Evaluation of coagulation tests as predictors of angiographic bleeding complications

Cardiac Toxicities in Oncology: Elucidating the Dark Box in the Era of Precision Medicine

Despite current advancements in chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, the potential for major adverse cardiovascular events, regardless of previous cardiac history, persists. Scoring systems, such as the Heart Failure Association-International Cardio-Oncology Society (HFA-ICOS) risk assessment tool, can be utilized to evaluate several factors including prior cardiac history, risk factors and cardiac biomarkers to categorize patients into low, moderate, high, and very high-risk groups. Common cardiotoxicity complications include new or worsening left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), QT interval prolongation, myocardial ischaemia, hypertension, thromboembolic disease, cardiac device malfunction and valve disease. Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) are routinely performed for all patients commenced on cardiotoxic treatment, while other imaging modalities and biochemical markers have proven useful for monitoring. Management mainly includes early risk stratification and prompt identification of cardiovascular complications, with patient-specific surveillance throughout treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in determining the relationship between potential treatment benefits and cardiotoxicity, and whether the continuation of treatment is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Early risk stratification, optimizing the patient's cardiovascular status prior to treatment, and prompt identification of suspected cardiotoxicity are key in significantly reducing risk. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various types of treatment-related cardiotoxicity, offering guidance on identifying high-risk patients, recognizing early signs of cardiotoxicity, and outlining appropriate treatment approaches and follow-up care for such cases.

Minimum platelet count threshold before invasive procedures in cirrhosis: Evolution of the guidelines

Cirrhotic patients with severe thrombocytopenia are at increased risk of bleeding during invasive procedures. The need for preprocedural prophylaxis aimed at reducing the risk of bleeding in cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia who undergo scheduled procedures is assessed via the platelet count; however, establishing a minimum threshold considered safe is challenging. A platelet count ≥ 50000/μL is a frequent target, but levels vary by provider, procedure, and specific patient. Over the years, this value has changed several times according to the different guidelines proposed in the literature. According to the latest guidelines, many procedures can be performed at any level of platelet count, which should not necessarily be checked before the procedure. In this review, we aim to investigate and describe how the guidelines have evolved in recent years in the evaluation of the minimum platelet count threshold required to perform different invasive procedures, according to their bleeding risk.

Complications and risk factors of punch biopsy: A retrospective large-scale study

The authors analyzed the risk factors of punch biopsy by investigating the complications of the technique and their proportions. Patients who underwent punch biopsy in a dermatology clinic between November 2018 and November 2020 (n = 1294; mean age, 62.3 years; 540 men and 754 women) were enrolled in the current study. The most common complication was postoperative bleeding (0.9%). Wound infection (0.2%), surrounding skin damage (0.2%), and vagal reflex (0.1%) were also observed. The main risk factors for bleeding following biopsy were location of biopsy site outside of the trunk (odds ratio [OR], 4.60 [95% CI, 2.65-8.00]; p < 0.001) and platelet count lower than 150 000/μL (OR, 2.82 [95% CI, 1.69-4.73]; p < 0.001). When performing a punch biopsy, an adequate explanation of the risks and complications should be provided before obtaining informed consent. Further, blood sampling tests should be performed in advance and the types of cases that may require wound suture should be appropriately determined.

CIRSE Standards of Practice on Peri-operative Anticoagulation Management During Interventional Radiology Procedures

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for peri-operative anticoagulation management during interventional radiology procedures.

Thrombocytopenia in a Patient Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Thrombocytopenia is a common abnormality in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Baseline thrombocytopenia in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with early adverse events, related to both ischemia and bleeding. Treatment for acute coronary syndrome usually involves antiplatelet, anticoagulant, antithrombotic therapy, and the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention. The safety of antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention patients who have acute coronary syndrome and thrombocytopenia is unknown, and there are no guidelines or randomized studies that specifically suggest a treatment approach in such patients. One of the institutions in Italy recommends medical and interventional strategy with radialis as first choice for access site, bare metal stent (BMS) implantation, followed by double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for one month. After DAPT discontinuation, at least one antiplatelet drug (aspirin) is recommended for life.

Intraoperative Plasma Transfusion Volumes and Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Assess outcomes after intraoperative plasma transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of adult cardiac surgical between 2011 and 2015. Relationships between plasma transfusion volume, coagulation test values, and a primary outcome of early postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion were assessed via multivariable regression analyses. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality, intensive care unit and hospital-free days, intraoperative RBCs, estimated blood loss, and reoperation for bleeding.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1,794 patients received intraoperative plasma transfusions during the study period.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Higher plasma transfusion volumes were associated with worse clinical outcomes, with each 1-unit increase being associated with greater odds for postoperative RBCs [odds ratio (OR) 1.12 (confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.20); p = 0.002], intraoperative [OR 1.85 (CI 1.69-2.03); p < 0.001], and fewer hospital-free days [mean -0.20 (-0.39, -0.01); p = 0.04]. Each 0.1 increase in pretransfusion International Normalized Ratio (INR) was associated with increased odds of postoperative and intraoperative RBCs, reoperation for bleeding, and fewer intensive care unit and hospital-free days. For given plasma volumes, patients achieving greater reduction in elevated pretransfusion INR values experienced more favorable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing cardiac surgery who received intraoperative plasma transfusion, higher plasma transfusion volumes were associated with inferior clinical outcomes. Higher pretransfusion INR values also were associated with worse outcomes; however, those achieving a greater degree of INR correction after plasma transfusion demonstrated more favorable outcomes. Prospective studies related to plasma transfusion are needed to address this important topic.

Prophylactic plasma transfusion for patients without inherited bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use undergoing non-cardiac surgery or invasive procedures

BACKGROUND

In the absence of bleeding, plasma is commonly transfused to people prophylactically to prevent bleeding. In this context, it is transfused before operative or invasive procedures (such as liver biopsy or chest drainage tube insertion) in those considered at increased risk of bleeding, typically defined by abnormalities of laboratory tests of coagulation. As plasma contains procoagulant factors, plasma transfusion may reduce perioperative bleeding risk. This outcome has clinical importance given that perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Plasma is expensive, and some countries have experienced issues with blood product shortages, donor pool reliability, and incomplete screening for transmissible infections. Thus, although the benefit of prophylactic plasma transfusion has not been well established, plasma transfusion does carry potentially life-threatening risks.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of prophylactic plasma transfusion for people with coagulation test abnormalities (in the absence of inherited bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medication) requiring non-cardiac surgery or invasive procedures.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), without language or publication status restrictions in: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017 Issue 7); Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946); Ovid Embase (from 1974); Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EBSCOHost) (from 1937); PubMed (e-publications and in-process citations ahead of print only); Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1950); Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (from 1982); Web of Science: Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S) (Thomson Reuters, from 1990); ClinicalTrials.gov; and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Search Platform (ICTRP) to 28 January 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs comparing: prophylactic plasma transfusion to placebo, intravenous fluid, or no intervention; prophylactic plasma transfusion to alternative pro-haemostatic agents; or different haemostatic thresholds for prophylactic plasma transfusion. We included participants of any age, and we excluded trials incorporating individuals with previous active bleeding, with inherited bleeding disorders, or taking anticoagulant medication before enrolment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five trials in this review, all were conducted in high-income countries. Three additional trials are ongoing. One trial compared fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion with no transfusion given. One trial compared FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion given. One trial compared FFP transfusion with administration of alternative pro-haemostatic agents (factors II, IX, and X followed by VII). One trial compared the use of different transfusion triggers using the international normalised ratio measurement. One trial compared the use of a thromboelastographic-guided transfusion trigger using standard laboratory measurements of coagulation. Four trials enrolled only adults, whereas the fifth trial did not specify participant age. Four trials included only minor procedures that could be performed by the bedside. Only one trial included some participants undergoing major surgical operations. Two trials included only participants in intensive care. Two trials included only participants with liver disease. Three trials did not recruit sufficient participants to meet their pre-calculated sample size. Overall, the quality of evidence was low to very low across different outcomes according to GRADE methodology, due to risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision. One trial was stopped after recruiting two participants, therefore this review's findings are based on the remaining four trials (234 participants). When plasma transfusion was compared with no transfusion given, we are very uncertain whether there was a difference in 30-day mortality (1 trial comparing FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion, 72 participants; risk ratio (RR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 1.10; very low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether there was a difference in major bleeding within 24 hours (1 trial comparing FFP transfusion vs no transfusion, 76 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.93; very low-quality evidence; 1 trial comparing FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion, 72 participants; RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.28 to 8.93; very low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether there was a difference in the number of blood product transfusions per person (1 trial, 76 participants; study authors reported no difference; very low-quality evidence) or in the number of people requiring transfusion (1 trial comparing FFP or platelet transfusion or both with neither FFP nor platelet transfusion, 72 participants; study authors reported no blood transfusion given; very low-quality evidence) or in the risk of transfusion-related adverse events (acute lung injury) (1 trial, 76 participants; study authors reported no difference; very low-quality evidence). When plasma transfusion was compared with other pro-haemostatic agents, we are very uncertain whether there was a difference in major bleeding (1 trial; 21 participants; no events; very low-quality evidence) or in transfusion-related adverse events (febrile or allergic reactions) (1 trial, 21 participants; RR 9.82, 95% CI 0.59 to 162.24; very low-quality evidence). When different triggers for FFP transfusion were compared, the number of people requiring transfusion may have been reduced (for overall blood products) when a thromboelastographic-guided transfusion trigger was compared with standard laboratory tests (1 trial, 60 participants; RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.39; low-quality evidence). We are very uncertain whether there was a difference in major bleeding (1 trial, 60 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low-quality evidence) or in transfusion-related adverse events (allergic reactions) (1 trial; 60 participants; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.87; very low-quality evidence). Only one trial reported 30-day mortality. No trials reported procedure-related harmful events (excluding bleeding) or quality of life.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Review findings show uncertainty for the utility and safety of prophylactic FFP use. This is due to predominantly very low-quality evidence that is available for its use over a range of clinically important outcomes, together with lack of confidence in the wider applicability of study findings, given the paucity or absence of study data in settings such as major body cavity surgery, extensive soft tissue surgery, orthopaedic surgery, or neurosurgery. Therefore, from the limited RCT evidence, we can neither support nor oppose the use of prophylactic FFP in clinical practice.

Changes in International Normalized Ratios After Plasma Transfusion of Varying Doses in Unique Clinical Environments

BACKGROUND

Plasma transfusion is commonly performed for the correction of abnormal coagulation screening tests. The goal of this investigation was to assess the relationship between the dose of plasma administered and changes in coagulation test results in a large and diverse cohort of patients with varying levels of coagulation abnormalities and comorbid disease and in a variety of clinical settings.

METHODS

In this single-center historical cohort study, all plasma transfusion episodes in adult patients with abnormal coagulation screening tests were extracted between 2011 and 2015. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients attaining normal posttransfusion international normalized ratio (INR ≤ 1.1) with secondary outcomes including the proportion of patients attaining partial normalization of INR (INR ≤ 1.5) or at least 50% normalization in pretransfusion values with respect to an INR of 1.1.

RESULTS

In total, 6779 unique patients received plasma with a median (quartiles) pretransfusion INR of 1.9 (1.6-2.5) and a median transfusion volume of 2 (2-3) units. The majority (85%) of transfusions occurred perioperatively, with 20% of transfusions administered prophylactically before a procedure. The median decrease in INR was 0.4 (0.2-0.8). Complete INR normalization was obtained in 12%. Reductions in INR were modest with pretransfusion INR values <3. Patients receiving ≥3 units of plasma were more likely to achieve at least 50% normalization in INR than those receiving ≤2 units (68% vs 60%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in INR after plasma transfusion were modest at typically used clinical doses, particularly in those with less severely deranged baseline coagulation screening tests. Further studies are necessary to assess the relationships between plasma-mediated changes in INR and clinical outcomes.

Comparison of Local Injection of Fresh Frozen Plasma to Traditional Methods of Hemostasis in Minimally Invasive Procedures

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate different techniques for reducing hemorrhagic complications in coagulopathic patients with elevated international normalized ratio having an image-guided percutaneous invasive procedure; techniques included systemic transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), local injection of FFP, percutaneous injection of gelatin sponge, and percutaneous placements of angiographic coils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 232 consecutive patients with known coagulopathy undergoing image-guided minimally invasive procedures were selected. Ninety-one patients had local FFP injected, 40 patients underwent local synthetic gelatin injection, 16 patients had percutaneous coil embolization, and 85 patients received systemic FFP. The number of bleeds, complications related to bleeds, and systemic complications were recorded. A 30 cc threshold was used to delineate significant bleeding.

RESULTS

No patients experienced clinically significant or insignificant bleeding with local FFP injection (P value <.05). Other local hemostatic methods (Gelfoam, systemic FFP, and coil embolization) were associated with higher levels of bleeding (12.5%, 17.1%, 37.5%, respectively) and complications (7.5%, 31.4%, 37.5%, respectively). Systemic FFP infusion was associated with respiratory, infectious, and mortal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Local injection of blood products provides a safe and efficacious hemostatic agent to reduce the incidence of postprocedural bleeding. The technique is associated with lower rates of bleeding and systemic complications when compared to other local and systemic techniques. Further randomized prospective studies with a larger patient cohort need to be performed to corroborate these initial findings.

Higher intraoperative plasma transfusion volumes are associated with inferior perioperative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative plasma transfusion is common, yet little is known regarding its effects on perioperative coagulation tests or clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of adults receiving intraoperative plasma transfusion at a single center from 2011 to 2015. Relationships between plasma transfusion volume, changes in coagulation test values, and clinical outcomes, including a primary outcome of early postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, were assessed with multivariable regression analyses. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU)- and hospital-free days, intraoperative RBC transfusions, and estimated blood loss.

RESULTS

A total of 3393 unique patients were included, with median (IQR) transfusion of 2 (2-4) units. In multivariable analyses, higher plasma volumes were associated with worse outcomes, with each 1 mL/kg increase associated with increased odds for postoperative (1.02 [1.01-1.03], p < 0.001) and intraoperative RBCs (1.17 [1.16-1.19], p < 0.001) and fewer ICU- and hospital-free days (mean difference [95% CI], -0.08 [-0.12 to -0.05], p < 0.001; and -0.09 [-0.13 to -0.06], p < 0.001, respectively). Greater decreases in international normalized ratio (INR) following plasma transfusion were associated with decreased odds of postoperative RBCs (0.35 [0.25-0.47], p < 0.001), decreased mortality (0.50 [0.31-0.83], p = 0.007), and increased mean ICU- (1.31 [0.41-2.21], p = 0.004) and hospital-free days (1.15 [0.19-2.10], p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

In patients receiving intraoperative plasma transfusion, higher transfusion volumes were associated with inferior clinical outcomes; however, greater improvements in INR were associated with improved outcomes. Future prospective studies are necessary to better define these relationships and to explore plasma transfusion triggers beyond the limitations of INR.

Safety of omitting routine bleeding tests prior to image-guided musculoskeletal core needle biopsy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety of withholding preprocedure international normalized ratio (INR) and platelet testing in patients undergoing musculoskeletal (MSK) core needle biopsy (CNB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Initially, a retrospective review of 1,162 consecutive patients undergoing MSK CNB with preprocedural INR and platelet testing was performed. Clinical (age, gender, bleeding disorder, liver disease, anticoagulation use, INR > 2, platelet count <50,000/ul) and biopsy factors (imaging modality, lesion type, biopsy needle gauge, number biopsy samples) were tested for association with bleeding complications. During the second phase, an additional 188 biopsies performed without preprocedural coagulation testing were studied. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests, continuous variables with a student t-test. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In the first phase, there was a complication rate of 2.6%, 30/1162. Of the 11 clinical and biopsy factors, soft tissue lesions (p = 0.029) and lesions biopsied under ultrasound (p = 0.048) had a higher rate of bleeding than bone lesions or lesions biopsied under CT, respectively. Only three patients had an INR >2, 0.3% (3/1162) and only four patients had platelet count <50,000/ul, 0.3% (4/1162). No patient with a bleeding complication had an abnormal preprocedure bleeding test. In the second phase, there was a bleeding complication rate of 1.1% (2/188).

CONCLUSION

Bleeding complications from MSK biopsy are low, even when preprocedure coagulation testing is omitted.

Prophylactic plasma transfusion for patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of prophylactic plasma transfusion for people with confirmed or presumed coagulopathy requiring non-cardiac surgery.

Direct Injection of Blood Products Versus Gelatin Sponge as a Technique for Local Hemostasis

PURPOSE

To provide a method of reducing risk of minimally invasive procedures on patients with abnormal hemostasis and evaluate efficacy of direct fresh frozen plasma injection through a procedure needle tract compared to Gelfoam (gelatin sponge) administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty patients with elevated international standardized ratio (INR) undergoing minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance were selected retrospectively. Forty patients had received Gelfoam as a means of tract embolization during the procedure. The other 40 received local fresh frozen plasma (FFP) through the needle tract. The number of complications and clinically significant bleeding events were recorded. A threshold of 30 cc of blood loss after a procedure was used to identify excess bleeding.

RESULTS

No patients experienced clinically significant bleeding after administration of FFP. Five patients experienced postoperative drops in hemoglobin or hematomas after administration of Gelfoam.

CONCLUSION

Local injection of blood products can reduce postprocedure bleeding in patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures and provides a safe alternative to the use of synthetic fibrin plugs.

Prophylactic Plasma Transfusion Before Interventional Radiology Procedures Is Not Associated With Reduced Bleeding Complications

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between prophylactic plasma transfusion and periprocedural red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates in patients with elevated international normalized ratio (INR) values undergoing interventional radiology procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, adult patients undergoing interventional radiology procedures with a preprocedural INR available within 30 days of the procedure during a study period of January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013, were eligible for inclusion. Baseline characteristics, coagulation parameters, transfusion requirements, and procedural details were extracted. Univariate and multivariable propensity-matched analyses were used to assess the relationships between prophylactic plasma transfusion and the outcomes of interest, with a primary outcome assessed a priori of RBC transfusion occurring during the procedure or within the first 24 hours postprocedurally.

RESULTS

A total of 18,204 study participants met inclusion criteria for this study, and 1803 (9.9%) had an INR of 1.5 or greater before their procedure. Of these 1803 patients, 196 patients (10.9%) received prophylactic plasma transfusion with a median time of 1.9 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 1.1-3.2 hours) between plasma transfusion initiation and procedure initiation. In multivariable propensity-matched analysis, plasma administration was associated with increased periprocedural RBC transfusions (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.38-3.50; P<.001) and postprocedural intensive care unit admission rates (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.41-3.14; P<.001) as compared with those who were not transfused preprocedurally. Similar relationships were seen at higher INR thresholds for plasma transfusion.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing interventional radiology procedures, preprocedural plasma transfusions given in the setting of elevated INR values were associated with increased periprocedural RBC transfusions. Additional research is needed to clarify this potential association between preprocedural plasma transfusion and periprocedural RBC transfusion.

A 2014 Update on Coagulation Management for Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Coagulopathy after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is a serious complication that may result in massive bleeding requiring transfusion of significant amounts of blood products, plasma, and platelets. In addition to increased patient morbidity and mortality it is associated with longer hospital stay and increased resource utilization. The current review discusses aspects in cardiopulmonary bypass–induced coagulopathy with emphasis on point-of-care testing and individualized “goal-directed” therapy in patients who develop excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery.

Thrombocytopenia in ESRD patients: epidemiology, mechanisms and interventional nephrology perspective

A well-functioning vascular access is essential for provision of life-sustaining dialysis treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease. Arteriovenous accesses are preferred form of vascular access. Although significant advances have been made in the field of dialysis access, arteriovenous access dysfunction remains the single most important cause of morbidity in ESRD patients. While thrombosis and stenosis of AV access are more frequently seen, hemorrhage from AV access can be life threatening with or without risk of permanent access loss. Aside from anticoagulation for comorbidities, qualitative and/or quantitative platelet abnormalities are often the predisposing factors. We describe an ESRD patient who developed new onset but severe thrombocytopenia due to metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of lung. Given her persistent thrombocytopenia and presence of prolonged bleeding from the cannulation sites, a right internal jugular tunneled dialysis catheter was placed for continuation of maintenance dialysis. This review discusses the definition of thrombocytopenia, mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in patients with ESRD and with a special focus on implications of thrombocytopenia on dialysis access interventions. The review underscores the need for consensus with regard to cannulating AV access as well as guidelines specific to dialysis access-related endovascular intervention in the setting of thrombocytopenia and other coagulation abnormalities.

Pre-interventional haemostatic assessment: Guidelines from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care

Recently the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (Société Française d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation [SFAR]) issued recommendations for the prescription of routine preoperative testing before a surgical or non-surgical procedure, requiring any type of anaesthesia. Thirty clinical specialists performed a systematic analysis of the literature, and recommendations were then developed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. One part of these guidelines is dedicated to haemostatic assessment. The goal of pre-anaesthetic screening for congenital or acquired haemostatic disorders is to prevent perioperative haemorrhagic complications through appropriate medical and surgical management. Preoperative assessment of bleeding risk requires a detailed patient interview to determine any personal or family history of haemorrhagic diathesis, and a physical examination is necessary in order to detect signs of coagulopathy. Laboratory investigation of haemostasis should be prescribed, not systematically, but depending on clinical evaluation and patient history. Standard tests (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count) have a low positive predictive value for bleeding risk in the general population. Patients with no history of haemorrhagic diathesis and no conditions liable to interfere with haemostasis should not undergo pre-interventional haemostasis testing. Conversely, the existence of a positive history or a disease that could interfere with haemostasis should be an indication for clinically appropriate testing.

Cost-effectiveness of routine coagulation testing in the evaluation of chest pain in the ED

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 5% of all US emergency department (ED) visits are for chest pain, and coagulation testing is frequently utilized as part of the ED evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of routine coagulation testing of patients with chest pain in the ED.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients evaluated for chest pain in a community ED between August 1, 2010, and October 31, 2010. Charts were reviewed to determine the number and results of coagulation studies ordered, the number of coagulation studies that were appropriately ordered, and the number of patients requiring a therapeutic intervention or change in clinical plan (withholding of antiplatelet/anticoagulant, delayed procedure, or treatment with fresh frozen plasma or vitamin K) based on an unexpected coagulopathy. We considered it appropriate to order coagulation studies on patients with cirrhosis, known/suspected coagulopathy, active bleeding, use of warfarin, or ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

Of the 740 patients included, 406 (55%) had coagulation studies ordered. Of those 406, 327 (81%) patients with coagulation studies ordered had no indications for testing. One of the 327 patients (0.31%; 95% confidence interval, 0.05%-1.7%) tested without indication had a clinically significant coagulopathy (internationalized normalization ratio >1.5, partial thromboplastin time >50 seconds), but none (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0%-1.2%) of the patients with coagulation testing performed without indication required a therapeutic intervention or change in clinical plan. The cost of coagulation testing in these 327 patients was $16780.

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulation testing on chest pain patients in the ED is not cost-effective and should not be routinely performed.

Safety and Efficacy of StarClose SE Vascular Closure System in High-Risk Liver Interventional Oncology Patients

Purpose

To assess the safety and efficacy of the StarClose SE Vascular Closure System (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park IL, USA) in high-risk thrombocytopenic and coagulopathic interventional oncology (IO) patients.

Methods

In this single institution retrospective study, 63 high-risk thrombocytopenic or coagulopathic IO patients (M:F=51:12, mean age 58 years, range 31–88 years) who underwent 83 common femoral arteriotomy closures using the StarClose device were identified among all IO patients (n=131) undergoing StarClose closure (n=177) between 2008–2011. High-risk thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy were defined as platelet count ≤100 103/mL and international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5. Procedures included chemoembolization (n=67), radioembolization (n=8), and hepatic arterial mapping with technetium-99m macroaggrated albumin administration (n=8) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (n=79) or liver metastases (n=4). Measured outcomes included technical success of arterial closure and closure-related adverse events, graded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology classification.

Results

In all cases, 5 French common femoral arterial access was used. Platelet count was ≤100 103/mL in 80/83 (96.4%) cases and INR was ≥1.5 in 35/83 (42.2%) cases. Mean pre-procedure platelet count was 71 (range 26–347) 103/mL and mean INR was 1.4 (range 1.0–2.1). The StarClose device effectively sealed the arteriotomy in 83/83 (100%) cases, 60/83 (72.3%) cases were first-time closures, and 20/83 (24.1%) cases were repeat closures. Small groin hematomas, graded as class A minor complications, developed in 3/83 (3.6%) cases. No other complications were encountered.

Conclusions

The StarClose SE Vascular Closure System confers high technical success and safety in common femoral arteriotomy closure in high-risk IO patients.

[Periprocedural management of hemostasis risk in interventional radiology]

Given the increasing demand for interventional image-guided procedures, radiologists are increasingly sollicited by clinicians to participate in the management of patients prior to and after the interventional procedure, especially with regards to hemostasis. Therefore, radiologists should be familiar with the risk of procedure related hemorrhage. Based on consensus guidelines published by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), the risk of hemorrhage for each interventional procedure will be classified. Recommendations for preprocedure testing based on the type of procedure planned will be reviewed. Finally, limitations of hemostasis parameters will be discussed along with management of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents before the procedure.

Correction of coagulopathy for percutaneous interventions

Due to medical illness or pharmacotherapy, patients undergoing percutaneous interventions often have abnormal hemostasis. Its etiology may include alterations in the protein-based coagulation system, thrombocytopenia, deficient platelet function, or mixed deficits such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. In this article, the authors review the basic science of each of these etiologies, as well as their available methods of correction. They also review the evidence and guidelines regarding the assessment and treatment of coagulopathy in image-guided procedures. The periprocedural bleeding risk and the urgency of a given procedure guide the management of abnormal hemostasis in this patient population.

Reduction of bed rest time after transfemoral noncardiac angiography from 4 hours to 2 hours: a randomized trial and a one-arm study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of shortening the bed rest time from 4 hours to 2 hours after transfemoral noncardiac angiography with a 4-F sheath (outer diameter, 1.93 mm), a 5-F sheath (outer diameter, 2.27 mm), and a 4-F catheter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized into two groups, receiving either 2 or 4 hours of bed rest after hemostasis by manual compression of the puncture site. The authors evaluated the frequency of bleeding complications. An interim analysis was performed wherein 40 patients were assigned to each group. After the analysis, a single-arm 2-hour bed rest trial was conducted in an additional 115 procedures.

RESULTS

In the interim analysis, three of the 40 patients in the 4-hour group and none of the 40 patients in the 2-hour group developed minor bleeding within 2 hours after manual compression (P = .24). After 2 hours of bed rest, no bleeding complication was observed in either group. In the single-arm 2-hour bed rest trial, minor bleeding developed in one of the 115 procedures (0.8%). Through the study, minor bleeding occurred in four of the 195 total procedures (2%), and no major complications developed. The occurrence of a bleeding complication was significantly higher in patients with platelet counts of less than 100 x 10(9)/L than in the other patients (4/67 vs 0/128, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Two hours of bed rest is feasible for patients undergoing transfemoral noncardiac angiography by using a 4-5-F sheath and/or a 4-F catheter, especially those with a normal platelet count.

Blood products, volume control, and renal support in the coagulopathy of liver disease

Plasma-based products are commonly used in patients who have chronic liver disease to treat perceived coagulopathy despite unproven efficacy and potentially severe risks, such as transfusion-related acute lung injury, which carries a high mortality rate. Moreover, volume expansion may acutely worsen portal hypertension and increase bleeding from the collateral portal vascular bed. Although factor replacement therapy may be warranted in selected situations, its use should be restricted because of the limitations of target tests, such as international normalized ratio, which poorly reflects presence of bleeding diatheses in patients who have cirrhosis. Renal replacement therapies are frequent adjuncts in patients who have cirrhosis and are acutely decompensated, and may correct uremia-related bleeding diathesis and assist in controlling vascular volume, although they are generally limited to use as a bridge to liver transplantation. Novel extracorporeal therapies are emerging and may also have significant interaction with the hemostatic system. Volume contraction and blood conservation therapies are relatively new and promising approaches to reduce use of blood products in liver transplantation.

Paucity of studies to support that abnormal coagulation test results predict bleeding in the setting of invasive procedures: an evidence-based review

BACKGROUND

The literature was systematically reviewed to determine whether a prolonged prothrombin time or elevated international normalized ratio predicts bleeding during invasive diagnostic procedures.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

MEDLINE and CENTRAL were searched through August 2004, with no language restriction, and reference lists were reviewed. For inclusion, articles must have reported on bleeding in more than five patients with abnormal test results undergoing diagnostic procedures.

RESULTS

One trial and 24 observational studies were included. In 2 studies of bronchoscopy, the bleeding rates were similar among those with normal and abnormal tests, with wide confidence intervals (CIs) around the risk differences. During central vein cannulation (3 studies), bleeding rates among those with abnormal tests was unlikely to exceed 2.3 percent. The largest of 3 studies of arteriography found equivalent bleeding rates in patients with and without abnormal tests (risk difference, 0%; 95% CI, -3% to 2%). In the 3 studies of liver biopsy with plugging, bleeding rates were 0, 4, and 5 percent with the upper bounds of the CI as high as 17 percent. In the largest study of transjugular biopsy, the bleeding rate was 1.5 percent (95% CI, 0.3%-4%) in patients with abnormal tests. The highest bleeding rate in the 3 studies of percutaneous liver biopsy was 5.3 percent (95% CI, 1%-13%), similar to the rate in patients with normal test results.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence to conclude that abnormal test results predict bleeding. Randomized controlled trials should be performed to provide stronger evidence for clinical decision making regarding preprocedure transfusion.

Correlação entre a contagem de plaquetas no sangue e o gradiente de pressão venosa hepática em pacientes cirróticos

RACIONAL: A medida do gradiente de pressão venosa hepática é o método mais utilizado para a avaliação da pressão portal. Mais recentemente, a contagem de plaquetas no sangue tem sido apontada como um marcador não-invasivo da presença de hipertensão portal. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a contagem de plaquetas com os valores do gradiente de pressão venosa hepática em uma população de pacientes cirróticos. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 83 pacientes com hepatopatia crônica que realizaram estudo hemodinâmico hepático, em período de 6 anos. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos conforme a classificação de Child-Pugh e todos realizaram endoscopia digestiva alta para constatar a presença de varizes de esôfago, assim como tiveram a contagem sérica de plaquetas determinada. RESULTADOS: O número de plaquetas variou entre 45.000/mm³ e 389.000/mm³, com média 104.099 e desvio-padrão 58.776. O gradiente de pressão venosa apresentou média igual a 15,2 mm Hg e desvio-padrão igual a 6,4 mm Hg, variando de 1 a 29 mm Hg. Realizou-se regressão linear simples para verificar a correlação entre o gradiente de pressão venosa e o número de plaquetas, o que permitiu constatar fraca correlação entre ambos. Embora se tenha observado menor número de plaquetas, à medida que o calibre das varizes aumentava e nos pacientes com maior grau de disfunção hepatocelular - medida pela classificação de Child-Pugh - não se encontrou significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: A despeito de não haver demonstrado correlação estatística entre o número de plaquetas com o gradiente de pressão venosa hepática e o grau de disfunção hepatocelular, pelas tendências observadas, acredita-se que ambos os fatores podem estar implicados na patogenia da plaquetopenia em pacientes cirróticos.

Activated clotting time as a screening test prior to catheter-based cardiovascular procedures

The activated clotting time (ACT) was investigated as a rapid, inexpensive, point-of-service screening test for coagulation abnormalities prior to catheter-based procedures. A total of 963 patients were screened by obtaining a history, standard coagulation profile, and activated coagulation time. The prevalence of normal patients (normal ACT and coagulation profile) was 94% (sensitivity = 91%; specificity = 27%). A normal ACT had a positive predictive value of 95%. The ACT was an acceptable screening test due to its ability to predict positively a low rate of bleeding complication and normal coagulation studies. Patients with ACT > 150 sec should be further evaluated with a screening coagulation panel. Additionally, given its low specificity, coagulation studies should be obtained in high-risk patients since an abnormal ACT does not effectively correlate with abnormal coagulation studies.

Is routine arteriography mandatory for penetrating injury to zone 1 of the neck? Zone 1 Penetrating Neck Injury Study Group

OBJECTIVE

Surgical dogma dictates that the evaluation of all penetrating zone 1 neck injuries must include arteriography to reliably exclude arterial injury requiring operation. This study was done to determine whether patients with normal findings at physical examination (PE) and on chest radiographs (CXR) really do require arteriography to identify occult, surgically important arterial injuries.

METHODS

All penetrating zone 1 neck injuries in five Level I trauma centers over a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected included demographics, results of PE, CXR findings, other diagnostic studies done, injuries identified, need for operation, and operative findings. Arterial injury was defined as any injury to the aorta or brachiocephalic, subclavian, vertebral, or carotid arteries found on arteriography, duplex, or at operation.

RESULTS

Of 138 patients studied, there were 28 arterial injuries. Of the total group of 138 patients, 36 patients had normal findings at PE and on CXR. None of these 36 patients had an arterial injury. The negative predictive value of normal PE and CXR together is 100% in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with penetrating wounds to zone I who have no evidence of vascular injury on PE and who have normal findings on CXR may not require routine arteriography. Further study is needed to confirm these findings.

Safety of short stay observation after peripheral vascular intervention

PURPOSE

To determine whether short observation periods (less than or equal to 4 hours) are safe in outpatients undergoing arterial peripheral vascular interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 203 patient medical records from the Interventional Vascular Department for 239 lower extremity or abdominal procedures (161 men and 78 women) during a 5-year period was completed. The average patient age was 62.2 years (range, 32-83 years). Thirty-six patients had more than one procedure. Indication, intervention, coagulation status, complication rate, and hospitalizations within 7 days after discharge from the short stay unit (SSU) were reviewed and the outcome was measured. Patients were grouped according to the length of their observation period (< or =4 hours or >4 hours) for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In 85% of the procedures (204 procedures), claudication was the primary indication for intervention. Angioplasty (203 procedures) was also commonly performed. Ninety procedures (38%) required stent placement, and other interventional procedures performed were pulse-spray thrombolysis (eight procedures), atherectomy (two procedures), and stent-graft placement (one procedure). None of the patients required hospitalization as a result of their radiologic intervention within 7 days after discharge from the SSU. Specifically, there were no major "at home" complications in patients discharged after an observation period of < or =4 hours. Two patients were admitted for outpatient procedures and were subsequently hospitalized as a result of a complication from the procedure. The complication rate (including minor complications) was 8% (seven of 87) in the < or =4 hour observation period group compared with 24.3% (37 of 152) in the >4 hour group (P < .01). This difference was due to a greater number of minor hematomas in the >4 hour group.

CONCLUSION

Based on the authors' findings, many interventional vascular procedures can be performed safely on an outpatient basis with relatively short observation times. Early discharge from the SSU did not result in an increased readmission rate to the hospital because of delayed complications.