Thromboelastogram and coagulation function index: relevance for female breast cancer.

Introduction: Screening and postoperative intervention of breast tumors are critical for the effective diagnosis and treatment of disease development, and reliable diagnostic/screening methods become a key link. Objective: Thromboelastogram (TEG), routine platelet (PLT) count, and the coagulation function indicators in patients with different breast diseases were determined and analyzed to explore their predictive value in secondary bleeding disorders. Methods: A total of 131 patients with breast diseases, admitted to Jiangsu University Affiliated Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022, were selected as the research subjects. The detection items were analyzed using the receiver operating curve (ROC) after grouping for secondary bleeding disorders of patients with breast cancer. Results: The reaction (R) and the coagulation (K) times were lower in the malignant breast disease group, while the coagulation angle (α), maximum amplitude (MA), coagulation index (CI), fibrinogen (FIB), and D-dimer (D-D) were higher than those in the benign breast disease group. The t-tests proved that the MA and FIB values were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the benign and malignant breast disease groups. The R and K in patients with breast diseases were positively correlated with the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and D-D, but were negatively correlated with PLT. The α angle was negatively correlated with aPTT and D-D, but was positively correlated with PLT. The MA for PLT function was positively correlated with FIB and PLT. CI was negatively correlated with aPTT, thrombin time (TT), and D-D, but was positively correlated with PLT. ROC curve analysis showed that the CI and α angle had a significant predictive value, whereas the correlation of the other indicators was relatively low. Conclusion: Coagulation tests showed significant differences in patients with breast cancer, differing from those with benign breast diseases. TEG combined with conventional coagulation indicators is potentially valuable for the prediction of secondary bleeding disorders in patients with breast cancer.

The correlation between anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies and hypercoagulability in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) are more likely to be complicated by venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of the study was to investigate the potential association between anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies and hypercoagulability in patients with IMN. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with biopsy-proven IMN and 36 patients with biopsy-proven minimal change disease (MCD) were enrolled in this study. The clinical data, serum anti-PLA2R antibodies and coagulation-related indices of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with IMN were categorized into glomerular PLA2R staining-positive (GAg+) IMN group and glomerular PLA2R staining-negative (GAg-) IMN group in the study. Patients with IMN who were GAg + had lower PT, APTT and R time than patients with IMN who were GAg-, while the CI value was higher in patients with IMN who were GAg+. Patients with IMN who were GAg + were divided into the SAb+/GAg + group and the SAb-/GAg + group. Patients with IMN who were SAb+/GAg + had higher Fib and MA values than patients with IMN who were SAb-/GAg+. Correlation analysis showed that serum anti-PLA2R antibodies were positively correlated with fibrinogen, D-dimer, K time, CI value, α-angle, and MA value. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that anti-PLA2R antibodies were independently correlated with fibrinogen and MA value. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a new perspective on the underlying mechanisms of hypercoagulability in patients with IMN. Anti-PLA2R antibodies are associated with hypercoagulability in patients with IMN and may affect coagulation in patients with IMN by affecting platelet aggregation function and fibrinogen counts.

Tailoring transfusion strategy using thromboelastogram in goal-directed massive transfusion: Impact on transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We compared the overall clinical outcome in formula-based protocol (1:1:1) and thromboelastogram (TEG)-guided goal-based massive transfusion (MT) in the resuscitation of patients with hemorrhagic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retro-prospective case-control study conducted over a period of 2 years among the patients who received MT using a 1:1:1 fixed ratio protocol (controls, Group A) and goal-based protocol (cases, Group B) guided through TEG. Patients were matched for the type and severity of the clinical conditions. Utilization of blood components, clinical outcomes, transfusion-related complications, and total mortality rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were 113 patients in the formula-based group and 109 patients in the goal-based transfusion group who were matched for injury severity scores. The total blood components utilized were 1867 and 1560, respectively, with a 17.7% reduction associated with the use of TEG. Patients were divided into normal, hypo, and hypercoagulable based on TEG, and a higher transfusion rate was associated with hypocoagulable TEG (942 vs. 610). The prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, R time, and K time had a significant positive correlation with the need to transfuse more than 20 blood components, whereas platelet count, base excess, alpha angle, MA, and CI had a negative correlation (r = 0.268, P < 0.001). At the end of goal-directed transfusion, 75% of the patients were free of transfusion support (vs. 65.4%) and only 6.9% of the patients had coagulopathy (vs. 31.8%) compared to formula-based resuscitation with a 10% reduction in mortality. CONCLUSION: TEG-guided goal-based approach helped to reduce blood component utilization with a reduced incidence of coagulopathy at the end of the MT while improving patient survival.

Viscoelastic coagulation monitoring parameters in cats with acute arterial thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulability has been documented in cats with cardiac disease. However, hemostatic parameters, including viscoelastic coagulation monitoring (VCM) have not been reported in cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Compare VCM parameters in cats with acute cardiogenic ATE and in control cats. ANIMALS: Sixteen cats with ATE and 30 control cats. METHODS: Multicenter university-based prospective study. Cardiogenic ATE was diagnosed based on physical examination and by ultrasonographically-diagnosed left atrial enlargement. Viscoelastic coagulation monitor analysis, CBC, serum biochemistry profile and coagulation profile were performed at admission in cats with ATE. Analysis from healthy control cats was performed using blood collected by direct venipuncture. Our objective was comparison of VCM parameters clot time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), alpha angle (Angle), maximum clot formation (MCF), amplitude at 10 and 20 minutes (A10 and A20, respectively) and clot lysis index at 30 and 45 minutes (LI30 and LI45, respectively) between ATE and control cats. RESULTS: Cats with ATE had a decreased angle compared to control cats, with a median (range) of 43° (30-48°) compared to 47° (14-59°; P = .01). The parameters A10, A20 and MCF were decreased in ATE cats compared to control cats with a median (range) of 19 units (8-32) compared to 22 units (6-38), 24.5 units (11-40) compared to 29 units (10-47) and 29.5 units (13-44) compared to 33.5 units (14-53), respectively (P = .01, .01 and .01, respectively). The parameters CT, CFT, LI30 and LI45 were similar between groups (P = .22, .09, .62 and .34, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cats with cardiogenic ATE cats have VCM parameters consistent with hypocoagulability compared with healthy cats.

Features of thromboelastogram in populations exposed to or transferring from high altitude.

Background: Thromboelastogram (TEG) is an effective indicator that monitors the dynamic changes of blood coagulation in real-time. It still remains controversial about the performance and influence of coagulation at high altitude. The present study intends to describe comprehensively the clinical features of TEG in populations exposed to or transferring from high altitude. Methods: Two groups were recruited in the present study. Group A included young males who worked at high-altitude (4888 m or 5418 m) areas for some time, while Group B included young males who had recently returned from high-altitude (4888 m or 5418 m) areas. Medical examinations were performed using portable devices. Spearman's test was used to evaluate the correlations between thromboelastogram (TEG) variables and other variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting various abnormal TEG variables. Results: A total of 51 adult males were included in the two groups. Significantly increased reaction time (R) and decreased maximum amplitude (MA) were found in group B (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the comparisons of K and angle between the two groups. Various TEG variables were identified to be correlated with different coagulation and biochemical variables. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that abnormal R was independently associated with direct bilirubin, and abnormal K was independently associated with the platelet count in Group A (P < 0.05). However, none of the factors were independently associated with abnormal TEG variables in Group B. Conclusion: Populations exposed to or transferring from high altitudes are characterized by different TEG characteristics. Our findings give a comprehensive description of the complex interaction between TEG indexes, coagulation dynamics, and hematological parameters, which can help guide the development of appropriate medical approaches tailored to the unique needs of these populations.

Comparison of the Correlation Between Coagulation Indices and Rivaroxaban Concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Rivaroxaban has predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. However, monitoring rivaroxaban concentrations should be provided for special patients with hepatic insufficiency, high bleeding risk, and high thrombotic risk. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to correlate chromogenic anti-Xa assay, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thromboelastogram reaction time (TEG R-time), and rivaroxaban concentration measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) (MS-Riva). METHODS: Peripheral venous blood was collected from recruited patients 30 minutes before and 2 to 4 hours after drug administration. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and chromogenic anti-Xa assay measured rivaroxaban concentration. Different assays were compared by Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with 191 plasma were included in the study. Overall analysis shows that chromogenic anti-Xa assay, PT, APTT, and TEG R-time strongly correlated with MS-Riva (r = 0.986; r = 0.884; r = 0.741; r = 0.739; P < 0.001). Rivaroxaban peak concentration detected by HPLC-MS/MS (MS-peak) showed a very strong correlation with the chromogenic anti-Xa assay (r = 0.977, P < 0.001) and moderate correlation with PT, APTT, and TEG R-time (r = 0.670; r = 0.571; r = 0.481, P < 0.001). Rivaroxaban trough concentration detected by HPLC-MS/MS (MS-trough) correlated strongly with the chromogenic anti-Xa assay (r = 0.884, P < 0.001), weakly with APTT (r = 0.313; P = 0.043), and not significantly with PT and TEG R-time (P = 0.140; P = 0.341). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry/MS is the preferred choice for monitoring peak and tough concentrations, followed by anti-Xa, while PT is only suitable for peak concentrations. This study can help the clinicians to better adjust the medication regimen and reduce the risk of recurrence of thrombosis as well as the risk of bleeding.

Clinical application value of thromboelastogram combined with GRACE score in acute myocardial infarction / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To analyze the correlation between thromboelastogram indicators(R time,K time,MA value)and global registry of acute coronary events(GRACE)score and acute myocardial infarction(AMI),and explore the risk factors for the onset of AMI.Methods A total of 108 patients with AMI who were hospitalized in Xuancheng Central Hospital for the first time from September 2020 to February 2023 were selected as the observation group,while 70 patients with stable coronary heart disease were selected as the control group.The clinical basic data,thromboelastogram indicators,GRACE score,and homocysteine(Hcy)of all study subjects were collected.The differences of clinical basic data,thromboelastogram indica-tors,GEACE score,and Hcy level between the observation group and the control group were statistically ana-lyzed.The predictive value of thromboelastogram indicators,GRACE score,and Hcy level for the occurrence of AMI was evaluated by using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Binary Logistic regression model was used to conduct univariate and multivariate regression analyses on indicators with statistically sig-nificant differences,in order to determine the independent risk factors for AMI occurrence.Results There were significant differences of R time,K time,MA value,GRACE score,serum Hcy level,and the proportion of underlying diseases between the observation group and the control group(P＜0.05).The ROC curve re-sults showed that R time,K time,MA value,GRACE score,and Hcy had good predictive value for the occur-rence of different types of AMI,and the value of the combined application was higher.Univariate Logistic re-gression showed that MA value,GRACE score,Hcy level,and underlying disease were positively correlated with the occurrence of AMI(P＜0.05),while R time and K time were negatively correlated with the occur-rence of AMI(P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression showed that high GRACE score and elevated Hcy level were independent risk factors for the occurrence of AMI(P＜0.05),while R time and K time were inde-pendent protective factors for the occurrence of AMI(P＜0.05).Conclusion Thromboelastogram,Hcy,and GRACE score could be used as dynamic monitoring indicators for clinical risk assessment of AMI in acute cor-onary syndrome population.

Management of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma in patients on Xa-inhibitors: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cervical epidural hematoma (CEH) is defined as a collection of blood in the suprameningeal space. Mechanisms of this rare pathology include spontaneous, postsurgical, and traumatic as the main subtypes. This unique case of traumatic CEH represents an even smaller subset of these cases. Management varies by symptom presentation, mechanism of injury, and other contraindications. CASE PRESENTATION: This case presents a 32 year old African American female on an oral anticoagulant sustaining traumatic cervical hematoma after a motor vehicle collision. Patient complained of neck, abdominal, and back pain. Imaging revealed a cervical spinal hematoma at the level of C3-C6. This case discusses the management of CEH for the general population and in the setting of anticoagulation. CONCLUSION: Management of each case of CEH must be carefully considered and tailored based on their symptom presentation and progression of disease. As the use of anticoagulation including factor Xa inhibitors becomes more prevalent, there is greater need to understand the detailed pathophysiological aspect of the injuries. Targeted reversal agents such as Prothrombin Concentrate can be used for conservative treatment. Adjunct testing such as thromboelastogram can be used to help guide management.

Sepsis Induced Coagulopathy: Bringing Science to the Bedside.

How to cite this article: Samavedam S, Sepsis Induced Coagulopathy: Bringing Science to the Bedside. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(9): 611-612.

Corrigendum: The association between higher FFAs and high residual platelet reactivity among CAD patients receiving clopidogrel therapy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1115142.].

Treating Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor and Tumor-Induced Hypoglycemia in a Case of Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCBL) is a heterogenous disease, with many phenotypic subtypes and occasional paraneoplastic syndromes being present. Herein, we describe a case of a 63-year-old woman, with relapsed/refractory DLBCL (RR-DLBCL) with artifactual hypoglycemia on laboratory testing, likely related to the mechanical effects of a new factor VIII inhibitor. We demonstrate our workup, consideration, treatment, and her clinical course. This patient did not present with a bleeding phenotype despite her aberrant laboratory results, and therefore determining her risk of bleeding to weigh against further diagnostic procedures presented a difficult decision. We utilized rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to assist with clinical decision making regarding her paraneoplastic factor VIII inhibitor and the patient's bleeding risk. This led to a short course of dexamethasone. Her ROTEM improved, and an excisional biopsy was performed without any bleeding. To our knowledge, this is the only reported instance where this technology was utilized in this setting. We believe utilizing ROTEM to determine bleeding risk may be a beneficial tool for clinical practice in such additional rare cases.

The association between higher FFAs and high residual platelet reactivity among CAD patients receiving clopidogrel therapy.

Background: Metabolic abnormalities are associated with the occurrence, severity, and poor prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), some of which affect the antiplatelet efficacy of clopidogrel. Free fatty acids (FFAs) is a biomarker for metabolic abnormalities, and elevated FFAs is observed among CAD patients. Whether FFAs enhances residual platelet reactivity induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) while using clopidogrel was unknown. The purpose of our study is exploring the issue. Method: Current study included 1,277 CAD patients using clopidogrel and used logistic regression to detect whether the higher level of FFAs is associated with high residual platelet reactivity (HRPR). We additionally performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses to evaluate the stability of the results. We defined HRPR as ADP-induced platelet inhibition rate (ADPi) < 50% plus ADP-induced maximum amplitude (MAADP) > 47 mm. Results: 486 patients (38.1%) showed HRPR. The proportion of HRPR among patients with higher FFAs (>0.445 mmol/L) is greater than among patients with lower FFAs (46.4% vs. 32.6%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that higher FFAs (>0.445 mmol/L) is independently associated with HRPR (adjusted OR = 1.745, 95% CI, 1.352-2.254). After subgroup and sensitivity analyses, the results remained robust. Conclusion: The higher level of FFAs enhances residual platelet reactivity induced by ADP and is independently associated with clopidogrel HRPR.

Study on the predictive value of MHR combined with thromboelastography parameters for acute cerebral infarction in athlete players

Aims: To investigate the predictive value of peripheral blood monocyte count and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (monocyte/HDL-C, MHR) combined with thromboelastography (TEG) related parameters in acute Cerebral infarction (ACI). Methods: The study group included 201 patients with ACI, and the comparison group included 201 patients with non-ACI. Using dispersion analysis, changes in MHR and TEG were compared between the two groups. Using logistic regression analysis, valuable measures of model building were screened. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the predictive effect of a combination of single and multiple indices on ACI was evaluated. Based on NIHSS scores, the research team was also divided into a mild nerve injury group (152 cases) and a moderate to severe nerve injury group (49 cases). Compare the changes in the two groups of indicators. Correlations between NIHSS scores and each index were analyzed by pearson correlation. Reasults: Lymphocyte count, monocyte count, MHR, angle, MA, G and A30 were higher in the study group than in the control group. HDL-C, NLR, R and K values were lower in the study group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Among the indicators, MHR had the highest diagnostic concordance rate and area under the curve (AUC) (0.806 and 0.883, respectively), the highest sensitivity (0.891) for the count of monocyte , and the highest R-value specificity (0.776). Logistic regression analysis showed that MHR>0.367, monocyte count >0.38×109/L, A30>63.1mm and R value<5.0min were independent risk factors for ACI. The 4-factor regression equation has been established: logit(P)=-2.19+1.541* monocyte count -1.731*R+1.466*A30+2.040*MHR. (AU)

Effects of uridine and nucleotides on hemostasis parameters.

Several purinergic receptors have been identified on platelets which are involved in hemostatic and thrombotic processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of uridine and its nucleotides on platelet aggregation and hemostasis in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood. The effects of uridine, UMP, UDP, and UTP at different final concentrations (1 to 1000 µM) on platelet aggregation were studied using an aggregometer. In PRP samples, platelet aggregation was induced by ADP, collagen and epinephrine 3 min after addition of uridine, UMP, UDP, UTP and saline (as a control). All thromboelastogram experiments were performed at 1000 µM final concentrations of uridine and its nucleotides in whole blood. UDP and UTP were also tested in thromboelastogram with PRP. Our results showed that UDP, and especially UTP, inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. In whole blood thromboelastogram experiments, UDP stimulated clot formation while UTP suppressed clot formation. When thromboelastogram experiments were repeated with PRP, UTP's inhibitory effect on platelets was confirmed, while UDP's stimulated clot forming effect disappeared. Collectively, our data showed that UTP inhibited platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed clot formation. On the other hand, UDP exhibited distinct effects on whole blood or PRP in thromboelastogram. These data suggest that the difference on effects of UTP and UDP might have arisen from the different receptors that they stimulate and warrant further investigation with regard to their in vivo actions on platelet aggregation and hemostasis.

[Risk Factors of Clopidogrel Resistance in the Elderly Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease].

Objective To explore the risk factors of clopidogrel resistance (CR) in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and to provide evidence for the antiplatelet therapy. Methods A total of 223 elderly patients (≥80 years old) with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease treated in the Department of Geriatrics in the Peking University People's Hospital from January 18,2013 to November 30,2019 and meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study.The clinical data and laboratory test results were collected,including clinical disease,drug use,physical examination,complete blood cell analysis,biochemical indicators,and thromboelastogram (TEG).The rate of platelet inhibition induced by adenosine diphosphate was calculated according to the TEG.We assigned the patients into a CR group (n=84) and a control group (n=139) to analyze the incidence and influence factors of CR in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Results The incidence of CR was 37.7% in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.The CR group had lower hemoglobin (t=3.533,P=0.001) and higher hypertension prevalence rate (χ2=6.581,P=0.006),proportion of multiple drugs (χ2=3.332,P=0.048),body mass index (BMI) (t=-2.181,P=0.030),total cholesterol (t=-2.264,P=0.025),triglycerides (Z=-2.937,P=0.003),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (t=-2.347,P=0.020),and proportion of women (χ2=5.562,P=0.014) than the control group.The results of multivariate Logistic regression showed that hemoglobin (OR=0.962,P<0.001),BMI (OR=1.154,P=0.003),and LDL-C (OR=1.688,P=0.018) were the factors influencing CR in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Conclusion Hemoglobin,BMI,and LDL-C may be independent factors associated with the occurrence of CR in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Rotational thromboelastometry during Cesarean section as a predictive evaluation for the progression of persistent postpartum hemorrhage in parturients with placenta previa: A prospective observational study.

Background: The rotational thromboelastogram (ROTEM) has been used in the management of massive bleeding and transfusion strategy. This study investigated ROTEM parameters measured during Cesarean section as predictors for the progression of persistent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in parturients with placenta previa. Methods: This prospective observational study recruited 100 women scheduled for elective Cesarean section after being diagnosed with placenta previa. Recruited women were divided into two groups according to the amount of estimated blood loss: the PPH group (PPH > 1500 ml) vs. the non-PPH group. ROTEM with laboratory tests was performed three times, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative time, which were compared between the two groups. Results: The PPH and non-PPH groups included 57 and 41 women, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of postoperative FIBTEM A5 to detect PPH was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.64 to 0.87; P < 0.001). When postoperative FIBTEM A5 was 9.5, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 (95% CI = 0.55 to 0.88) and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.57 to 0.86), respectively. When subgrouping the PPH group based on the postoperative FIBTEM A5 value of 9.5, intraoperative cEBL was similar between the two subgroups; however, postoperative RBC was transfused more in the subgroup with FIBTEM A5 < 9.5 than the subgroup with FIBTEM A5 ≥ 9.5 (7.4 ± 3.0 vs 5.1 ± 2.3 units, respectively; P = 0.003). Conclusion: Postoperative FIBTEM A5, with appropriate selection of the cut-off value, can be a biomarker for more prolonged PPH and massive transfusion following Cesarean section by placenta previa.

Role of Thromboelastogram in monitoring the activation of the coagulation pathway and assessing the associated risk factors for hypercoagulable state in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic events are rare but one of the fatal complications in thalassemia. Assessment of the hypercoagulable state is not done regularly, and we have assessed the utility of Thromboelastography (TEG) for monitoring the activation of the coagulation pathway in patients with thalassemia. METHODOLOGY: A prospective single-center cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care set-up. Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia patients registered with the pediatric unit were screened for hypercoagulability using TEG during six months of the study period and followed up for three years for the development of thromboembolic events. Patient demographics, history of splenectomy, Serum ferritin levels and annual red cell transfusion requirement (mL/kg/year) were assessed. TEG parameters used were R time, K time, alpha angle, Maximum amplitude, Clot index, and Lysis 30. The thrombin generation test (V Curve) obtained from the first-degree derivate of the TEG velocity curve was also used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were recruited during the six months study period with an average age of 10.6 years ( ± 5.47). The average pre-transfusion hemoglobin level and the volume of packed red cells received were 7.24 g/dL and 152.82 mL/kg/year respectively. The TEG tracing was suggestive of a hypercoagulable state in 58.82% of patients. The mean values of angle (70.74), MA (64.16), CI (2.65) and TG (774.43) in TDT patients compared to age matched reference range (62.81, 57.99, 0.8, 577.83 respectively) was suggestive of prothrombotic changes. Annual blood transfusion requirement was negatively correlated with hypercoagulable status (-0.344, CI= -0.68 to 0.08). One out of 34 patients developed corona radiata infarct (with annual blood requirement; 112.7 mL/kg/Year). The risk to develop a hypercoagulable state appeared to be higher when the volume of RBCs transfused was less than 154 mL/kg/Year. CONCLUSION: TDT patients are at risk of developing thromboembolism, and screening with TEG may be useful to identify those at high risk.

Risk Factors of Clopidogrel Resistance in the Elderly Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the risk factors of clopidogrel resistance (CR) in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and to provide evidence for the antiplatelet therapy. Methods A total of 223 elderly patients (≥80 years old) with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease treated in the Department of Geriatrics in the Peking University People's Hospital from January 18,2013 to November 30,2019 and meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study.The clinical data and laboratory test results were collected,including clinical disease,drug use,physical examination,complete blood cell analysis,biochemical indicators,and thromboelastogram (TEG).The rate of platelet inhibition induced by adenosine diphosphate was calculated according to the TEG.We assigned the patients into a CR group (n=84) and a control group (n=139) to analyze the incidence and influence factors of CR in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Results The incidence of CR was 37.7% in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.The CR group had lower hemoglobin (t=3.533,P=0.001) and higher hypertension prevalence rate (χ2=6.581,P=0.006),proportion of multiple drugs (χ2=3.332,P=0.048),body mass index (BMI) (t=-2.181,P=0.030),total cholesterol (t=-2.264,P=0.025),triglycerides (Z=-2.937,P=0.003),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (t=-2.347,P=0.020),and proportion of women (χ2=5.562,P=0.014) than the control group.The results of multivariate Logistic regression showed that hemoglobin (OR=0.962,P<0.001),BMI (OR=1.154,P=0.003),and LDL-C (OR=1.688,P=0.018) were the factors influencing CR in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Conclusion Hemoglobin,BMI,and LDL-C may be independent factors associated with the occurrence of CR in the elderly patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Thromboelastogram for early diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis after free flap surgery of lower extremity / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of thromboelastogram in early diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing free flap surgery of lower extremity.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 192 patients undergoing surgical repair of soft tissue defects at lower extremity with free anterolateral femoral flap at Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital from January 2018 to June 2022. There were 117 males and 75 females, with an age of (45.6±12.7) years and an area of skin defects ranging from 5 cm × 3 cm to 18 cm × 9 cm. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether DVT occurred on the first day after surgery. In the DVT group of 22 patients, there were 14 males and 8 females, with an age of (47.7±14.3) years; in the DVT-free group of 170 patients, there were 103 males and 67 females, with an age of (45.3±12.5) years. The 2 groups were compared in terms of reaction time, coagulation time, maximum amplitude and coagulation angle in the thromboelastogram. Diagram of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the predictive value of thromboelastography in assessing the risk of DVT after surgery.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference in the baseline information or operation time between them ( P>0.05). The reaction time [(5.21±0.85) min] and coagulation time [(1.12±0.30) min] in the DVT group were significantly shorter than those in the DVT-free group [(6.48±0.06) min and (1.60±0.03) min], and the maximum amplitude [(71.45±1.17) mm] and coagulation angle [69.54° (64.59°, 76.64°) ] in the DVT group were significantly larger than those in the DVT-free group [(66.63±0.40) mm and 64.92°(54.11°, 74.21°)] (all P<0.05). The optimal cut-off points in the ROC diagram were 5.46 min at reaction time, 1.52 min at coagulation time, 72.31 mm at maximum amplitude and 59.89° at coagulation angle. The sensitivity and specificity of detecting DVT on the first day after surgery were 80.7% and 71.6%, respectively, according to the combination of the best cut-off points in the ROC diagram and all the indexes in the thromboelastogram. Conclusion:Thromboelastogram is of a great value for the diagnosis of lower extremity DVT, and of a positive significance for the prevention of serious complications after surgery in patients undergoing free flap surgery of lower extremity.

Analysis of blood coagulation indexes, thromboelastogram and autoantibodies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Objectives: Changes in coagulation indexes, thromboelastogram(TEG) and autoantibodies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) with different number of abortions were analyzed. Methods: Medical records of 48 patients with recurrent abortion, treated in Quzhou people's Hospital from November 2019 to October 2020, were collected as the observation group. Based on the number of abortions, patients were divided into Group-A (Two abortions, n=21), Group-B (Three abortions, n=16) and group C (Abortion ≥ four times, n=11). Records of 50 healthy pregnant women in our hospital in the same period were selected as the control group. Coagulation indexes [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial prothrombin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), D-Dimer (DD)], thromboelastogram (TEG) parameters [reaction time (R), coagulation time(K), maximum thrombus amplitude (MA), coagulation angle (α)], changes in the levels of autoantibodies [anticardiolipin antibody (ACA), anti-endometrial antibody (EmAb), anti-thyroid antibody(ATA)] were compared between the groups. Results: There were significant differences in the levels of ATPP, Pt, FIB and DD among the groups. Higher number of abortions correlated with lower the levels of ATPP and Pt, and higher levels of FIB and DD (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, R and K in Group-A,B and C decreased, while α and MA increased (P<0.05). There were significant differences in α and MA indexes. The positive rates of ACA, EmAb and ATA in Group-A were higher than those in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05), while the above indexes in groups B and C were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The positive rates of ACA and ATA in group C were significantly higher than those in Group-A (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the positive rate of EmAb (P>0.05). Conclusion: RPL was related to the decrease of APTT, PT, and the increase of FIB and DD levels. TEG indicated that the increase of α and MA values indicated that the risk of multiple abortion was increased. The positive rates of ACA, EmAb and ATA were closely related to multiple abortions, especially the positive rates of ACA and ATA.