (Hb), hemorrhage types, and transfusion were significant between the two groups (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the decreased Hb was closely associated with the risk of SRAE. The ROC curve showed that an adjusted Hb decrease of 3.45 g/dL was an optimum indicator (AUC = 0.925). Decreased Hb is an indicator for SRAE after PCNL. When the adjusted decrease in Hb is ≥ 3.45 g/dL, SRAE should be performed regardless of the manifestations of hemorrhage.

Viscoelastic testing in pediatric patients.

A tailored transfusion algorithm based on viscoelastic testing in the perioperative period or in trauma patients is recommended by guidelines for bleeding management. Bleeding management strategies in neonates and children are mostly extrapolated from the adult experience, as published evidence in the youngest age group is scarce. This manuscript is intended to give a structured overview of what has been published on the use of viscoelastic testing to guide bleeding management in neonates and children. Several devices that use either the traditional viscoelastic method or resonance viscoelastography technology are on the market. Reference ranges for children have been evaluated in only some of them. As most of the hemostasis maturation processes can be observed during the first year of life, adult reference ranges for viscoelastic testing could be applied over the age of 1 year. The majority of the published trials in children are based on retrospective analyses describing the correlation between viscoelastic testing and standard laboratory testing or focusing on the prediction of bleeding. Clinically more relevant studies in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery have demonstrated that the implementation of a transfusion algorithm based on viscoelastic testing has significantly reduced transfusion requirements and that this approach has enabled a rapid detection of coagulation disorders in the presence of excessive bleeding. Although further studies are urgently needed, experts have reviewed the use of a transfusion algorithm based on viscoelastic testing in children as a feasible approach, as it has been shown to improve bleeding management and rationalize blood product transfusion.

Is tranexamic acid effective on hidden blood loss in patients during total knee arthroplasty?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate if tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces both visible and hidden blood loss in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 128 female patients (mean age 68.9±5.8 years; range, 55 to 80 years) who underwent TKA and were admitted between January 2010 and January 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Only patients who had primary unilateral knee arthroplasty with a cemented posterior cruciate ligament substituting implant were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to TXA administration in the perioperative period. Group 1 consisted of patients who did not receive TXA (n=69), while Group 2 consisted of patients who received TXA (n=59). The effect of TXA on visible and hidden blood loss, amount of erythrocyte suspension transfusions, postoperative early wound complications, and the relationship between the volume of hidden blood loss and drainage volume were detected. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, body mass index, operation side, preoperative hematocrit (HCT) values, and total blood volume. Postoperative HCT values were statistically higher in Group 2. Fifty-four units of erythrocyte suspension transfusion were required in Group 1, while six units were required in Group 2 (p<0.001). Early wound complication was determined in 10 patients in Group 1 and only in one patient in Group 2 (p=0.011). Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, hidden blood loss, and total blood loss values were significantly lower in Group 2 (p=0.001). In all patients, there was a significant positive correlation between the postoperative drainage volume and the hidden blood loss volume (r=0.532, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of TXA in patients undergoing TKA reduces postoperative bleeding (visible and hidden blood loss), blood transfusion needs, and early wound complications. In addition, drainage volume in postoperative 24 hours can be used to estimate the amount of hidden blood loss in early postoperative period.

Viscoelastic testing in cardiac surgery.

Bleeding complications are common in cardiac surgery and lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. This is multifactorial in aetiology including the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, the drugs given to manipulate the coagulation system and the vascular nature of the surgery itself. Viscoelastic tests provide a point of care, rapid assessment of coagulation which offer the advantage of faster turnaround times and a nuanced view of the elements of the coagulation system allowing targeted therapy to be delivered quickly. Both thomboelastography (TEG)and thromboelastometry (ROTEM) have been recommended for use in cardiac surgery, both have shown a reduction in transfusion and bleeding when used as part of a testing algorithm. They are particularly useful in assessing residual heparinisation and fibrinogen levels. Additionally, TEG allows the evaluation of the effects of anti-platelet agents on platelet function. This review discusses the mechanisms by which bleeding occurs in cardiac surgery and explores three uses of viscoelastic testing in cardiac surgery: to predict bleeding, to assess platelet function and peri-operative testing to reduce transfusion.