Manejo del paciente anticoagulado en una cirugía dental / Management of the anticoagulated patient in dental surgery / Gerenciamento do paciente anticoagulado em cirurgia odontológica

Introducción: una adecuada hemostasia es crucial para el éxito del tratamiento odontológico invasivo, ya que los problemas de sangrado pueden dar lugar a complicaciones asociadas a una importante morbimortalidad. El tratamiento odontológico de pacientes que tienden a un mayor riesgo de sangrado debido al uso de fármacos anticoagulantes plantea un desafío en la práctica diaria de los profesionales de la odontología. El conocimiento adecuado de los mecanismos subyacentes a la hemostasia y el manejo optimizado de estos pacientes son, por lo tanto, cuestiones muy importantes. Se realiza un estudio de los fármacos anticoagulantes actualmente disponibles en el mercado, evaluando los riesgos y beneficios de suspender dicho fármaco previo a un tratamiento odontológico invasivo. Además, se hace una revisión de los protocolos de manejo actuales que se utilizan en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Epistemonikos y Medline/PubMed; en el portal Timbó y en la biblioteca virtual Scielo. Abarcando todos los estudios publicados en los últimos 15 años en inglés y español. Se encontraron 30 artículos, se seleccionaron 15 en primera instancia para finalizar con 11 artículos. En dicha selección el filtro fue que los demás artículos se referían a otros anticoagulantes que no eran parte de este trabajo. Resultados: se han desarrollado múltiples protocolos de manejo, aunque en todos los casos se requiere una historia clínica completa, junto con pruebas hemostáticas complementarias para minimizar los riesgos derivados del tratamiento odontológico. Discusión: muchos autores consideran que la medicación de los pacientes indicada para el tratamiento de una enfermedad de base no debe ser alterada o suspendida a menos que así lo indique el médico prescriptor. Se ha demostrado que las medidas hemostáticas locales son suficientes para controlar los posibles problemas de sangrado derivados del tratamiento dental.

Introduction: Adequate hemostasis is crucial for the success of invasive dental treatment, since bleeding problems can lead to complications associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The dental treatment of patients who are prone to an increased risk of bleeding due to the use of anticoagulant drugs poses a challenge in the daily practice of dental professionals. Adequate knowledge of the mechanisms underlying hemostasis and optimized management of these patients are therefore very important issues. A review is made of the anticoagulant drugs currently available on the market, evaluating the risks and benefits of suspending such a drug prior to invasive dental treatment. In addition, a review is made of the current management protocols used in these patients. Material and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the Epistemonikos and Medline/PubMed databases; in the Timbo portal and in the Scielo virtual library. All the studies published in the last 15 years in English and Spanish were included. Thirty articles were found, 15 were selected in the first instance to end up with 11 articles. In this selection, the filter was that the other articles referred to other anticoagulants that were not part of this work. Results: multiple management protocols have been developed, although in all cases a complete clinical history is required, together with complementary hemostatic tests to minimize the risks derived from dental treatment. Discussion: many authors consider that the patient's medication indicated for the treatment of an underlying disease should not be altered or suspended unless so indicated by the prescribing physician. It has been shown that local hemostatic measures are sufficient to control possible bleeding problems derived from dental treatment.

Introdução: A hemostasia adequada é crucial para o sucesso do tratamento dentário invasivo, pois problemas de sangramento podem levar a complicações associadas a uma morbidade e mortalidade significativas. O tratamento odontológico de pacientes que são propensos a um risco maior de sangramento devido ao uso de drogas anticoagulantes representa um desafio na prática diária dos profissionais da odontologia. O conhecimento adequado dos mecanismos subjacentes à hemostasia e o gerenciamento otimizado desses pacientes são, portanto, questões muito importantes. É realizada uma revisão dos anticoagulantes atualmente disponíveis no mercado, avaliando os riscos e benefícios de descontinuar tal medicamento antes do tratamento dentário invasivo. Além disso, é feita uma revisão dos protocolos de gerenciamento atuais usados nesses pacientes. Material e métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Epistemonikos e Medline/PubMed; no portal Timbo e na biblioteca virtual Scielo. Todos os estudos publicados nos últimos 15 anos, em inglês e espanhol, foram incluídos. Trinta artigos foram encontrados, 15 foram selecionados em primeira instância para acabar com 11 artigos. Nesta seleção, o filtro foi que os outros artigos se referiam a outros anticoagulantes que não faziam parte deste trabalho. Resultados: foram desenvolvidos múltiplos protocolos de gerenciamento, embora em todos os casos seja necessário um histórico clínico completo, juntamente com testes hemostáticos complementares para minimizar os riscos derivados do tratamento odontológico. Discussão: muitos autores consideram que a medicação os pacientes indicada para o tratamento de uma doença subjacente não deve ser alterada ou descontinuada, a menos que o médico que a prescreve dê instruções nesse sentido. Medidas hemostáticas locais demonstraram ser suficientes para controlar potenciais problemas de sangramento resultantes do tratamento odontológico.

Adhesivos de cianoacrilato en cirugía oral y maxilofacial / Cyanoacrylate adhesives in oral and maxillofacial surgery

RESUMEN: Los adhesivos de cianoacrilatos (ACA) son materiales sintéticos con propiedades adhesivas. Al ser aplicados en los tejidos polimerizan uniéndose con el tejido subyacente. Desde la década de los 70' se han explorado sus aplicaciones quirúrgicas para el cierre de heridas y fístulas, control de sangrado y fijación de injertos, entre otros, siendo su uso como alternativa para el cierre de heridas en piel y mucosas uno de los más estudiados. Los ACA presentan un limitado grado de absorción, sin evidencia de efectos tóxicos sistémicos. Tienen la ventaja de ser aplicados de forma rápida, indolora, con efecto antibacteriano y hemostático según los reportes de la literatura, pero presentan una reducida fuerza de tensión. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura es describir los usos y aplicaciones de los ACA, con enfoque en la cirugía oral y maxilofacial, evaluando de forma crítica sus aplicaciones.

ABSTRACT: The cyanoacrylate adhesives (ACA) are synthetic materials with adhesive properties. When is applied in tissues, it polymerizes and bonds with the underlying tissue. Since the 70s' have been explored their surgical applications for closing wounds, fistulas, bleeding control, and graft fixation, among others. Its use as an alternative for closing wounds in skin and mucous is one of the most studied. The ACA have a limited absorption degree, with no evidence of systemic toxic effects. They have the advantage of being applied quickly, painlessly, with antibacterial effect and hemostatic according to the report of literature, but with reduced tensile strength. The objective of this literature review is to describe the use and applications of ACA, with focus on oral and maxillofacial surgery, with a critically evaluation of their applications.

Uso do curativo hemostático de gelatina absorvível no cuidado pós-operatório do pedículo vascular dos retalhos interpolados / Use of absorbable hemostatic gelatin sponge in postoperative care of the vascular pedicle of interpolated flaps

Os retalhos interpolados têm sido um dos mais importantes e funcionais retalhos no arsenal da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva, tornando-se uma opção segura mesmo nos casos mais difíceis. O pedículo do retalho interpolado necessita de curativo para evitar sangramento e a contaminação local. Este curativo frequentemente falha na prevenção de pequenos sangramentos que ocorrem durante as primeiras 24-48 horas, forçando a troca recorrente do mesmo, em média de três a cinco trocas. A técnica proposta neste trabalho consiste na aplicação direta de uma camada de GELFOAM®, envolto por gaze petrolizada, para prevenção do sangramento da área cruenta do pedículo do retalho, acarretando melhor hemostasia e menos manipulação do pedículo vascular.

Interpolated flaps are among the most important and functional flaps in reconstructive plastic surgery, representing a safe option even in the most difficult cases. The pedicle of the interpolated flap requires a dressing to avoid bleeding and local contamination. This dressing often fails to prevent minor bleedings, which occurs within the first 24-48 hours. As a result, it needs to be continuously changed, from three to five times on average. The technique proposed in this study consists in a direct application of a GELFOAM® layer. This is subsequently wrapped with petroleum gauze to prevent bleeding of the open area in the pedicle flap, improving hemostasis and reducing the manipulation of the vascular pedicle.

Readability of medicinal package leaflets: a systematic review / Legibilidade das bulas dos medicamentos: revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE To review studies on the readability of package leaflets of medicinal products for human use. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review between 2008 and 2013 using the keywords “Readability and Package Leaflet” and “Readability and Package Insert” in the academic search engine Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online, comprising different bibliographic resources/databases. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria were applied to prepare the draft of the report. Quantitative and qualitative original studies were included. Opinion or review studies not written in English, Portuguese, Italian, French, or Spanish were excluded. RESULTS We identified 202 studies, of which 180 were excluded and 22 were enrolled [two enrolling healthcare professionals, 10 enrolling other type of participants (including patients), three focused on adverse reactions, and 7 descriptive studies]. The package leaflets presented various readability problems, such as complex and difficult to understand texts, small font size, or few illustrations. The main methods to assess the readability of the package leaflet were usability tests or legibility formulae. Limitations with these methods included reduced number of participants; lack of readability formulas specifically validated for specific languages (e.g., Portuguese); and absence of an assessment on patients literacy, health knowledge, cognitive skills, levels of satisfaction, and opinions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the package leaflets presented various readability problems. In this review, some methodological limitations were identified, including the participation of a limited number of patients and healthcare professionals, the absence of prior assessments of participant literacy, humor or sense of satisfaction, or the predominance of studies not based on role-plays about the use of medicines. These limitations should be avoided in future ...

OBJECTIVO Analisar a literatura sobre legibilidade das bulas dos medicamentos para uso humano. MÉTODOS Estudo de revisão sistemática, utilizando as palavras-chave “Readability and Package Leaflet” e “Readability and Package Insert”e a ferramenta de busca académica b-on, que contém diferentes bases bibliográficas. O período analisado foi entre 2008 e 2013. Foram aplicados os critérios PRISMA para redigir o relatório da revisão. Foram incluídos artigos originais de pesquisa quantitativa ou qualitativa. Os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos de opinião ou de revisão, ou escritos numa língua diferente do inglês, português, italiano, francês ou espanhol. RESULTADOS Foram identificados 202 trabalhos, dos quais 180 foram excluídos e 22 selecionados para análise: dois com profissionais de saúde, 10 com pacientes, três sobre reações adversas e sete descritivos. As bulas apresentaram diversos problemas de legibilidade, entre os quais: textos insuficientemente claros e simples, utilização de tamanhos de letra pequenos e número reduzido de ilustrações. Os principais métodos utilizados para avaliar a legibilidade das bulas foram as fórmulas e os testes de legibilidade/usabilidade. Entre as limitações metodológicas, foram identificados aspetos como o recurso a amostras pequenas, a inexistência de fórmulas de legibilidade específicas para a língua em causa, e.g., português, e a realização de testes de compreensão em grupos de pacientes sem avaliação prévia da literacia, dos conhecimentos específicos na área da saúde, das capacidades cognitivas, ou do grau de satisfação dos participantes. CONCLUSÕES Em geral, as bulas apresentaram diversos problemas de legibilidade. Adicionalmente, nesta revisão foram identificadas algumas limitações metodológicas nos estudos revistos (e.g. a participação de um número reduzido de pacientes e profissionais de saúde, a ausência da avaliação prévia da literacia, do humor ou satisfação dos participantes ...

Comparison of different doses of tranexamic acid on post-operative bleeding in patients of CABG surgery

To compare three different dosing schedules of tranexamic acid to achieve good hemostasis intraoperatively and in post-operative period. Randomized controlled trials. Anaesthesia department, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology/ National Institute of Heart Diseases [June 2011 to Jan 2013] A total of 128 patients, due for coronary artery bypass grafting were included in this study after informed consent. The patients were randomly divided into four groups. Group A, being the control group, did not receive tranexamic acid during the operation, whereas the remaining three groups received tranexamic acid just after the reversal of heparin with protamine sulphate. Group B received low dose, group C received medium dose and group D received high dose of tranexamic acid both as bolus and followed by infusion. Six patients, 4 from group B and 2 from group D were dropped out due to incomplete data or some complication. The blood loss at 6 hours and 24 hours after surgery were noted along with amount and type of transfusions needed and clinical outcomes. The total cardio-pulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time and chest closure time were also noted. Haemoglobin levels, coagulation profile and activated clotting time were noted and compared pre and post operatively. All the 4 groups were comparable with respect to age, weight, gender and personal history. Average 1eeding in group A was similar to group B after six hours [p = 0.755] and 24 hours [p = 0.343] but significantly higher as compared to group C [p < 0.001] and group D [p <0.001]. Group B also had more blood in chest drain as compared to group C [p <0.001] and group D [p <0.001]. Group C and group D had almost similar amount of blood loss after 6 hours [p = 0.916] as well as after 24 hours [p = 0.834]. This study showed that tranexamic acid, when given at a loading dose of 20 mg/kg or greater and followed by a maintenance infusion of 15 mg/kg/hr or greater, significantly reduced the amount of blood loss, both intra-operatively and post- operatively, in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Evaluation of hemostatic changes using n thromboelastography after crystalloid or colloid fluid administration during major orthopedic surgery

The effects of Ringer lactate, 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) (130/0.4) or 4% succinylated gelatin solutions on perioperative coagulability were measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Seventy-five patients (ASA I-III) who were to undergo major orthopedic procedures performed under epidural anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 25 each for the administration of maintenance fluids: group RL (Ringer lactate), group HES (6% HES 130/0.4), and group JEL (4% gelofusine solution). Blood samples were obtained during the perioperative period before epidural anesthesia (t1, baseline), at the end of the surgery (t2), and 24 h after the operation (t3). TEG data, reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), angle value (α), and maximum amplitude (MA) were recorded. TEG parameters changed from normal values in all patients. In group RL, R and K times decreased compared to perioperative values while the α angle and MA increased (P < 0.05). In group HES, R and K times increased, however, the α angle and MA decreased (P < 0.05). In group JEL, R time increased (P < 0.05), but K time, α angle and MA did not change significantly. In the present study, RL, 6% HES (130/0.4) and 4% JEL solutions caused changes in the coagulation system of all patients as measured by TEG, but these changes remained within normal limits.

A randomized prospective analysis of alteration of hemostatic function in patients receiving tranexamic acid and hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Postoperative hemorrhagic complications is still one of the major problems in cardiac surgeries. It may be caused by surgical issues, coagulopathy caused by the side effects of the intravenous fluids administered to produce plasma volume expansion such as hydroxyl ethyl starch (HES). In order to thwart this hemorrhagic issue, few agents are available. Fibrinolytic inhibitors like tranexamic acid (TA) may be effective modes to promote blood conservation; but the possible complications of thrombosis of coronary artery graft, precludes their generous use in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The issue is a balance between agents that promote coagulation and those which oppose it. Therefore, in this study we have assessed the effects of concomitant use of HES and TA. Thromboelastogram (TEG) was used to assess the effect of the combination of HES and TA. With ethical committee approval and patient's consent, 100 consecutive patients were recruited for the study. Surgical and anesthetic techniques were standardized. Patients fulfilling our inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 25 each. The patients in group A received 20 ml/kg of HES (130/0.4), 10 mg/kg of T.A over 30 minutes followed by infusion of 1 mg/kg/hr over the next 12 hrs. The patients in group B received Ringer's lactate + TA at same dose. The patients in the Group C received 20 ml/kg of HES. Group D patients received RL. Fluid therapy was goal directed. Total blood loss was assessed. Reaction time (r), α angle, maximum amplitude (MA) values of TEG were assessed at baseline, 12, 36 hrs. The possible perioperative myocardial infraction (MI) was assessed by electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin T values at the baseline, postoperative day 1. Duration on ventilator, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) were also assessed. The demographical profile was similar among the groups. Use of HES increased blood loss significantly (P < 0.05). Concomitant use of TA reduced blood loss when used along with HES. r value was prolonged at 12 hours in all the groups and α angle was reduced at 12 hours in all the groups, where as MA value was reduced at 12 th hour in the HES group compared to the baseline and increased in TA + HES group. These findings were statistically significant. No significant change in Troponin T values/ ECG, duration of ventilation and LOS ICU was observed. No adverse events was noticed in any of the four groups. HES (130/0.4) used at a dose of 20 ml/kg seems to produce coagulopathy causing increased blood loss perioperatively. Hemodilution produced by fluid therapy seems to produce Coagulopathy as observed by TEG parameters. Concomitant use of TA with HES appears to reverse these changes without causing any adverse effects in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery.

Post extraction bleeding associated with long term maintenance dose of aspirin 75-150mg

The objective of this study was to see post extraction bleeding associated with long term maintenance dose of aspirin 75mg-150mg without discontinuation. This study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from January 2009 to June 2010. Patients for simple single tooth extraction and on aspirin [75-150 mg] were included. Patients with systemic disease like hematologic, renal, or liver disease, bone marrow disorders, alcoholism, or any concurrent medication affecting hemostasis such as anticogulants or anti-inflammatory drugs and patients who needed extractions of deciduous teeth, surgical extractions, extractions in different quadrants, or multiple extractions [>1 tooth] were excluded. Patients were evaluated for immediate and late post extraction bleeding. A total of 254 patients were studied. Patients were categorized into two groups with equal number of patients in each group i.e. 127 each. Group 1 [study] on maintenance dose of Aspirin 75-150mg while group 2 [control] were not taking aspirin. In aspirin group 05 [03.93%] patients had post extraction prolonged immediate bleeding while 03 [02.36%] were in control group. This difference was not statistically significant [p=0.722]. In aspirin group 02 [01.57%] patients had late bleeding at 12 hour post extraction while one [0.78%] patient suffered in control group [p=1.00]. The bleeding was successfully controlled with pressure on gauze and no patient required suturing or re-hospital visit. There was no bleeding in post extraction period at 24 and at 48 hours. It was concluded that simple tooth extraction in patients on long term maintenance dose of 75-150mg aspirin without discontinuation is safe as far as post extraction bleeding is concerned

Effect of natural honey on human platelets and blood coagulation proteins

Present study was conducted to determine the effects of honey on blood hemostasis, in-vitro effect of honey was observed on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation employing, activated partial prothrombin time [aPTT], prothrombin time [PT], thrombin time [TT] and fibrinogen levels in blood. Honey samples showed moderate inhibition of platelet aggregation with IC[50] 5-7.5%. The coagulation assays showed that at higher concentrations [>/= 15%] honey samples increased whole blood clotting time. When assayed in platelet poor plasma [PPP], honey samples significantly [P >/= 0.005] prolonged aPTT, PT, and TT. The honey samples [at 3.75% and 7.5% concentrations] cause mean increment of aPTT = 19 +/- 10% and 62 +/- 10%; PT 6 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 5%; TT 35 +/- 15% and 112 +/- 30% respectively. Moreover, PPP isolated from whole blood pre-incubated with honey samples [9.0% for 10 minutes] showed mean prolongation of aPTT, PT and TT of 45 +/- 21%, 26 +/- 9% and 105 +/- 24% respectively. Interestingly, incubation of honey at 6.25% and 11.75% concentrations in PPP considerably [P >/= 0.005] reduced fibrinogen levels i.e. 13 +/- 4% and 86 +/- 30% respectively. The present study outlines the inhibitory effect of natural honey on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. These observations provide first line data for modulatory role [s] of honey on process of hemostasis

Endoscopic follow-up of cyanoacrylate obliteration of gastric varices / Seguimento endoscópico da erradicação de varizes gástricas com cianoacrilato

Bleeding from gastric varices is a life-threatening condition. We report our experience with cyanoacrylate injection. Twenty three patients with portal hypertension and gastric varices underwent intra-variceal injection of a cyanoacrylate/lipiodol solution (1:1). Study endpoint was variceal obliteration. Mean follow-up was 25.3 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 87 percent of patients. Recurrence occurred in one patient (4.3 percent) and rebleeding in another case (4.3 percent). Mild abdominal pain was described in 13 percent of patients. Overall mortality was 21.7 percent and rebleeding related mortality rate was 4.3 percent. Our results confirm that cyanoacrylate injection is effective and safe to eradicate gastric varices.

Sangramento por varizes gástricas é grave. Relato de experiência com injeção de cianoacrilato. Vinte e três pacientes com hipertensão portal e varizes gástricas foram tratados com injeção intravasal de solução de cianoacrilato/lipiodol (1:1). O objetivo do estudo foi alcançar obliteração da variz. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi 25,3 meses. Obliteração foi atingida em 87 por cento dos pacientes. Recidiva foi observada em um (4,3 por cento) e ressangramento em outro caso (4.3 por cento). Dor abdominal ocorreu em 13 por cento dos pacientes. A mortalidade global foi de 21,7 por cento e 4,3 por cento relacionada ao ressangramento. Estes resultados confirmam a injeção de cianoacrilato como efetiva e segura na erradicação das varizes gástricas.

Approach to hyperkalemia.

Hyperkalemia is commonly found in hospitalized patients. Given the fact that untreated hyperkalemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality, it is critical to recognize and treat this disorder promptly. Patients at greatest risk for hyperkalemia include those with diabetes or impaired renal function, those with advanced age and those receiving drugs which interfere with renal potassium excretion. Hyperkalemia is likely to become an even more common clinical event, since ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers and aldosterone antagonists are increasingly being used in higher doses and in combination, in the belief that these measures provide additional cardiovascular and renal protection. The urgency of hyperkalemia treatment is dictated by change in electrocardiogram. Treatment of hyperkalemia includes calcium gluconate, insulin, beta agonists, sodium bicarbonate, cation exchange resin, diuretics and/or dialysis.

Vino, fibrinolisis y salud / Wine, fibrinolysis and health

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in both men and women in the world. Epidemiological and experimental studies have associated moderate wine consumption (1 to 2 glasses/day) with a decrease in cardiovascular diseases. This decrease is probably due to the effect of ethanol and polyphenols present in the wine. The cardioprotective benefit of wine may be due, in part, to a modulation of the expression of proteins involved in fibrinolysis. Endothelial cells (ECs) play a major role in maintaining normal hemostasis, regulating the balance between the synthesis and interaction of proteins that promote clot formation (thrombosis) and fibrinolytic proteins that facilitate clot lysis. These cells are a major site of synthesis of fibrinolytic proteins, such as tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and the major inhibitor/regulator of fibrinolysis, PAI-1. EC-mediated fibrinolysis is regulated and localized to the EC surface through specific receptors for u-PA, t-PA and plasminogen. Evidence indicates that ethanol and polyphenols present in wine increase EC localized fibrinolisis. Upregulation of t-PA and u-PA activity and downregulation of PAI-1 may account, at least in part, for this net increase in fibrinolytic activity. The purpose of this review is to cover the main molecular and physiological aspects of moderate wine consumption mediated increase in fibrinolysis and reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Efficacy of Femoral Vascular Closure Devices in Patients Treated with Anticoagulant, Abciximab or Thrombolytics during Percutaneous Endovascular Procedures

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the outcomes of using vascular closure devices following percutaneous transfemoral endovascular procedures in the patients who were treated with heparin, abciximab or thrombolytics (urokinase or t-PA) during the procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 28, 2003 to August 31, 2004, we conducted a prospective and randomized study in which 1,676 cases of 1,180 patients were treated with one of the two different closure devices (the collagen plug device was Angio-SealTM; the suture-mediated closure device was The Closer STM) at the femoral access site after instituting percutaneous endovascular procedures. Among the 1,676 cases, 108 cases (the drug group) were treated with heparin only (n = 94), thrombolytics only (n = 10), heparin and thrombolytics (n = 3), or abciximab and thrombolytics (n = 1) during the procedures; 1,568 cases (the no-drug group) were treated without any medication. We compared the efficacy and complications between the two groups. Of the drug group, 42 cases underwent arterial closures with the collagen plug devices and 66 cases underwent arterial closures with the suture-mediated closure devices. We also compared the efficacy and complications between these two groups. RESULTS: The immediate hemostasis rates were 92.9% (1,456/1,568) in the no-drug group and 91.7% (99/108) in the drug group. Early complications occurred in four cases of the drug group. These included two episodes of rebleeding with using the Closer S, which required manual compression for at least 10 minutes, and two episodes of minor oozing with using one Angio-Seal and one Closer S, which required two hours of additional bed rest. There was no late complication. So, the total success rates were 90.8% (1,423/1,568) in the no-drug group and 88.0% (95/108) in the drug group. These results were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.34). In the drug group, the difference of the successful hemostasis rate between the collagen plug devices and the suture-mediated devices was also not statistically significant (92.9% vs. 84.8%, respectively; p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: Arterial closure of the femoral access site with using vascular closure devices is both safe and effective, even in the patients who received heparin, abciximab or thrombolytics.

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven).

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven) enhances haemostasis in individuals, with its predominant action limited to areas of injury, apparently without systemic activation of the coagulation cascade. rFVIIa is currently licensed in most countries worldwide, for its use in the treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia and the presence of inhibitors. Recently in the European Union, rFVIIa, has been approved for use in congenital Factor VII deficiency and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Furthermore, a large number of case series studies and anecdotal evidences, from patients with different bleeding conditions, have now shown that rFVIIa is actually a very valuable general haemostatic agent. It has been reported to reduce bleeding in patients with liver disease, thrombocytopenia/thrombocytopathia, trauma, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and in the reversal of anticoagulant overdosage or toxicity. A number of trials have been carried out, which have shown that it is a relatively safe and well tolerated drug with a few episodes of unwanted thrombosis.

Evaluation of vasopressin mediated effects on hemostatic mechanisms: relationship with aquaporins and caveolin proteins.

With a view to evaluate the role of AQP-1 and caveolin proteins in the hemostatic actions of vasopressin, hemostasis was evaluated by bleeding and clotting time respectively.Groups of mice and guinea pigs were treated with arginine vasopressin (AVP) and 1-deamino-8D-AVP (DDAVP) to evaluate their effects on the hemostasis. DDAVP and AVP were able to appreciably reduce the bleeding and clotting time after sodium thiopentone, but not effectively after TEA treatment. Animal groups were pretreated with aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) blockers or water deprived to enhance the expression of AQP-1 water channels. Another group of animals were treated with caveolin protein modulators, cholera toxin (CTX) and the effect of vasopressin analogues evaluated. The results suggest that AQP-1 water channels and caveolin proteins contribute to modulate the hemostatic mechanisms of vasopressin.

Autoclaved gelatin [haemagel] versus 6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 [Haes-steril] for plasma volume expansion in critically-ill patients

Synthetic colloids are used to optimize hemodynamics in the critically ill patients and a debate about the most suitable one is still present. The influence of short term infusion of autociaved gelatin [Haemagel] and 6% hydroxyethyi starch 200/0.5 [Haes-steril] on hemodynamic, respiratory, coagulation, renal and oncotic parameters were examined in a prospective randomized study. Thirty patients suffering from systemic hypoperfusion due to sepsis in ICU of Suez Canal University Hospital were assigned into 2 equal groups. In GEL group; 1000 ml of Haemagel was infused within an hour, while in HES group: 1000 ml of 6% Haes-steril 200/0.5 was given within an hour The hemodynamic, respiratory, hematological. coagulation, renal and colloidal osmotic pressure parameters were recorded before and after infusion of both colloids. There was a significant similar increase in hemodynamic variables [Mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index, stroke volume index and left ventricular stroke work index] in both groups. Also, a significant improvement in tissue perfusion as judged by decreased arterial lactate was found. There were no significant differences in any of the measured respiratory parameters [respiratory rate, arterial oxygen saturation, arterial blood gases and intrapulmonary shunt] in the studied groups. No significant intergroup difference in any haemodynamic or respiratory variable was demonstrated. A significant expansion in plasma volume as indicated by the significant reduction in haematocrit was detected. There were insignificant changes in coagulation profile [prothrombin time, activated partial thrombopiastin time, bleeding time and fibrinogen] in either group except the platelet count which was significantly reduced in both groups without any recorded bleeding complications. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, sodium and potassium didn't change and were comparable in the two groups Colloidal osmotic pressure and urine output increased significantly in either group. Anaphylactic reactions were not observed in any of the patients However, no significant differences between both groups in haematological. coagulation, renal and oncotic parameters were found. Both autoclaved gelatin [Haemagel] and 6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 [Haes-steri!] are safe and equally effective colloids for plasma volume expansion tn critically ill patients without apparent adverse effects on respiration, coagulation and renal functions

Extracellular matrix molecules as targets for brown spider venom toxins

Loxoscelism, the term used to describe lesions and clinical manifestations induced by brown spider's venom (Loxosceles genus), has attracted much attention over the last years. Brown spider bites have been reported to cause a local and acute inflammatory reaction that may evolve to dermonecrosis (a hallmark of envenomation) and hemorrhage at the bite site, besides systemic manifestations such as thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolysis, and renal failure. The molecular mechanisms by which Loxosceles venoms induce injury are currently under investigation. In this review, we focused on the latest reports describing the biological and physiopathological aspects of loxoscelism, with reference mainly to the proteases recently described as metalloproteases and serine proteases, as well as on the proteolytic effects triggered by L. intermedia venom upon extracellular matrix constituents such as fibronectin, fibrinogen, entactin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan, besides the disruptive activity of the venom on Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm basement membranes. Degradation of these extracellular matrix molecules and the observed disruption of basement membranes could be related to deleterious activities of the venom such as loss of vessel and glomerular integrity and spreading of the venom toxins to underlying tissues

Diclofenaco: su efecto en hemostasia primaria y analgesia perioperatoria / Diclofenaco: effect in primary hemostasis and postoperative analgesia

Se realizó un estudio del efecto del diclofenaco en la hemostasia primaria (medida por agregación plaquetaria y sangrado intraoperatorio) y analgesia postoperatoria en niños. Para tal efecto se estudiaron 30 niños entre, entre 5 y 8 años con indicación quirúrgica de adeno amigdalectomía, 15 de ellos recibieron diclofenaco en supositorio pre y post operatorio (grupo estudio) y 15 de ellos paracetamol de igual forma (grupo control). Se estudió la agregación plaquetaria pre y post operatoria, el sangrado intraoperatorio y la función analgésica del diclofenaco. Los análisis estadísticos no demostraron alteración significativa de la función plaquetaria ni del sangrado intraoperatorio, ni del dolor en ambos grupos, concluyendo que el diclofenaco es un fármaco seguro de usar en dosis terapéuticas en el perioperatorio de niños

El papel de óxido nítrico en la hemodinámica, hemostasia e inflamación / The role of nitric oxide in hemodynamics, hemostasis and inflamations

El óxido nítrico debe ser considerado el nitrovasodilatador endógeno, acción que mimetizan los compuestos utilizados por la clínica por más de 100 años. En el tejido vascular existe una utilización continua de L-arginina que aumenta la producción de ácido nítrico, al mismo tiempo que tiene un papel fundamental en la regulación de la presión arterial. Se ha demostrado que el óxido nítrico inhibe la agregación plaquetaria, así como que se opone a la adhesión de plaquetas a fibras de colágeno y a otras proteínas adhesivas, asimismo, el óxido nítrico producido por macrófagos actúa como un radical libre y es citotóxico para ciertos microorganismos y células tumorales