1.
Impact of albumin on coagulation competence and hemorrhage during major surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Rasmussen KC, Hojskov M, Johansson PI, Kridina I, Kistorp T, Salling L, Nielsen HB, Ruhnau B, Pedersen T, Secher NH
Medicine. 2016;95((9)):e2720.
Abstract
For patients exposed to a massive blood loss during surgery, maintained coagulation competence is important. It is less obvious whether coagulation competence influences bleeding during elective surgery where patients are exposed to infusion of a crystalloid or a colloid.This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether administration of 5% human albumin (HA) or lactated Ringer solution (LR) affects coagulation competence and in turn blood loss during cystectomy due to bladder cancer.Forty patients undergoing radical cystectomy were included to receive either 5% HA (n = 20) or LR (n = 20). Nineteen patients were analyzed in the HA group and 20 patients in the lactated Ringer group.Blinded determination of the blood loss was similar in the 2 groups of patients: 1658 (800-3300) mL with the use of HA and 1472 (700-4330) mL in the lactated Ringer group (P = 0.45). Yet, by thrombelastography (TEG) evaluated coagulation competence, albumin affected clot growth (TEG-angle 69 +/- 5 vs 74 degrees +/- 3 degrees , P < 0.01) and strength (TEG-MA: 59 +/- 6 vs 67 +/- 6 mm, P < 0.001) more than LR. Furthermore, by multivariate linear regression analyses reduced TEG-MA was independently associated with the blood loss (P = 0.042) while administration of albumin was related to the changes in TEG-MA (P = 0.029), aPPT (P < 0.022), and INR (P < 0.033).This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that administration of HA does not affect the blood loss as compared to infusion of LR. Also the use of HA did not affect the need for blood transfusion, the incidence of postoperative complications, or the hospital in-stay. Yet, albumin decreases coagulation competence during major surgery and the blood loss is related to TEG-MA rather than to plasma coagulation variables.
2.
Fibrinogen concentrates for bleeding trauma patients: what is the evidence?
Meyer MA, Ostrowski SR, Windelov NA, Johansson PI
Vox Sanguinis. 2011;101((3):):185-90.
Abstract
Introduction: A balanced transfusion of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets are recommended for massively bleeding trauma patients. Fibrinogen concentrates could potentially lessen or replace the need for fresh frozen plasma and/or platelet transfusions. Objective: To provide a review of the literature covering the application of fibrinogen concentrates in trauma care. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane database search, 'fibrinogen' and ('concentrate' or 'trauma'), not 'congenital', 10[em space]years. Results: Only four papers were identified. None were randomized controlled trials. The main conclusion of these papers was that administration of fibrinogen sometimes together with prothrombin complex concentrate might improve haemostasis in trauma patients resuscitated with synthetic colloids. Conclusion: Evidence for the use of fibrinogen concentrate to trauma patients with massive bleeding is lacking. Well-designed prospective, randomized, double-blinded studies evaluating the effect of fibrinogen concentrate, as the only intervention, are urgently needed. Copyright 2011 The Author(s). Vox Sanguinis Copyright 2011 International Society of Blood Transfusion.