Change in tissue thromboplastin content of brain following trauma

Concomitant severe traumatic brain injury is not associated with increased red blood cell transfusion volumes in patients with pelvic fractures: A retrospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-associated coagulopathy significantly influences survival outcomes in patients with multiple injuries. Severe TBI can potentially affect systemic hemostasis due to coagulopathy; however, there is limited evidence regarding whether the risk of hemorrhage increases in patients with pelvic fractures complicated with TBI. Therefore, through multivariable analysis, we aimed to examine the association between severe TBI and increased blood transfusion requirements in patients with pelvic fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care facility in Japan. Patients aged 16 years or older with pelvic fractures who were admitted to our intensive care unit between April 2014 and December 2021 were included in the analysis. The patients were categorized into no to mild and severe TBI groups according to whether the Head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score was 3 or higher. The primary outcome was the number of red blood cell (RBC) units transfused within 24 h after arrival at the hospital. The primary outcome was analyzed using univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses. The covariates used for the multivariable linear regression analysis were age, sex, antithrombotic therapy, mechanism of injury, Pelvic AIS score, and extravasation on contrast-enhanced computed tomography on admission.

RESULTS

We identified 315 eligible patients (221 and 94 in the no to mild and severe TBI groups, respectively). In the univariable analysis, the RBC transfusion volume within 24 h after arrival was significantly higher in the severe TBI group than in the no to mild TBI group (2.53-unit increase; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-4.61). However, in the multivariable analysis, no statistically significant association was detected between severe TBI and the RBC transfusion volume within 24 h after arrival at the hospital (0.87-unit increase; 95 % CI: -1.11-2.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant severe TBI was not associated with increased RBC transfusion volumes in patients with pelvic fractures on multivariable analysis.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Superficial and Deep Vein Thrombosis in Post-Craniotomy/Craniectomy Neurosurgical Patients

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is quite common among post-operative neurosurgical patients. This study aims to identify the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) among post-craniotomy/craniectomy patients and further evaluate established hypercoagulability risk factors such as trauma, tumors, and surgery. Methodology This single-center retrospective study investigated 197 patients who underwent a craniotomy/craniectomy. The incidences of DVT and SVT were compared, along with laterality and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line involvement. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for post-craniotomy/craniectomy VTE. This model included variables such as age, post-operative days before anticoagulant administration, female sex, indications for surgery such as tumor and trauma, presence of a PICC line, and anticoagulant administration. Results Among the 197 post-craniotomy/craniectomy patients (39.6% female; mean age 53.8±15.7 years), the incidences of DVT, SVT, and VTE were 4.6%, 9.6%, and 12.2%, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that increasing the number of days between surgery and administration of anticoagulants significantly increased the risk of VTE incidence (odds ratio 1.183, 95% CI 1.068-1.311, p = 0.001). Conclusions Contrary to existing evidence, this study did not find trauma or the presence of tumors to be risk factors for VTE. Future prospective studies should assess VTE risk assessment models such as "3 Bucket" or "Caprini" to develop universal guidelines for administering anticoagulant therapy to post-craniotomy/craniectomy patients that consider the timing of post-operative therapy initiation.

Persistent coagulopathy after gunshot traumatic brain injury: the importance of INR and the SPIN score

INTRODUCTION

Penetrating ballistic brain injury (gunshot traumatic brain injury or GTBI) is associated with a high mortality. Admission Glascow Coma Scale (GCS), injury severity score and neurological findings, cardiopulmonary instability, coagulopathy and radiological finding such as bullet trajectory and mass effect are shown to predict survival after GTBI. We aimed to examine the dynamics of the observed coagulopathy and its association with outcome.

METHODS

In this single-centered retrospective cohort study, we examined 88 patients with GTBI between 2015 and 2021. Variables analyzed include patient age; temperature, hemodynamic and respiratory variables, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); injury severity score (ISS); head abbreviated injury scale (AIS); Marshall, Rotterdam, SPIN and Baylor scores, and laboratory data including PTT, INR and platelet count. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the predictive models.

RESULTS

The average age of our sample was 28.5 years and a majority were male subjects (92%). Fifty-four (62%) of the patients survived to discharge. The GCS score, as well as the motor, verbal, and eye-opening sub-scores were higher in survivors (P < 0.001). As was expected, radiologic findings including the Marshall and Rotterdam Scores were also associated with survival (P < 0.001). Although the ISS and Head AIS scores were higher (P < 0.001), extracranial injuries were not more prevalent in non-survivors (P= 0.567). Non-survivors had lower platelet counts and elevated PTT and INR (P < 0.001) on admission. PTT normalized within 24 h but INR continued to increase in non-survivors. SPIN score, which includes INR, was a better predictor for mortality than Rotterdam, Marshall, and Baylor etc. CONCLUSION: Progressively increasing INR after GTBI is associated with poor outcome and may indicate consumption coagulopathy from activation of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and metabolic derangements that are triggered and sustained by the brain injury. The SPIN score, which incorporates INR as a major survival score component, outperforms other available prediction models for predicting outcome after GTBI.

Role of Monocyte-to-lymphocyte Ratio, Mean Platelet Volume-to-Platelet Count Ratio, C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate as Predictor of Severity in Secondary Traumatic Brain Injury: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Secondary traumatic brain injury (TBI) is injury to the brain following primary TBI because of neuroinflammation as consequences of neuronal and glial cell injury which cause release of various inflammation cytokine and chemokine. Biomarker examination to predict the severity of secondary TBI is important to provide appropriate treatment to the patient. This article reviews possibility several common laboratory parameter such as monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), mean platelet volume-to-platelet count (PC) ratio (MPV-PCR), c-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to predict severity of secondary TBI. LITERATURE REVIEW: TBI activates microglia which increase infiltration and proliferation of monocyte. Neuroinflammation also increases thrombopoiesis which leads to increase megakaryocytes production. In the other hand, due to disruption of brain blood vessels because of trauma, coagulation cascade is also activated and leads to consumptive coagulopathy. These are reflected as high monocyte count, low PC, and high MPV. Lymphocyte count is reported low in TBI especially in poor outcome patients. CRP is an acute phase reactant that increased in inflammation condition. In TBI, increased production of Interleukin-6 leads to increase CRP production. In head injured patients, ESR level does not increase significantly in the acute phase of inflammation but last longer when compared to CRP. CONCLUSION: MLR, MPV-PCR, CRP, and ESR could be predictor of severity in secondary TBI.

Hematologic Emergencies in the Postoperative Neurointensive Care Unit Setting: Illustrative Case Series and Differential Diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

Investigating the development of acute thrombocytopenia, differential etiologies, and potentially the rare manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulation after brain tumor resection of primary and secondary malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a case series of post-operative neurosurgical patients which developed thrombocytopenia. We applied National Library of Medicine search engine methodology using the terms disseminated intravascular coagulation and brain tumors.

RESULTS

We report clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data of four Neurointensive care unit patients that developed thrombocytopenia, three with disseminated intravascular coagulation after craniotomy, and one with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia masquerading as low grade disseminated intravascular coagulation. All four patients presented with cranial lesions and underwent neurosurgical resection. Underlying disorders included: high grade glioma, stage IV lung cancer with metastases, and meningioma. One patient survived and was able to recover after several days of hospitalization, while another patient was discharged to hospice. Search results illustrated that disseminated intravascular coagulation in the presence of glioblastoma multiforme is rare (only four patients) and may be due to a release of coagulation factors like tissue plasminogen activator, treated with antifibrinolytic agents. Searching the terms disseminated intravascular coagulation and brain tumors in the National Library of Medicine search engine yielded 116 results; eight were relevant to our study.

CONCLUSIONS

Correlation of thrombocytopenia after neurosurgery for glioblastoma multiforme and disseminated intravascular coagulation is rare. It is extremely challenging to manage these patients with concomitant deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and intracranial bleeding. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is common yet possesses a different hematological coagulation profile and has more pharmacologic options. Neurointensive care unit teams should recognize intraoperative and post-operative disseminated intravascular coagulation cases, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in the differential of post-operative thrombocytopenia with specific pharmacologic interventions.

Computed tomographic parameters correlate with coagulation disorders in isolated traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The imbalanced hemostatic equilibrium caused by brain tissue or vessel damage underlies the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced coagulopathy, and cranial computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for evaluating brain injury. The present study aimed to explore the correlation between quantitative cranial CT parameters and coagulopathy after TBI.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the medical records of TBI patients with extracranial abbreviated injury scale (AIS) scores <3 who were admitted to our institution. The quantitative cranial CT parameters of patients with and without coagulopathy were compared, and univariate correlation analysis between CT parameters and coagulation subtest values and platelet counts was performed. The predictors for each subtest of coagulation function were probed by multivariate regression.

RESULTS

TBI patients with coagulopathy had a larger intracerebral haematoma/contusion (ICH/C) volume (p < 0.001), a higher incidence of compressed basal cisterns (p = 0.015), a higher Graeb score (p < 0.001) and subarachnoid haematoma (Fisher's scaling score) (p = 0.019) than those without coagulopathy. IH/C volume was identified as an independent risk factor for predicting coagulopathy. ICH/C volume showed a significantly positive correlation with APTT (Pearson's correlation = 0.333, p < 0.001), while a significant negative correlation with PLT (Pearson's correlation = - 0.312, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ICH/C volume was a main quantitative cranial CT parameter for predicting coagulopathy, suggesting that parenchymal brain damage and vessel injury were closely associated with coagulopathy after TBI.

Catastrophic Non-Survivable Brain Injury Care-Role 2/3

A catastrophic brain injury is defined as any brain injury that is expected to result in permanent loss of all brain function above the brain stem level. These clinical recommendations will help stabilize the patient so that they may be safely evacuated from theater. In addition to cardiovascular and hemodynamic goals, special attention must be paid to their endocrine dysfunction and its treatment-specifically steroid, insulin and thyroxin (t4) replacement while evaluating for and treating diabetes insipidus. Determining the futility of care coupled with resource management must also be made at each echelon. Logistical coordination and communication is paramount to expedite these patients to higher levels of care so that there is an increased probability of reuniting them with their family.

Defining Massive Transfusion in Civilian Pediatric Trauma With Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify an optimal definition of massive transfusion in civilian pediatric trauma with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) METHODS: Severely injured children (age ≤18 y) with severe TBI in the Trauma Quality Improvement Program research data sets 2015-2016 that received blood products were identified. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-square, and logistic regression. Continuous variables are presented as median (interquartile range). Massive transfusion thresholds were determined based on receiver operating curves and optimization of sensitivity and specificity RESULTS: Of the 460 included children, the mortality rate was 43%. There were no differences in demographics, heart rate at presentation, or injury severity score between children that lived or died. However, those who died had lower Glasgow coma scores (3 [3, 8] versus 3 [3, 3]; P < 0.01), were more likely to have had a penetrating injury (20% versus 11%; P < 0.01) and were more likely to be hypotensive for age (62% versus 34%; P < 0.01). Total blood products infused were greater in those who died (34 mL/kg/4-h [17, 65] versus 22 [12, 44]; P < 0.01). Sensitivity and specificity for delayed mortality was optimized at 40 mL/kg/4 h, and for the need for a hemorrhage control procedure at 50 mL/kg/4 h. These thresholds predicted delayed mortality (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.28-3.50; P < 0.01) and the need for hemorrhage control procedures (5.47; 95% CI 2.82-10.61; P < 0.01) CONCLUSIONS: For children with TBI, a massive transfusion threshold of 40 mL/kg/4-h of total administered blood products may be used to identify at-risk patients, improve resource utilization, and guide future research methodology.

Coagulopathy and haemorrhagic progression in traumatic brain injury: advances in mechanisms, diagnosis, and management

Normal haemostasis depends on an intricate balance between mechanisms of bleeding and mechanisms of thrombosis, and this balance can be altered after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Impaired haemostasis could exacerbate the primary insult with risk of initiation or aggravation of bleeding; anticoagulant use at the time of injury can also contribute to bleeding risk after TBI. Many patients with TBI have abnormalities on conventional coagulation tests at admission to the emergency department, and the presence of coagulopathy is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Further blood testing often reveals a range of changes affecting platelet numbers and function, procoagulant or anticoagulant factors, fibrinolysis, and interactions between the coagulation system and the vascular endothelium, brain tissue, inflammatory mechanisms, and blood flow dynamics. However, the degree to which these coagulation abnormalities affect TBI outcomes and whether they are modifiable risk factors are not known. Although the main challenge for management is to address the risk of hypocoagulopathy with prolonged bleeding and progression of haemorrhagic lesions, the risk of hypercoagulopathy with an increased prothrombotic tendency also warrants consideration.

Management of neurologic complications of coagulopathies

Coagulopathy is common in intensive care units (ICUs). Many physiologic derangements lead to dysfunctional hemostasis; these may be either congenital or acquired. The most devastating outcome of coagulopathy in the critically ill is major bleeding, defined by transfusion requirement, hemodynamic instability, or intracranial hemorrhage. ICU coagulopathy often poses complex management dilemmas, as bleeding risk must be tempered with thrombotic potential. Coagulopathy associated with intracranial hemorrhage bears directly on prognosis and outcome. There is a paucity of high-quality evidence for the management of coagulopathies in neurocritical care; however, data derived from studies of patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage may inform treatment decisions. Coagulopathy is often broadly defined as any derangement of hemostasis resulting in either excessive bleeding or clotting, although most typically it is defined as impaired clot formation. Abnormalities in coagulation testing without overt clinical bleeding may also be considered evidence of coagulopathy. This chapter will focus on acquired conditions, such as organ failure, pharmacologic therapies, and platelet dysfunction that are associated with defective clot formation and result in, or exacerbate, intracranial hemorrhage, specifically spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury.

Contraction of Blood Clots Is Impaired in Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

Obstructive thrombi or thrombotic emboli are the pathogenic basis of ischemic stroke. In vitro blood clots and in vivo thrombi can undergo platelet-driven contraction (retraction), resulting in volume shrinkage. Clot contraction can potentially reduce vessel occlusion and improve blood flow past emboli or thrombi. The aim of this work was to examine a potential pathogenic role of clot contraction in ischemic stroke.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We used a novel automated method that enabled us to quantify time of initiation and extent and rate of clot contraction in vitro. The main finding is that clot contraction from the blood of stroke patients was reduced compared with healthy subjects. Reduced clot contraction correlated with a lower platelet count and their dysfunction, higher levels of fibrinogen and hematocrit, leukocytosis, and other changes in blood composition that may affect platelet function and properties of blood clots. Platelets from stroke patents were spontaneously activated and displayed reduced responsiveness to additional stimulation. Clinical correlations with respect to severity and stroke pathogenesis suggest that the impaired clot contraction has the potential to be a pathogenic factor in ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

The changeable ability of clots and thrombi to shrink in volume may be a novel unappreciated mechanism that aggravates or alleviates the course and outcomes of ischemic stroke. The clinical importance of clot or thrombus transformations in vivo and the diagnostic and prognostic value of this blood test for clot contraction need further exploration.

Relationship between systemic thrombogenic or thrombolytic indices and acute increase of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the correlations between changes in thrombogenesis or thrombolysis related factors, and the acute increase of a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH).

Materials and Methods

From January 2009 to October 2011, 225 patients with sICH were admitted to our hospital within 24 hours of onset. Among them, 111 patients with hypertensive sICH were enrolled in this study. Thrombogenic or thrombolytic factors were checked at admission. The authors checked computed tomography (CT) scans at admission and followed up the next day (between 12-24 hours) or at any time when neurologic signs were aggravated. Cases in which the hematoma was enlarged more than 33% were defined as Group A and the others were defined as Group B.

Results

Group A included 30 patients (27%) and group B included 81 patients (73%). Factors including activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, and D-dimer showed a greater increase in group A than in group B. Factors including antithrombin III, factor V, and factor X showed a greater increase in group A than in group B.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it seems that the risk of increase in hematoma size can be predicted by serum thrombogenic or thrombolytic factors at admission.

Mortality in severely injured elderly patients: a retrospective analysis of a German level 1 trauma center (2002-2011)

Background

Demographic change is expected to result in an increase in cases of severely injured elderly patients. To determine special considerations in treatment and outcome, patients aged 75 years and older were studied.

Methods

All patients in the included age group with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 upon primary admission to hospital between July 2002 and December 2011 were included in this mortality analysis. The data used for this study was gained partly from data submitted to the German Trauma Register and partly from patients’ hospital records. A comparison between survivors and decedents was performed, as well as age-adjusted and ISS-adjusted analyses. The odds ratio and relative risk were used to determine predictors for mortality.

Results

One-hundred eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall mortality proportion was 57.4%. The decedents were more severely injured (ISS 26 vs. 20, p < 0.001) and suffered more severe head traumas (GCS 4 vs. 12, p < 0.001; AIS head 5 vs. 4, p = 0.006). No differences were found in vital parameters measured at the accident scene or trauma room. Decedents had deranged coagulation with a prolonged PTT (41.1 sec vs. 27.6 sec, p = 0.008) and reduced prothrombin ratio (66.5% vs. 82.8%, p = 0.016).

Only 17.1% of patients presenting an ISS > 25 survived, suggesting that an injury of such severity is hardly survivable in the subject age group.

Predictors for mortality were: ISS > 25, GCS < 9, PTT > 32.4 seconds, prothrombin ratio < 70%, AIS head > 3, and Hb < 12 g/dl.

Conclusions

The treatment of severely injured elderly patients is challenging. The most common cause of accident is falling from less than 3 m with head injuries being determinant. We identified deranged coagulopathy as an important predictor for mortality, suggesting rapid normalization of coagulation might be a key to reducing mortality.

Mortality in severely injured children: experiences of a German level 1 trauma center (2002 - 2011)

Background

Trauma in pediatric patients is a major cause of death. This study investigated differences between decedents and survivors. Furthermore, an analysis of preventable and potential preventable trauma deaths was conducted and errors in the acute trauma care were investigated.

Methods

All patients aged less than 16 years with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 upon primary admission to the hospital between July 2002 and December 2011 were included in this study. Decedents were compared with survivors and an analysis of deceased children for preventable and potential preventable deaths was conducted. The acute trauma care was investigated regarding errors in treatment.

Results

Significant differences were found in Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score, New ISS, Revised Injury Severity Classification, and Trauma and Injury Severity Score. Decedents had a worse head trauma with associated coagulopathy. The overall mortality rate was 13.4%. The majority of death occurred soon after arrival. No long term intensive care unit stay was found.

No preventable but one potential preventable death was analyzed. Most errors occurred in fluid volume management and in a delay of starting the therapy for hemorrhage and coagulopathy.

Prolonged preclinical rescue time and surgery time within the first 24 hours was found.

Conclusions

Head trauma is the determinant factor for mortality in severely injured pediatric patients. Death occurred shortly after arrival and long term intensive care stays might be an exception. In treatment of severely injured children volume management, hemorrhage and coagulopathy management, rescue time, and total surgery time should receive more attention.

Early platelet dysfunction in a rodent model of blunt traumatic brain injury reflects the acute traumatic coagulopathy found in humans

Acute coagulopathy is a serious complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is of uncertain etiology because of the complex nature of TBI. However, recent work has shown a correlation between mortality and abnormal hemostasis resulting from early platelet dysfunction. The aim of the current study was to develop and characterize a rodent model of TBI that mimics the human coagulopathic condition so that mechanisms of the early acute coagulopathy in TBI can be more readily assessed. Studies utilizing a highly reproducible constrained blunt-force brain injury in rats demonstrate a strong correlation with important postinjury pathological changes that are observed in human TBI patients, namely, diminished platelet responses to agonists, especially adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and subarachnoid bleeding. Additionally, administration of a direct thrombin inhibitor, preinjury, recovers platelet functionality to ADP stimulation, indicating a direct role for excess thrombin production in TBI-induced early platelet dysfunction.

Evaluation of Heparin Prophylaxis Protocol on Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Traumatic Brain Injury

There is currently no accepted standard for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) prophylaxis in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of implementing a subcutaneous heparin prophylaxis protocol for patients with TBI that began in our hospital as of June 2009. In our retrospective cohort study, we examined 3812 TBI records between January 2007 and December 2011. A significant reduction in the risk of DVT/PE development was not demonstrated by comparing DVT and PE incidences before and after protocol implementation. A clear trend between heparin use and DVT occurrence could not be determined from a review of TBI records after June 2009. The use of heparin after initiation of our protocol among operative TBI cases without intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) based on admission head computed tomography was 58 per cent. ICH complication from heparin prophylaxis was 10.6 per cent for patients with TBI with ICH on admission (five of 47 cases) compared with 0.7 per cent for those without ICH on admission (four of 535 cases).

Coagulopathy after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury has long been associated with abnormal coagulation parameters, but the exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. Coagulopathy after traumatic brain injury includes hypercoagulable and hypocoagulable states that can lead to secondary injury by either the induction of microthrombosis or the progression of hemorrhagic brain lesions. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, including the release of tissue factor, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hyperfibrinolysis, hypoperfusion with protein C activation, and platelet dysfunction. The diagnosis and management of these complex patients are difficult given the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of coagulopathy after blunt traumatic brain injury. The current and emerging diagnostic tools, radiological findings, treatment options, and prognosis are discussed.

The 4G/4G genotype of the PAI-1 (serpine-1) 4G/5G polymorphism is associated with decreased lung allograft utilization

Widespread thrombi are found among donor lungs rejected for transplantation. The 4G/5G polymorphism in the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) gene impacts transcription and the 4G allele is associated with increased PAI-1 levels. We hypothesized that the 4G/4G genotype would be associated with decreased lung graft utilization, potentially because of worse oxygenation in the donor. We genotyped donors managed by the California Transplant Donor Network from 2001 to 2008 for the 4G/5G polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene. Non-Hispanic donors from 2001 to 2005 defined the discovery cohort (n = 519), whereas donors from 2006 to 2008 defined the validation cohort (n = 369). We found, that the odds of successful lung utilization among Non-Hispanic white donors were lower among donors with the 4G/4G genotype compared to those without this genotype in both the discovery (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.3-0.9, p = 0.02) and validation (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-0.9, p = 0.03) cohorts. This relationship was independent of age, gender, cause of death, drug use and history of smoking. Donors with the 4G/4G genotype also had a lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p = 0.03) and fewer donors with the 4G/4G genotype achieved the threshold PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≥ 300 (p = 0.05). These findings suggest a role for impaired fibrinolysis resulting in worse gas exchange and decreased donor utilization.

Glasgow Coma Scale as a predictor for hemocoagulative disorders after blunt pediatric traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

Coagulopathy is a complication of traumatic brain injury and its presence after injury has been identified as a risk factor for prognosis. It was our aim to determine whether neurologic findings reflected by Glasgow Coma Scale at initial resuscitation can predict hemocoagulative disorders resulting from traumatic brain injury that may aggravate clinical sequelae and outcome in children.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 200 datasets from children with blunt, isolated traumatic brain injury documented in the Trauma Registry of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie was conducted. Inclusion criteria were primary admission, age <14 yrs, and sustained isolated blunt traumatic brain injury.

SETTING

Trauma Registry of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie-affiliated trauma centers in Germany.

PATIENTS

: Two hundred datasets of children (age <14 yrs) with blunt isolated traumatic brain injury were analyzed: children were subdivided into two groups according to Glasgow Coma Scale at the scene (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 vs. Glasgow Coma Scale >8) and reviewed for coagulation abnormalities upon emergency room admission and outcome.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifty-one percent (n = 102 of 200) of children had Glasgow Coma Scale >8 and 49% (n = 98 of 200) had Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 at the scene. The incidence of coagulopathy at admission was higher in children with Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 compared to children with Glasgow Coma Scale >8: 44% (n = 31 of 71) vs. 14% (n = 11 of 79) (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 at scene was associated with coagulopathy at admission (odds ratio 3.378, p = .009) and stepwise regression identified Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 as an independent risk factor for coagulopathy. Mortality in children with Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 at scene was substantially higher with the presence of coagulation abnormalities at admission compared to children in which coagulopathy was absent (51.6%, n = 16 of 31 vs. 5% n = 2 of 40).

CONCLUSIONS

Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 at scene in children with isolated traumatic brain injury is associated with increased risk for coagulopathy and mortality. These results may guide laboratory testing, management, and blood bank resources in acute pediatric trauma care.

The natural history of trauma-related coagulopathy: implications for treatment

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of death in trauma patients and coagulopathy is a significant contributor. Although the exact mechanisms of trauma-associated coagulopathy (TAC) are incompletely understood, hemostatic resuscitation strategies have been developed to treat TAC. Our study sought to identify which trauma patients develop TAC and the factors associated with its development, to describe the natural history of TAC, and to identify patients with TAC who may not require hemostatic resuscitation.

METHODS

Patients with early coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio >1.3) who were admitted directly from the scene within 1 hour of injury were identified in our institutional trauma registry. We analyzed these data for the presence of TAC, predictors of early and delayed TAC, and evolution of TAC during the first 24 hours of admission.

RESULTS

Of 2,473 patients, 290 (12%) had early TAC (International Normalized Ratio >1.3) and 271 (11%) developed delayed TAC. Multivariate analysis identified female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.25 [1.11-1.41]), lower pH (OR 0.08 [0.015-0.47]), lower hemoglobin (OR 0.96 [0.95-0.97]), lower temperature (OR 0.82 [0.70-0.95]), and blunt mechanism (OR 0.49 [0.33-0.71]) as factors significantly associated with development of early TAC. Progression of early TAC occurred in 64%, and these patients had more severe abdominal injury and received more emergency room crystalloid. Of patients with early TAC who did not receive fresh frozen plasma, only 49% developed worsening coagulopathy. Patients with isolated intracranial hemorrhage had higher rates of bleeding progression (75% vs. 20%, p < 0.005) in the presence of early TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

TAC may appear in an early or delayed form and its presence and progression are associated with a number of identifiable factors. Although TAC commonly progresses, it also resolves spontaneously in many patients. Further research is required to identify which patients with TAC require hemostatic treatment, although those with intracranial hemorrhages seem to warrant aggressive therapy.

Balanced massive transfusion ratios in multiple injury patients with traumatic brain injury

Introduction

Retrospective studies have demonstrated a potential survival benefit from transfusion strategies using an early and more balanced ratio between fresh frozen plasma (FFP) concentration and packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions in patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy requiring massive transfusions. These results have mostly been derived from non-head-injured patients. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether a regime using a high FFP:pRBC transfusion ratio (FFP:pRBC ratio >1:2) would be associated with a similar survival benefit in severely injured patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score, head ≥3) as demonstrated for patients without TBI requiring massive transfusion (≥10 U of pRBCs).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of severely injured patients from the Trauma Registry of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (TR-DGU) was conducted. Inclusion criteria were primary admission, age ≥16 years, severe injury (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16) and massive transfusion (≥10 U of pRBCs) from emergency room to intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were subdivided into patients with TBI (AIS score, head ≥3) and patients without TBI (AIS score, head <3), as well as according to the transfusion ratio they had received: high FFP:pRBC ratio (FFP:pRBC ratio >1:2) and low FFP:pRBC ratio (FFP:pRBC ratio ≤1:2). In addition, morbidity and mortality between the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 1,250 data sets of severely injured patients from the TR-DGU between 2002 and 2008 were analyzed. The mean patient age was 42 years, the majority of patients were male (72.3%), the mean ISS was 41.7 points (±15.4 SD) and the principal mechanism of injury was blunt force trauma (90%). Mortality was statistically lower in the high FFP:pRBC ratio groups versus the low FFP:pRBC ratio groups, regardless of the presence or absence of TBI and across all time points studied (P < 0.001). The frequency of sepsis and multiple organ failure did not differ among groups, except for sepsis in patients with TBI who received a high FFP:pRBC ratio transfusion. Other secondary end points such as ventilator-free days, length of stay in the ICU and overall in-hospital length of stay differed significantly between the two study groups, but not when only data for survivors were analyzed.

Conclusions

These results add more detailed knowledge to the concept of a high FFP:pRBC ratio during early aggressive resuscitation, including massive transfusion, to decrease mortality in severely injured patients both with and without accompanying TBI. Future research should be conducted with a larger number of patients to prove these results in a prospective study.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as a complication of surgery for ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts is extremely rare, and only one case has been documented in the literature. The authors present the case of a 9-year-old girl with shunted hydrocephalus who presented with a 3-day history of headaches and vomiting. A head CT showed enlarged ventricles compared with baseline. An emergent VP shunt revision was performed, during which an obstructed proximal catheter was found. Immediately after extubation, the patient became apneic and progressed to cardiopulmonary arrest. A breathing tube was reinserted followed by resuscitation attempts that led to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Soon after reintubation, bloody drainage was noted in the endotracheal tube, and subsequent laboratory studies were consistent with DIC. The patient died on postoperative Day 1, and autopsy findings confirmed DIC. Note that DIC is a recognized complication of trauma, particularly with brain injury, but it is rare with neurosurgical procedures. Disseminated intravascular coagulation should be considered if excessive bleeding occurs after any brain insult.

Hemostatic and hemorrhagic problems in neurosurgical patients

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities of the hemostasis can lead to hemorrhage, and on the other hand to thrombosis. Intracranial neoplasms, complex surgical procedures, and head injury have a specific impact on coagulation and fibrinolysis. Moreover, the number of neurosurgical patients on medication (which interferes with platelet function and/or the coagulation systems) has increased over the past years.

METHOD

The objective of this review is to recall common hemostatic disorders in neurosurgical patients on the basis of the "new concept of hemostasis". Therefore the pertinent literature was searched to provide a structured and up to date manuscript about hemostasis in Neurosurgery.

FINDINGS

According to recent scientific publications abnormalities of the coagulation system are discussed. Pathophysiological background and the rational for specific (cost)-effective perioperative hemostatic therapy is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Perturbations of hemostasis can be multifactorial and maybe encountered in the daily practice of neurosurgery. Early diagnosis and specific treatment is the prerequisite for successful treatment and good patients outcome.

Aggressive organ donor management protocol

As of August 2007, 96 900 people are awaiting organ transplantation in the United States, while only 28 930 transplants were performed in 2006. With such a large gap between organ need and organ availability, it is inevitable that many will die while awaiting transplantation. This organ shortage has become a national public health crisis, and as a response, the United States Department of Health and Human Services launched the Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative, an ambitious campaign to dramatically increase the number of transplantable organs. One of the suggested strategies involves maximizing the number of organs obtained from the available cadaveric "brain dead'' donor pool by using donor management protocols that optimize and treat the profound physiological disturbances that are associated with brain death. The use of these standardized and aggressive donor management protocols has been shown to increase the number of transplanted organs and prevent the number of donors lost due to medical failures. A protocol-driven approach by a dedicated organ donor management team should be considered a key component of any program designed to bridge the gap between organ supply and demand.

Low-dose recombinant factor VIIa for trauma patients with coagulopathy

INTRODUCTION

Coagulopathy in injured patients is common and is generally treated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Response can be variable, thus complete correction may take hours and require large volumes of fluids. High-dose recombinant factor VIIa (FVIIa, Novoseven, Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) has been used off-label to treat severe coagulopathy following trauma. Expense has limited use. Recently, we began administering low dose FVIIa (1.2mg) to patients with mild to moderate coagulopathy after trauma, hypothetising that it would be effective and safe.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received a low dose of 1.2mg of FVIIa over a 2-year period. Factor VIIa is administered after approval by a gatekeeper at the discretion of the treating physician. Demographics, injury and laboratory data were abstracted as were indications for use, source of coagulopathy, effectiveness, and complications. A two-tailed paired t-test was used to determine significant changes in coagulation parameters and blood product utilisation.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients received 84 low doses of FVIIa. The mean age of the patients was 51 (+/-22) with a mean ISS of 29 (+/-11). Seventy-three per cent were male and 67% had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as their primary injury. The aetiology of the coagulopathy in the study population included; TBI (40%), warfarin use (22%), and cirrhosis (13%). Mean prothrombin time (PT) fell from 17.0 s (+/-3.2) to 10.6s (+/-1.4) (p<0.0001). All patients had a good clinical response with no bleeding complications. Utilisation of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were significantly less in the 24h after FVIIa administration as compared to the 24h prior. Subsequent thromboembolic events were observed in 12 of the 81 patients (15%) and included; cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (6), mesenteric thrombosis (2), myocardial infarction (MI) (1), pulmonary embolism/deep venous thrombosis (PE/DVT) (2), and atrial thrombus (1). Only four of these events were thought to be related to the FVIIa administration, with two of the four contributing to a lethal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose FVIIa rapidly and effectively treats mild to moderate coagulopathy following injury. This low dose (1.2mg) FVIIa is the smallest available unit dose. It costs approximately the same as 8 units of plasma and may be cost-effective in patients who require high volume factor administration. Low dose FVIIa may be effective in coagulopathic trauma patients who are not in shock but require rapid normalisation of clotting function.

Recombinant factor VIIA in traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage: results of a dose-escalation clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Intracerebral hemorrhages, whether spontaneous or traumatic (tICH), often expand, and an association has been described between hemorrhage expansion and worse clinical outcomes. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is a hemostatic agent that has been shown to limit hemorrhage expansion and which, therefore, could potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in tICH. This first prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study evaluated the safety and preliminary effectiveness of rFVIIa to limit tICH progression.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled if they had tICH lesions of at least 2 ml on a baseline computed tomographic scan obtained within 6 hours of injury. rFVIIa or placebo was administered within 2.5 hours of the baseline computed tomographic scan but no later than 7 hours after injury. Computed tomographic scans were repeated at 24 and 72 hours. Five escalating dose tiers were evaluated (40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 microg/kg rFVIIa). Clinical evaluations and adverse events were recorded until Day 15.

RESULTS

No significant differences were detected in mortality rate or number and type of adverse events among treatment groups. Asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis, detected on routinely performed ultrasound at Day 3, was observed more frequently in the combined rFVIIa treatment group (placebo, 3%; rFVIIa, 8%; not significant). A nonsignificant trend for rFVIIa dose-response to limit tICH volume increase was observed (placebo, 21.0 ml; rFVIIa, 10.1 ml).

CONCLUSION

In this first prospective study of rFVIIa in tICH, there appeared to be less hematoma progression in rFVIIa-treated patients (80-200 microg/kg) compared with that seen in placebo treated patients. The potential significance of this biological effect on clinical outcomes and the significance of the somewhat higher incidence of ultrasound-detected deep vein thromboses in the rFVIIa-treated group need to be examined in a larger prospective randomized clinical trial.

Safety of rFVIIa in hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patients with traumatic brain injury: post hoc analysis of 30 patients from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and uncontrolled hemorrhage responsible for the majority of these deaths. Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is being investigated as an adjunctive hemostatic treatment for bleeding refractory to conventional replacement therapy in trauma patients. TBI is a common component of polytrauma injuries. However, the combination of TBI with polytrauma injuries is associated with specific risk factors and treatment modalities somewhat different from those of polytrauma without TBI. Although rFVIIa treatment may offer added potential benefit for patients with combined TBI and polytrauma, its safety in this population has not yet been assessed. We conducted a post hoc sub analysis of patients with TBI and severe blunt polytrauma enrolled into a prospective, international, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis of study data was performed for 143 patients with severe blunt trauma enrolled in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, evaluating the safety and efficacy of intravenous rFVIIa (200 + 100 + 100 microg/kg) or placebo, to identify patients with a computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of TBI. The incidences of ventilator-free days, intensive care unit-free days, and thromboembolic, serious, and adverse events within the 30-day study period were assessed in this cohort.

RESULTS

Thirty polytrauma patients (placebo, n = 13; rFVIIa, n = 17) were identified as having TBI on CT. No significant differences in rates of mortality (placebo, n = 6, 46%, 90% confidence interval (CI): 22% to 71%; rFVIIa, n = 5, 29%, 90% CI: 12% to 56%; P = 0.19), in median numbers of intensive care unit-free days (placebo = 0, rFVIIa = 3; P = 0.26) or ventilator-free days (placebo = 0, rFVIIa = 10; P = 0.19), or in rates of thromboembolic adverse events (placebo, 15%, 90% CI: 3% to 51%; rFVIIa, 0%, 90% CI: 0% to 53%; P = 0.18) or serious adverse events (placebo, 92%, 90% CI: 68% to 98%; rFVIIa, 82%, 90% CI: 60% to 92%; P = 0.61) were observed between treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of a total dose of 400 (200 + 100 + 100) microg/kg rFVIIa in this group of hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patients with TBI was not associated with an increased risk of mortality or with thromboembolic or adverse events.

Coagulation disorders after traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade new insights in our understanding of coagulation have identified the prominent role of tissue factor. The brain is rich in tissue factor, and injury to the brain may initiate disturbances in local and systemic coagulation. We aimed to review the current knowledge on the pathophysiology, incidence, nature, prognosis and treatment of coagulation disorders following traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE search from 1966 to April 2007 with various MESH headings, focusing on head trauma and coagulopathy. We identified 441 eligible English language studies. These were reviewed for relevance by two independent investigators. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the frequencies of coagulopathy after TBI and to determine the association of coagulopathy and outcome, expressed as odds ratios.

RESULTS

Eighty-two studies were relevant for the purpose of this review. Meta-analysis of 34 studies reporting the frequencies of coagulopathy after TBI, showed an overall prevalence of 32.7%. The presence of coagulopathy after TBI was related both to mortality (OR 9.0; 95%CI: 7.3-11.6) and unfavourable outcome (OR 36.3; 95%CI: 18.7-70.5).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that coagulopathy following traumatic brain injury is an important independent risk factor related to prognosis. Routine determination of the coagulation status should therefore be performed in all patients with traumatic brain injury. These data may have important implications in patient management. Well-performed prospective clinical trials should be undertaken as a priority to determine the beneficial effects of early treatment of coagulopathy.

Correlation of a high D-dimer level with poor outcome in traumatic intracranial hemorrhage

The correlations between D-dimer and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupillary light reflex, distance of midline shift on brain computed tomography (CT), and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) in patients with trauma/non-trauma intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) are not consistent in studies. Ninety-eight traumatic and 59 non-traumatic ICH patients were studied. Pre-existing venous thrombosis, recent surgery, drug use (aspirin or coumadin), or malignancy, were excluded. D-dimer level was estimated within hours after acute insult, and statistical analyses were used for comparisons between groups. Traumatic ICH patients had higher D-dimer levels than controls (2984 vs. 256 microg/l; P = 0.001). The GCS, midline shift on brain CT, pupillary reflex, and GOS at 3 months were significantly correlated with high D-dimer value in traumatic patients (individual P < 0.001), but not in the non-traumatic group. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC), the cutoff point was 1496 microg/l, with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83%, respectively. D-dimer > or =1496 microg/l predicted a poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 14.44, 95% CI 1.16-179.27; P = 0.038]. A high D-dimer level is associated with a poor outcome in patients with traumatic ICH. It can be used in addition to neurological assessment to predict the outcome.