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Reardon B, Pasalic L, Favaloro EJ. The Role of Viscoelastic Testing in Assessing Hemostasis: A Challenge to Standard Laboratory Assays? J Clin Med 2024; 13:3612. [PMID: 38930139 PMCID: PMC11205135 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Viscoelastic testing is increasingly being used in clinical and research settings to assess hemostasis. Indeed, there are potential situations in which viscoelastic testing is reportedly superior to standard routine laboratory testing for hemostasis. We report the current testing platforms and terminology, as well as providing a concise narrative review of the published evidence to guide its use in various clinical settings. Notably, there is increasing evidence of the potential utility of viscoelastic testing for assessment of direct oral anticoagulants, and bleeding associated with chronic liver disease, orthotopic liver transplantation, cardiac surgery, trauma, obstetrics and pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Reardon
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Joint Medical Program, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Haematology Department, Calvary Mater Hospital Newcastle, Waratah, NSW 2298, Australia
| | - Leonardo Pasalic
- Haematology Department, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Emmanuel J. Favaloro
- Haematology Department, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Sarmiento IA, Guzmán MF, Chapochnick J, Meier J. Implementation of a Bleeding Management Algorithm in Liver Transplantation: A Pilot Study. Transfus Med Hemother 2024; 51:1-11. [PMID: 38314241 PMCID: PMC10836948 DOI: 10.1159/000530579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aims of the study were to compare the consumption of blood products before and after the implementation of a bleeding management algorithm in patients undergoing liver transplantation and to determine the feasibility of a multicentre, randomized study. Background Liver transplantation remains the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, but it carries a high risk of surgical bleeding. Materials and Methods Retrospective study of patients treated before (group 1) and after (group 2) implementation of a haemostatic algorithm guided by viscoelastic testing, including use of lyophilized coagulation factor concentrates (prothrombin complex and fibrinogen concentrates). Primary outcome was the number of units of blood products transfused in 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, mortality, and cost. Results Data from 30 consecutive patients was analysed; 14 in group 1 and 16 in group 2. Baseline data were similar between groups. Median total blood product consumption 24 h after surgery was 33 U (IQR: 11-57) in group 1 and 1.5 (0-23.5) in group 2 (p = 0.028). Significantly fewer units of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate were transfused in group 2 versus group 1. There was no significant difference in complications, hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality between groups. The cost of haemostatic therapy was non-significantly lower in group 2 versus group 1 (7,400 vs. 15,500 USD; p = 0.454). Conclusion The haemostatic management algorithm was associated with a significant reduction in blood product use during 24 h after liver transplantation. This study demonstrated the feasibility and provided a sample size calculation for a larger, randomized study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María F Guzmán
- Department of Anesthesiology, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | | | - Jens Meier
- Department for Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
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Thibeault F, Plourde G, Fellouah M, Ziegler D, Carrier FM. Preoperative fibrinogen level and blood transfusions in liver transplantation: A systematic review. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2023; 37:100797. [PMID: 37778295 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a major surgery often associated with significant bleeding. We conducted a systematic review to explore the association between preoperative fibrinogen level and intraoperative blood products transfusion, blood loss and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing OLT. METHODS We included observational studies conducted in patients undergoing an OLT mostly for end-stage liver disease that reported an association between the preoperative fibrinogen level and our outcomes of interest. Our primary outcome was the intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements. Our secondary outcomes were intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion of any blood product, postoperative RBC transfusion, postoperative thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications, and mortality. We used a standardized search strategy. We reported our results mostly descriptively but conducted meta-analyses using random-effect models when judged feasible. RESULTS We selected 24 cohort studies reporting at least one of our outcomes. We found that a high preoperative fibrinogen level was associated with fewer intraoperative RBC and other blood products transfusions, and lower blood loss. We also found a lower overall survival in patients with a higher fibrinogen level (pooled hazard ratio [95% CI] of 1.50 [1.23 to 1.84]; 5 studies, n = 1012, I2 = 48%). Only one study formally explored a fibrinogen level threshold effect. Overall, reporting was heterogeneous, and risk of bias was variable mostly because of uncontrolled confounding. CONCLUSION A higher preoperative fibrinogen level was associated with fewer intraoperative RBC and other blood products transfusions, lower blood loss, and higher mortality. Further studies may help clarify observed associations and inform guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillaume Plourde
- Department of Medicine, Critical Care service, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Canada; Health evaluation and innovation hub, Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Daniela Ziegler
- Library, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Canada
| | - François Martin Carrier
- Department of Medicine, Critical Care service, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Canada; Health evaluation and innovation hub, Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Canada; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Canada.
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Stewart E, Nydam TL, Hendrickse A, Pomposelli JJ, Pomfret EA, Moore HB. Viscoelastic Management of Coagulopathy during the Perioperative Period of Liver Transplantation. Semin Thromb Hemost 2023; 49:119-133. [PMID: 36318962 PMCID: PMC10366939 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelastic testing (VET) in liver transplantation (LT) has been used since its origin, in combination with standard laboratory testing (SLT). There are only a few, small, randomized controlled trials that demonstrated a reduction in transfusion rates using VET to guide coagulation management. Retrospective analyses contrasting VET to SLT have demonstrated mixed results, with a recent concern for overtreatment and the increase in postoperative thrombotic events. An oversight of many studies evaluating VET in LT is a single protocol that does not address the different phases of surgery, in addition to pre- and postoperative management. Furthermore, the coagulation spectrum of patients entering and exiting the operating room is diverse, as these patients can have varying anatomic and physiologic risk factors for thrombosis. A single transfusion strategy for all is short sighted. VET in combination with SLT creates the opportunity for personalized resuscitation in surgery which can address the many challenges in LT where patients are at a paradoxical risk for both life-threatening bleeding and clotting. With emerging data on the role of rebalanced coagulation in cirrhosis and hypercoagulability following LT, there are numerous potential roles in VET management of LT that have been unaddressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Stewart
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Trevor L. Nydam
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Adrian Hendrickse
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - James J. Pomposelli
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elizabeth A. Pomfret
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hunter B. Moore
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Viscoelastic versus conventional coagulation tests to reduce blood product transfusion in patients undergoing liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2023; 40:39-53. [PMID: 36412263 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000001780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent literature suggests viscoelastic test (VET)-guided transfusion management could be associated with reduced blood product administration in patients undergoing liver transplantation. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of coagulation management guided by VETs compared with conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) in reducing blood product transfusion in patients undergoing liver transplantation. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised (RCTs) and nonrandomised clinical trials performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was previously published (PROSPERO: CRD42021230213). DATA SOURCES The Cochrane Central Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Transfusion Evidence Library were searched up to 30 th January 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Setting: operating room. Patients: liver transplantation recipients. Intervention: use of VETs versus CCTs. Main outcome measures: the primary outcome was the mean number of transfused units for each blood product including red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets (PLTs) and cryoprecipitate. Secondary outcomes included mortality rate, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS). RESULTS Seventeen studies ( n = 5345 patients), 15 observational and two RCTs, were included in this review. There was a mean difference reduction in RBCs [mean difference: -1.40, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), -1.87 to -0.92; P < 0.001, I2 = 61%) and FFP units (mean difference: -2.98, 95% CI, -4.61 to -1.35; P = < 0.001; I2 = 98%) transfused in the VETs group compared with the CCTs one. A greater amount of cryoprecipitate was administered in the VETs group (mean difference: 2.71, 95% CI, 0.84 to 4.58; P = 0.005; I2 = 91%). There was no significant difference in the mean number of PLT units, mortality, hospital and ICU-LOS. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrated that VETs implementation was associated with reduced RBC and FFP consumption in liver transplantation patients without effects on mortality and hospital and ICU-LOS. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Further well conducted RCTs are needed to improve the certainty of evidence.
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Sharma S, Saner FH, Bezinover D. A brief history of liver transplantation and transplant anesthesia. BMC Anesthesiol 2022; 22:363. [PMID: 36435747 PMCID: PMC9701388 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-022-01904-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we describe the major milestones in the development of organ transplantation with a specific focus on hepatic transplantation. For many years, the barriers preventing successful organ transplantation in humans seemed insurmountable. Although advances in surgical technique provided the technical ability to perform organ transplantation, limited understanding of immunology prevented successful organ transplantation. The breakthrough to success was the result of several significant discoveries between 1950 and 1980 involving improved surgical techniques, the development of effective preservative solutions, and the suppression of cellular immunity to prevent graft rejection. After that, technical innovations and laboratory and clinical research developed rapidly. However, these advances alone could not have led to improved transplant outcomes without parallel advances in anesthesia and critical care. With increasing organ demand, it proved necessary to expand the donor pool, which has been achieved with the use of living donors, split grafts, extended criteria organs, and organs obtained through donation after cardiac death. Given this increased access to organs and organ resources, the number of transplantations performed every year has increased dramatically. New regulatory organizations and transplant societies provide critical oversight to ensure equitable organ distribution and a high standard of care and also perform outcome analyses. Establishing dedicated transplant anesthesia teams results in improved organ transplantation outcomes and provides a foundation for developing new standards for other subspecialties in anesthesiology, critical care, and medicine overall. Through a century of discovery, the success we enjoy at the present time is the result of the work of well-organized multidisciplinary teams following standardized protocols and thereby saving thousands of lives worldwide each year. With continuing innovation, the future is bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Fuat H Saner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Medical Center University Essen, Hufeland 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Dmitri Bezinover
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Yoon U, Bartoszko J, Bezinover D, Biancofiore G, Forkin KT, Rahman S, Spiro M, Raptis DA, Kang Y. Intraoperative transfusion management, antifibrinolytic therapy, coagulation monitoring and the impact on short-term outcomes after liver transplantation-A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14637. [PMID: 35249250 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is frequently complicated by coagulopathy associated with end-stage liver disease (ESLD), that is, often multifactorial. OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review was to identify evidence based intraoperative transfusion and coagulation management strategies that improve immediate and short-term outcomes after LT. METHODS PRISMA-guidelines and GRADE-approach were followed. Three subquestions were formulated. (Q); Q1: transfusion management; Q2: antifibrinolytic therapy; and Q3: coagulation monitoring. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included for Q1, six for Q2, and 10 for Q3. Q1: PRBC and platelet transfusions were associated with higher mortality. The use of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and fibrinogen concentrate (FC) were not associated with reductions in intraoperative transfusion or increased thrombotic events. The use of cell salvage was not associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence or mortality. Cell salvage and transfusion education significantly decreased blood product transfusions. Q2: Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA) were not associated with decreased blood product transfusion, improvements in patient or graft survival, or increases in thrombotic events. Q3: Viscoelastic testing (VET) was associated with decreased allogeneic blood product transfusion compared to conventional coagulation tests (CCT) and is likely to be cost-effective. Coagulation management guided by VET may be associated with increases in FC and PCC use. CONCLUSION Q1: A specific blood product transfusion practice is not recommended (QOE; low | Recommendation; weak). Cell salvage and educational interventions are recommended (QOE: low | Grade of Recommendation: moderate). Q2: The routine use of antifibrinolytics is not recommended (QOE; low | Recommendation; weak). Q3: The use of VET is recommended (QOE; low-moderate | Recommendation; strong).
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzung Yoon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Justyna Bartoszko
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital - University Health Network, Sinai Health System, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dmitri Bezinover
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Katherine T Forkin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Suehana Rahman
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Spiro
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri Aristotle Raptis
- Clinical Service of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yoogoo Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Nguyen G, Lejeune M, Crichi B, Frere C. Hemostasis testing in patients with liver dysfunction: Advantages and caveats. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7285-7298. [PMID: 34876789 PMCID: PMC8611202 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i42.7285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to concomitant changes in pro- and anti-coagulant mechanisms, patients with liver dysfunction have a “rebalanced hemostasis”, which can easily be tipped toward either a hypo- or a hypercoagulable phenotype. Clinicians are often faced with the question whether patients with chronic liver disease undergoing invasive procedures or surgery and those having active bleeding require correction of the hemostasis abnormalities. Conventional coagulation screening tests, such as the prothrombin time/international normalized ratio and the activated partial thromboplastin time have been demonstrated to have numerous limitations in these patients and do not predict the risk of bleeding prior to high-risk procedures. The introduction of global coagulation assays, such as viscoelastic testing (VET), has been an important step forward in the assessment of the overall hemostasis profile. A growing body of evidence now suggests that the use of VET might be of significant clinical utility to prevent unnecessary infusion of blood products and to improve outcomes in numerous settings. The present review discusses the advantages and caveats of both conventional and global coagulation assays to assess the risk of bleeding in patients with chronic liver disease as well as the current role of transfusion and hemostatic agents to prevent or manage bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Nguyen
- Department of Hematology, Trousseau Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75012, France
| | - Manon Lejeune
- Department of Hematology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75013, France
| | - Benjamin Crichi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75010, France
| | - Corinne Frere
- Department of Hematology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris 75013, France
- Inserm UMRS_1166, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
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Sakai T. Viscoelastic testing in liver transplantation. Transfusion 2020; 60 Suppl 6:S61-S69. [PMID: 33089935 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite the lack of large randomized clinical studies, viscoelastic tests (VETs) have been a critical armamentarium for hemostatic control in liver transplantation (LT) since the 1960s. Many transplant institutions have adopted VETs in their clinical practice. Several small-size randomized clinical trials on LT patients have suggested that VET-guided hemostatic treatment algorithms have led to decreased indications for and amounts of transfused blood products, especially fresh-frozen plasma, compared to standard laboratory-based hemostatic management. VETs have also been reported to offer insight into the diagnosis and prediction of LT patients' development of hypercoagulability-related morbidity and mortality. There is still a need for VET device-specific hemostatic algorithms in LT, and clinicians must take into account the tendency to underestimate the coagulation capacity of VETs in patients with end-stage liver disease where hemostasis is rebalanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Sakai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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