Association Between Coagulation Function and Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) has an adverse effect on the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke, and it is currently known associated with coagulation system. But the conclusion is not consistent and remains to be identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between coagulation function and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation. METHODS: Patients within 7 days from the onset of ischemic stroke who did not receive reperfusion therapy (thrombolysis or endovascular treatment) were included between January 2016 and October 2017. Coagulation function indicators, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (FIB), were tested within 24 h after admission. HT was defined as hemorrhage presented on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) but not on baseline CT. We performed binary logistic regression to examine the association between coagulation function and HT. The coagulation indicators were entered into logistic regression analysis as continuous variables (per 1-unit/L increase) and four-categorized variables (with data collapsed into quartiles), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1141 patients were included (mean age, 64 ± 15 years; 63.7% males). 102 patients experienced HT (8.9%), of whom 14 patients experienced symptomatic HT (sHT, 1.2%). After adjustment for confounders, TT in the highest quartile is inversely associated with risk of HT (as continuous variable, odds ratio [OR] 0.85; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.73-0.99, P = 0.042; as four-categorized variable, OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18 - 0.7, P = 0.003). Whether as continuous variables or four-categorized variables, PT, INR, APTT and FIB had no association with HT. CONCLUSION: Not the whole process of coagulation function is associated with spontaneous HT. Prolonged TT, which may indicate an extension of the last step of the coagulation process, is independently and inversely associated with spontaneous HT in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Endogenous thrombin potential following hemostatic therapy with 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate: a 7-day observational study of trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Purified prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) is increasingly used as hemostatic therapy for trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). However, the impact of PCC administration on coagulation status among patients with TIC has not been adequately investigated. METHODS: In this observational, descriptive study, data relating to thrombin generation were obtained from plasma samples gathered prospectively from trauma patients upon emergency room (ER) admission and over the following 7 days. Standard coagulation tests, including measurement of antithrombin (AT) and fibrinogen, were performed. Three groups were investigated: patients receiving no coagulation therapy (NCT group), patients receiving fibrinogen concentrate only (FC group), and patients treated with PCC and fibrinogen concentrate (FC-PCC group). RESULTS: The study population (77 patients) was predominantly male (84.4%); mean age was 40 ± 15 years and mean injury severity score was 25.6 ± 12.7. There were no significant differences between the three study groups in thrombin-related parameters upon ER admission. Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was significantly higher in the FC-PCC group compared with the NCT group on days 1 to 4 and the FC group on days 1 to 3. AT levels were significantly lower in the FC-PCC group from admission until day 3 (versus FC group) or day 4 (versus NCT group). Fibrinogen increased over time, with no significant between-group differences after ER admission. Despite ETP being higher, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly prolonged in the FC-PCC group from admission until day 3 to 4. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with PCC increased ETP for several days, and patients receiving PCC therapy had low AT concentrations. These findings imply a potential pro-thrombotic state not reflected by standard coagulation tests. This is probably important given the postoperative acute phase increase in fibrinogen levels, although studies with clinical endpoints are needed to ascertain the implications for patient outcomes. We recommend careful use of PCC among trauma patients, with monitoring and potentially supplementation of AT.

Abscesos hepáticos: análisis retrospectivo de 68 casos / Liver abscess: retrospective review of 68 cases

Objetivos: Conocer las características clínicas y de las pruebas complementarias de pacientes con abscesos hepáticos (AH) y establecer factores pronósticos. Pacientes y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de AH en el Hospital Severo Ochoa, entre 1989 y 2005. Resultados: Se recogieron 68 pacientes: 39 hombres y 29 mujeres; incidencia: 26 casos/100.000 ingresos hospitalarios; edad (Me): 63 años. El origen fue: biliar (37%), portal (16%), por diseminación hematógena (7%), por inoculación directa (4%), desconocido (35%). La ecografía fue diagnóstica en 43% de casos y la tomografía computarizada en 57%. Los AH fueron mayores a 3 cm de diámetro en 62% de casos y en 28% fueron AH múltiples. Fueron positivos 71% de cultivos de pus y 52% de hemocultivos. Se aisló el germen causal en 73,5% de AH. Se realizó antibioterapia en 100% de pacientes, drenaje percutáneo en 56% y cirugía en 25%. Evolución: 13% de complicaciones, 9% de recidivas y 19% de mortalidad. Conclusiones: Cuadro clínico mal definido del AH. Factores asociados a complicaciones: enfermedad neurológica o tumoral abdominal, previas y AH múltiples. Factores asociados a mortalidad: índice de comorbilidad de Charlson corregido por la edad > 5, índice de Quick < 60% y aparición de complicaciones. Es necesario individualizar la indicación de drenaje en cada paciente

Objetive: To assess clinical and laboratory features of patients with liver abscesses (LA), and determine prognostic features. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients receiving a diagnosis of LA in the Hospital Severo Ochoa, between 1989-2005. Results: We were able to find 68 patients: 39 males and 29 females; the incidence amounts 26 cases/100,000 hospital admissions; mean age 63 years. A biliary source accounted for 37%, 16% were of portal origin, 7% were ascribed to hematogenous dissemination, 4% direct inoculation during a procedure and no cause could be found in 35%. Liver ultrasonography allowed diagnosis in 43% of cases, and CT scan un 57%. Sixty-two percent of LA were larger than 3 cm in diameter; 28% of cases had multiple abscesses. Cultures of abscess fluid were positive in 71%,and blood cultures in 52%. Globally, we were able to isolate the causal microorganism in 73.5% of cases. Hundred percent of patients received antimicrobials, 56% had percutaneous drainage performed and 25% were surgically managed. There were complications in 13%, 9% suffered recurrences and we found a 19% mortality rate. Conclusions: LA has an ill-defined clinical picture. A history of neurological disease or abdominal tumor, and multiple LA are associated with an increased complication rate. Following factors correlated with increased mortality: Age-adjusted Charlson’s morbidity index >=5; Quick index < 60% and development of complications. Drainage indication has to be individualized