The pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of the acute coagulopathy of trauma and shock: a literature review

Hemostatic Strategies in Trauma

Bleeding is a leading cause of early death from trauma. Consequently, effective hemostasis can improve the odds of survival after severe traumatic injury. Understanding the pathophysiology of trauma-induced coagulopathy can provide insights into effective strategies to assess and halt hemorrhage. Both physical assessment and appropriate laboratory studies are important in the diagnosis and evaluation of coagulopathy to identify the most effective mechanical and pharmacological strategies to achieve hemostasis. This article uses a case study approach to explore evidence-based techniques to evaluate hemorrhage and strategies to promote hemostasis.

Perioperative hyperfibrinolysis - physiology and pathophysiology

Introduction and objectives

The role of the anesthesiologist in the perioperative management of hemostasis has attracted increasing attention. The fibrinolytic system participates in hemostasis, removing clots after repair of the vascular injury. Over the past two decades, several studies have assessed the efficacy and safety of antifibrinolytic agents in reducing perioperative bleeding and transfusion requirements. Some of the conditions that seem to benefit from antifibrinolytic drugs involve trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac surgery, spine surgery, knee or hip arthroplasty, urological and gynecological surgery, among others. However, there are currently few publications focusing on the perioperative features of fibrinolytic system, which will be the subject of the present review.

Content and conclusions

Fibrinolytic physiology, its relationship with the clot structure and its perioperative behavior are described. Pathophysiological mechanisms related to anesthesiology clinical practice and their possible perioperative scenarios are addressed according to a suggested classification. This article aims to provide anesthesiologists with a broader understanding of the normal functioning of fibrinolysis, the mechanisms of possible deviations from normality in the perioperative period, the pathophysiological rationale supporting the current indications of antifibrinolytics, and some recent outcomes obtained with their use.