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Effects of fibrinogen and platelet transfusion on coagulation and platelet function in bleeding cardiac surgery patients
Author(s) -
Shams Hakimi Caroline,
Singh Sukhi,
Hesse Camilla,
Jeppsson Anders
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta anaesthesiologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1399-6576
pISSN - 0001-5172
DOI - 10.1111/aas.13295
Subject(s) - thromboelastometry , medicine , platelet , fibrinogen , mean platelet volume , thromboelastography , coagulation , platelet transfusion , hemostasis , anesthesia , clotting time , platelet activation , gastroenterology , cardiology
Background Excessive bleeding is a significant problem in cardiac surgery. Fibrinogen and platelet concentrate transfusion are used clinically to improve haemostasis and reduce bleeding but little is known about their functional effects on coagulation and platelet function in patients with ongoing bleeding. Methods Forty‐two patients with ongoing bleeding after cardiac surgery were included in an observational study. Patients received either fibrinogen concentrate (n = 16), platelet concentrate (n = 12), or both fibrinogen and platelets (n = 14), median doses 2 g fibrinogen and 2 units platelets given at one occasion. Blood samples were collected before and after transfusion. Coagulation (clotting time and clot stability) was analysed with rotational thromboelastometry, and platelet function with impedance aggregometry. In addition, platelet count and fibrinogen concentration was measured. Chest drain output was measured before and after the transfusion. Results Fibrinogen infusion resulted in an increase in fibrinogen concentration and clot stability ( P = 0.001), but had no effect on platelet aggregation. Platelet transfusion did not significantly affect coagulation, but improved arachidonic acid‐ and TRAP‐induced platelet aggregation ( P = 0.017 and 0.034 respectively) and increased platelet count. Combined fibrinogen and platelet transfusion shortened clotting time ( P = 0.005) and increased clot stability ( P = 0.001), and improved arachidonic acid‐ and TRAP‐induced platelet aggregation ( P = 0.004 and 0.016 respectively), and increased fibrinogen concentration and platelet count. The median bleeding volume was 150 (25th‐75th percentile 70‐240) mL/h before, and 60 (40‐110) mL/h after transfusion of fibrinogen and/or platelet concentrate ( P < 0.001). Conclusion The results demonstrate improved coagulation and platelet function following fibrinogen and platelet transfusion in patients bleeding after cardiac surgery.