Emerging haemostatic agents and patient blood management

Portuguese Consensus and Recommendations for Acquired Coagulopathic Bleeding Management (CCBM)

We aimed to determine how Portuguese physicians handle major bleeding. We also aim to establish global diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations to be followed in clinical practice by using a step-wise approach of evidence generation. This study followed a three-step process: a steering committee desk review, a Delphi technique, an expert panel meeting. A modified 3-round Delphi including 31 statements was performed. Questions were answered in a five-point Likert-type scale. Consensus threshold was established as a percentage of agreement among participants ≥90% in the first round, and ≥85% in the second and third rounds. The level of consensus achieved by panelists was discussed with the scientific committee (January-2020). Fifty-one physicians participated in the study (compliance rate >90%). Analyzing the three rounds, consensus was reached on 20 items (64.5%) in the first, 4/11 items (36.4%) in the second and 6/7 items (85.7%) in the third. One statement about administration of clotting factor concentrates for bleeding control did not reach consensus. A high level of consensus was reached toward the need for implementing Patient Blood Management strategies in Portuguese hospitals, reduce exposure to allogeneic blood components, to use goal directed therapies for acquired bleeding management, and the need for evaluating blood transfusion indirect costs. A final version with 12 recommendations was built, according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Our results provide critically appraised and updated evidence on bleeding coagulopathies management in Portugal. Additional studies, mainly about indirect costs of blood transfusion, are needed.

Blood Products

Perioperative hemorrhage, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy are common in the surgical intensive care unit. As a result, blood product transfusion occurs frequently. While red blood cell, plasma, and platelet transfusions have a lifesaving role in the resuscitation of patients with trauma and hemorrhagic shock, their application in other settings is under scrutiny. Current data would suggest a conservative approach be taken, thus avoiding unnecessary transfusion and associated potential adverse events. New and developmental products such as prothrombin complex concentrates offer appealing alternatives to traditional transfusion practice—potentially with fewer risks—however, further investigation into their safety and efficacy is required before practice change can take place.

Perioperative blood management

Perioperative anaemia and allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) are known to increase the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. The quality, cost and availability of blood components are also major limitations with regard to ABT. Perioperative patient blood management (PBM) strategies should be aimed at minimizing and improving utilization of blood components. The goals of PBM are adequate preoperative evaluation and optimization of haemoglobin and bleeding parameters, techniques to minimize blood loss, blood conservation technologies and use of transfusion guidelines with targeted therapy. Attention to these details can help in cost reduction and improved patient outcome.

Ökonomie und Gerinnungsmanagement

<b><i>Hintergrund: </i></b>Bei erworbenen oder chronisch bestehenden Störungen der Gerinnung ist in der perioperativen Phase eine gezielte Therapie von herausragender Bedeutung. Der kostenintensive Einsatz von Blut- und Gerinnungspräparaten und die Beeinflussung des Patientenoutcomes werden hinsichtlich des G-DRG(German Diagnosis Related Groups)-Systems und der Anwendung von Point-of-Care-Geräten bewertet. <b><i>Methode: </i></b>Anhand einer Literaturübersicht und eigener Daten wird der aktuelle Sachstand analysiert und diskutiert. <b><i>Ergebnisse: </i></b>Die perioperative Behandlung von Störungen der Gerinnung ist komplex. Neben der klassischen Labordiagnostik unterstützen und beschleunigen Point-of-Care-Geräte die Therapieentscheidungen. Die Anwendung eines Algorithmus-basierten Applikationsregimes von Blut- und Gerinnungspräparaten optimiert die Verbrauchsmengen und verbessert das Patientenoutcome. Demgegenüber können durch das G-DRG-System bedingte finanzielle Effekte aufgrund von kosten- und erlösseitigen Änderungen für das Krankenhaus negativ ausfallen. Fallpauschalen und Zusatzentgelte decken vor allem bei komplexen Behandlungsfällen wie der Lebertransplantation nicht die tatsächlichen Aufwendungen. Systemisch finanzielle Anreize zur Therapieentscheidung, die unabhängig von einer medizinischen Indikation sein können, sind vorherrschend. <b><i>Schlussfolgerungen: </i></b>Die Therapie von Gerinnungsstörungen stellt Ärzte, die Krankenhausverwaltungen und das G-DRG-System vor besondere Herausforderungen. Nicht selten besteht eine paradoxe Situation zwischen dem Streben nach einer bestmöglichen Patientenversorgung und einer adäquaten Leistungsvergütung des Krankenhauses. Finanzielle Anreize durch Pauschalen und Zusatzentgelte mit Mengenschwellen, die Therapieentscheidungen beeinflussen können, sind zukünftig zu eliminieren.