A comparative study of viscoelastic hemostatic assays and conventional coagulation tests in trauma patients receiving fibrinogen concentrate.

Background: Both thrombelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) have been investigated for diagnosis of coagulopathy and guidance of resuscitation in trauma and surgery. Given similarities between the two systems, it is important to determine whether one is superior to the other and how comparable they are to conventional coagulation tests (CCTs). Therefore, we conducted a comparative study of functional fibrinogen and coagulation assays using TEG and ROTEM and CCTs to determine their capability to monitor coagulation profiles, diagnose coagulopathy and predict blood transfusion requirements in trauma patients.

Thromboelastography and Thromboelastometry in Assessment of Fibrinogen Deficiency and Prediction for Transfusion Requirement: A Descriptive Review.

Fibrinogen is crucial for the formation of blood clot and clinical outcomes in major bleeding. Both Thromboelastography (TEG) and Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) have been increasingly used to diagnose fibrinogen deficiency and guide fibrinogen transfusion in trauma and surgical bleeding patients. We conducted a comprehensive and comparative review on the technologies and clinical applications of two typical functional fibrinogen assays using TEG (FF TEG) and ROTEM (FIBTEM) for assessment of fibrinogen level and deficiency, and prediction of transfusion requirement.

Harmful or Physiologic: Diagnosing Fibrinolysis Shutdown in a Trauma Cohort With Rotational Thromboelastometry.

Background: Despite its central role in early trauma coagulopathy, abnormal fibrinolysis continues to be poorly understood. Excessive fibrinolysis is a known contributor to mortality. Recent studies with thromboelastography (TEG) suggest decreased fibrinolysis (or shutdown) may be just as harmful.

Blood transfusion and coagulopathy in geriatric trauma patients.

Background: Trauma resuscitation has undergone a paradigm shift with new emphasis on the early use of blood products and increased proportions of plasma and platelets. However, it is unclear how this strategy is applied or how effective it is in the elderly population. The study aim is to identify differences in transfusion practices and the coagulopathy of trauma in the elderly.

Efficacy and safety of the drugs used to reverse direct oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective and safe for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic phenomena. However, managing DOACs during bleeding emergencies is challenging. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies addressing efficacy and safety of the drugs used for reversal of DOACs.

Catecholamines as outcome markers in isolated traumatic brain injury: the COMA-TBI study.

Background: Elevated catecholamine levels might be associated with unfavorable outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated the association between catecholamine levels in the first 24 h post-trauma and functional outcome in patients with isolated moderate-to-severe TBI.

Methods: A cohort of 174 patients who sustained isolated blunt TBI was prospectively enrolled from three Level-1 Trauma Centers.

A systematic review on the rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM®) values for the diagnosis of coagulopathy, prediction and guidance of blood transfusion and prediction of mortality in trauma patients.

Introduction: Viscoelastic assays have been promoted as an improvement over traditional coagulation tests in the management of trauma patients. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) has been used to diagnose coagulopathy and guide hemostatic therapy in trauma. This systematic review of clinical studies in trauma investigates the ROTEM® parameters thresholds used for the diagnosing coagulopathy, predicting and guiding transfusion and predicting mortality.

Sympathoadrenal Activation is Associated with Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy and Endotheliopathy in Isolated Brain Injury.

Background: Acute coagulopathy after traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves a complex multifactorial hemostatic response that is poorly characterized.

Objectives: To examine early posttraumatic alterations in coagulofibrinolytic, endothelial, and inflammatory blood biomarkers in relation to sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation and 6-month patient outcomes, using multivariate partial least-squares (PLS) analysis.

Patients And Methods: A multicenter observational study of 159 adult isolated TBI patients admitted to the emergency department at an urban level I trauma center, was performed.

Current use of live tissue training in trauma: a descriptive systematic review.

Background: Growing public concern for animal welfare, advances in computerized simulation and economic barriers have drawn a critical eye to the use of live tissue training (LTT) in trauma skills acquisition. As a consequence, other simulation methods have replaced LTT, for example, in the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course. Owing to the lack of clear conclusions in the literature, we conducted a systematic review to determine the value of LTT alone and in comparison to other simulation methods in trauma.

Perioperatively acquired disorders of coagulation.

Purpose Of Review: To provide an overview of acquired coagulopathies that can occur in various perioperative clinical settings. Also described are coagulation disturbances linked to antithrombotic medications and currently available strategies to reverse their antithrombotic effects in situations of severe hemorrhage.

Recent Findings: Recent studies highlight the link between low fibrinogen and decreased fibrin polymerization in the development of acquired coagulopathy.

Effect of thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) on diagnosis of coagulopathy, transfusion guidance and mortality in trauma: descriptive systematic review.

Introduction: The understanding of coagulopathies in trauma has increased interest in thromboelastography (TEG®) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), which promptly evaluate the entire clotting process and may guide blood product therapy. Our objective was to review the evidence for their role in diagnosing early coagulopathies, guiding blood transfusion, and reducing mortality in injured patients.

Methods: We considered observational studies and randomized controlled trials (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases) to February 2014 that examined TEG®/ROTEM® in adult trauma patients.

The use of corticosteroid for the prophylaxis of fat embolism syndrome in patients with long bone fracture.

The "Evidence-based Telemedicine - Trauma & Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) Journal Club conducted a critical review of the literature and selected three recent studies on the use of corticosteroids for the prophylaxis of fat embolism syndrome. The review focused on the potential role of corticosteroids administration to patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at risk of developing post-traumatic fat embolism. The first study was prospective and aimed at identifying reliable predictors, which occurred early and were associated with the onset of fat embolism syndrome in trauma patients.

Hepatic trauma: a 21-year experience.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological aspects, behavior, morbidity and treatment outcomes for liver trauma.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients over 13 years of age admitted to a university hospital from 1990 to 2010, submitted to surgery or nonoperative management (NOM).

Results: 748 patients were admitted with liver trauma.

Selective nonoperative management of high grade splenic trauma.

The "Evidence-based Telemedicine - Trauma & Acute Care Surgery" (EBT-TACS) Journal Club performed a critical review of the literature and selected three up-to-date articles on the management of splenic trauma. Our focus was on high-grade splenic injuries, defined as AAST injury grade III-V. The first paper was an update of the 2003 Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) practice management guidelines for nonoperative management of injury to the spleen.

Effect of a fixed-ratio (1:1:1) transfusion protocol versus laboratory-results-guided transfusion in patients with severe trauma: a randomized feasibility trial.

Background: Hemorrhage coupled with coagulopathy remains the leading cause of preventable in-hospital deaths among trauma patients. Use of a transfusion protocol with a predefined ratio of 1:1:1 (1 each of red blood cells [RBC], frozen plasma [FP] and platelets) has been associated with improved survival in retrospective studies in military and civilian settings, but such a protocol has its challenges and may increase the risk of respiratory complications. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility of a 1:1:1 transfusion protocol and its effect on mortality and complications among patients with severe trauma.

Thrombelastography (TEG®): practical considerations on its clinical use in trauma resuscitation.

Background: Thrombelastography is a laboratorial test that measures viscoelastic changes of the entire clotting process. There is growing interest in its clinical use in trauma resuscitation, particularly for managing acute coagulopathy of trauma and assisting decision making concerning transfusion. This review focuses on the clinical use of thrombelastography in trauma, with practical points to consider on its use in civilian and military settings.

Sequential closure of the abdominal wall with continuous fascia traction (using mesh or suture) and negative pressure therapy.

The last decade was marked by a multiplication in the number of publications on (and usage of) the concept of damage control laparotomy, resulting in a growing number of patients left with an open abdomen (or peritoneostomy). Gigantic hernias are among the dreaded consequences of damage control and the impossibility of closing the abdomen during the initial hospital admission. To minimize this sequela, the literature has proposed many different strategies.

TEG® and ROTEM® in trauma: similar test but different results?

Introduction: Transfusion in trauma is often empiric or based on traditional lab tests. Viscoelastic tests such as thromboelastography (TEG®) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) have been proposed as superior to traditional lab tests. Due to the similarities between the two tests, general opinion seems to consider them equivalent with interchangeable interpretations.

Nonoperative management for patients with grade IV blunt hepatic trauma.

Introduction: The treatment of complex liver injuries remains a challenge. Nonoperative treatment for such injuries is increasingly being adopted as the initial management strategy. We reviewed our experience, at a University teaching hospital, in the nonoperative management of grade IV liver injuries with the intent to evaluate failure rates; need for angioembolization and blood transfusions; and in-hospital mortality and complications.

The utility of recombinant factor VIIa as a last resort in trauma.

Introduction: The use of recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) as a last resort for the management of coagulopathy when there is severe metabolic acidosis during large bleedings in trauma might be deemed inappropriate. The objective of this study was to identify critical degrees of acidosis and associated factors at which rFVIIa might be considered of no utility.

Methods: All massively transfused (≥ 8 units of red blood cells within 12 hours) trauma patients from Jan 2000 to Nov 2006.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) with associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurs frequently in trauma. Trauma patients are also at high risk of developing venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) is used in trauma patients as prophylaxis to reduce the risk of VTE events.

Uncomplicated acute cholecystitis: early or delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Recent meta-analyses suggested that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 1 week of symptom onset) for uncomplicated acute gallbladder disease is safe and feasible. However, surveys on surgical practices indicated that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed by only a minority of surgeons. Furthermore, the exact time-point for performing this procedure as well as its cost-effectiveness remain a matter of debate.