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The risk of thromboembolic events with early intravenous 2- and 4-g bolus dosing of tranexamic acid compared to placebo in patients with severe traumatic bleeding: A secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial
Spinella PC, Bochicchio K, Thomas KA, Staudt A, Shea SM, Pusateri AE, Schuerer D, Levy JH, Cap AP, Bochicchio G
Transfusion. 2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for the risk of thromboembolism (TE) due to tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients with severe traumatic injury has not been performed in randomized clinical trials. Our objective was to determine if TXA dose was independently-associated with thromboembolism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing placebo to a 2-g or 4-g intravenous TXA bolus dose in trauma patients with severe injury. We used multivariable discrete-time Cox regression models to identify associations with risk for thromboembolic events within 30 days post-enrollment. Event curves were created using discrete-time Cox regression. RESULTS There were 50 patients in the placebo group, 49 in the 2-g, and 50 in the 4-g TXA group. In adjusted analyses for thromboembolism, a 2-g dose of TXA had an hazard ratio (HR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) of 3.20 (1.12-9.11) (p = .029), and a 4-g dose of TXA had an HR (95% CI) of 5.33 (1.94-14.63) (p = .001). Event curves demonstrated a higher probability of thromboembolism for both doses of TXA compared to placebo. Other parameters independently associated with thromboembolism include time from injury to TXA administration, body mass index, and total blood products transfused. DISCUSSION In patients with severe traumatic injury, there was a dose-dependent increase in the risk of at least one thromboembolic event with TXA. TXA should not be withheld, but thromboembolism screening should be considered for patients receiving a dose of at least 2-g TXA intravenously for traumatic hemorrhage.
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Viscoelastic testing to assess the effects of rapid fibrinogen concentrate administration after cardiopulmonary bypass: insights from the REPLACE study
Rahe-Meyer N, Levy JH, Ueda Y, Schmidt DS, Gill R
Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis. 2021
Abstract
Haemorrhage during and following surgery results in increased morbidity and mortality. Low plasma fibrinogen levels have been associated with increased blood loss and transfusion requirements. Fibrinogen supplementation has been shown to reduce bleeding in coagulopathic patients. This post hoc study evaluated fibrinogen repletion and pharmacokinetic data from the REPLACE study. One hundred and fifty-two adult patients undergoing elective aortic surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with defined bleeding of 60-250 g at first 5 min bleeding mass were included in the phase III trial. Patients were randomized to receive either fibrinogen concentrate (FCH) or placebo following CPB removal. Plasma fibrinogen levels and viscoelastic testing parameters (ROTEM-based FIBTEM and EXTEM assays) were measured before, during, and after study treatment administration. A mean dose of 6.3 g FCH was administered in the FCH group, with a median infusion duration of 2 min. Immediately following completion of FCH administration, a rapid increase in plasma fibrinogen levels to near baseline (median change from baseline -0.10 g/l) was seen in the FCH group but not in the placebo group (median change from baseline -1.29 g/l). FCH administration also caused an immediate increase in FIBTEM maximum clot firmness (MCF) to 23 mm and improvements in EXTEM coagulation time and clot formation time by the end of infusion. There was a strong correlation between the plasma fibrinogen level and FIBTEM MCF. Treatment with high doses of FCH with a rapid infusion time resulted in immediate recovery to baseline levels of plasma fibrinogen and viscoelastic testing parameters.
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The Immunologic Effect of Early Intravenous Two and Four Gram Bolus Dosing of Tranexamic Acid Compared to Placebo in Patients With Severe Traumatic Bleeding (TAMPITI): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Center Trial
Spinella PC, Thomas KA, Turnbull IR, Fuchs A, Bochicchio K, Schuerer D, Reese S, Coleoglou Centeno AA, Horn CB, Baty J, et al
Frontiers in immunology. 2020;11:2085
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hemostatic properties of tranexamic acid (TXA) are well described, but the immunological effects of TXA administration after traumatic injury have not been thoroughly examined. We hypothesized TXA would reduce monocyte activation in bleeding trauma patients with severe injury. METHODS This was a single center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing placebo to a 2 g or 4 g intravenous TXA bolus dose in trauma patients with severe injury. Fifty patients were randomized into each study group. The primary outcome was a reduction in monocyte activation as measured by human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR) expression on monocytes 72 h after TXA administration. Secondary outcomes included kinetic assessment of immune and hemostatic phenotypes within the 72 h window post-TXA administration. RESULTS The trial occurred between March 2016 and September 2017, when data collection ended. 149 patients were analyzed (placebo, n = 50; 2 g TXA, n = 49; 4 g TXA, n = 50). The fold change in HLA-DR expression on monocytes [reported as median (Q1-Q3)] from pre-TXA to 72 h post-TXA was similar between placebo [0.61 (0.51-0.82)], 2 g TXA [0.57 (0.47-0.75)], and 4 g TXA [0.57 (0.44-0.89)] study groups (p = 0.82). Neutrophil CD62L expression was reduced in the 4 g TXA group [fold change: 0.73 (0.63-0.97)] compared to the placebo group [0.97 (0.78-1.10)] at 24 h post-TXA (p = 0.034). The fold decrease in plasma IL-6 was significantly less in the 4 g TXA group [1.36 (0.87-2.42)] compared to the placebo group [0.46 (0.19-1.69)] at 72 h post-TXA (p = 0.028). There were no differences in frequencies of myeloid or lymphoid populations or in classical complement activation at any of the study time points. CONCLUSION In trauma patients with severe injury, 4 g intravenous bolus dosing of TXA has minimal immunomodulatory effects with respect to leukocyte phenotypes and circulating cytokine levels. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02535949.
PICO Summary
Population
Bleeding trauma patients with severe injury from the TAMPITI trial (n= 149).
Intervention
Intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) 2 g bolus dose (n=49).
Comparison
Intravenous tranexamic acid 4 g bolus dose (n= 50); Placebo (n= 50).
Outcome
The median fold change in human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR) expression on monocytes from pre-TXA to 72 h post-TXA was similar between placebo: 0.61, 2 g TXA: 0.57, and 4 g TXA: 0.57 study groups. Neutrophil CD62L expression was reduced in the 4 g TXA group (fold change: 0.73) compared to the placebo group: 0.97 at 24 h post-TXA. The fold decrease in plasma IL-6 was significantly less in the 4 g TXA group: 1.36 compared to the placebo group: 0.46 at 72 h post-TXA. There were no differences in frequencies of myeloid or lymphoid populations or in classical complement activation at any of the study time points.
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Randomized evaluation of fibrinogen versus placebo in complex cardiovascular surgery: post hoc analysis and interpretation of phase III results
Rahe-Meyer N, Levy JH, Mazer CD, Schramko A, Klein AA, Brat R, Okita Y, Ueda Y, Schmidt DS, Gill R
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 2018
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In a multicentre, randomized-controlled, phase III trial in complex cardiovascular surgery (Randomized Evaluation of Fibrinogen vs Placebo in Complex Cardiovascular Surgery: REPLACE), single-dose human fibrinogen concentrate (FCH) was associated with the transfusion of increased allogeneic blood products (ABPs) versus placebo. Post hoc analyses were performed to identify possible reasons for this result. METHODS We stratified REPLACE results by adherence to the transfusion algorithm, pretreatment fibrinogen level (≤2 g/l vs >2 g/l) and whether patients were among the first 3 treated at their centre. RESULTS Patients whose treatment was adherent with the transfusion algorithm [FCH, n = 47 (60.3%); placebo, n = 57 (77.0%); P = 0.036] received smaller quantities of ABPs than those with non-adherent treatment (P < 0.001). Among treatment-adherent patients with pretreatment plasma fibrinogen ≤2 g/l, greater reduction in 5-min bleeding mass was seen with FCH versus placebo (median -22.5 g vs -15.5 g; P = 0.071). Considering patients with the above conditions and not among the first 3 treated at their centre (FCH, n = 15; placebo, n = 22), FCH was associated with trends towards reduced transfusion of ABPs (median 2.0 vs 4.0 units; P = 0.573) and greater reduction in 5-min bleeding mass (median -21.0 g vs -9.5 g; P = 0.173). Differences from a preceding single-centre phase II study with positive outcomes included more patients with pretreatment fibrinogen >2 g/l and fewer patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. CONCLUSIONS None of the patient stratifications provided a clear explanation for the lack of efficacy seen for FCH in the REPLACE trial versus the positive phase II outcomes. However, together, the 3 factors demonstrated trends favouring FCH. Less familiarity with the protocol and procedures and unavoidable differences in the study populations may explain the differences seen between the phase II study and REPLACE. Clinical trial registration: NCT01475669 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01475669; EudraCT trial no: 2011-002685-20.
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Randomized evaluation of fibrinogen vs placebo in complex cardiovascular surgery (REPLACE): a double-blind phase III study of haemostatic therapy
Rahe-Meyer N, Levy JH, Mazer CD, Schramko A, Klein AA, Brat R, Okita Y, Ueda Y, Schmidt DS, Ranganath R, et al
British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2016;117((1)):41-51.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-dose human fibrinogen concentrate (FCH) might have haemostatic benefits in complex cardiovascular surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing elective aortic surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to receive FCH or placebo. Study medication was administered to patients with a 5 min bleeding mass of 60-250 g after separation from bypass and surgical haemostasis. A standardized algorithm for allogeneic blood product transfusion was followed if bleeding continued after study medication. RESULTS 519 patients from 34 centres were randomized, of whom 152 (29%) met inclusion criteria for study medication. Median (IQR) pretreatment 5 min bleeding mass was 107 (76-138) and 91 (71-112) g in the FCH and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.13). More allogeneic blood product units were administered during the first 24 h after FCH, 5.0 (2.0-11.0), when compared with placebo, 3.0 (0.0-7.0), P=0.026. Fewer patients avoided transfusion in the FCH group (15.4%) compared with placebo (28.4%), P=0.047. The FCH immediately increased plasma fibrinogen concentration and fibrin-based clot strength. Adverse event rates were comparable in each group. CONCLUSIONS Human fibrinogen concentrate was associated with increased allogeneic blood product transfusion, an unexpected finding contrary to previous studies. Human fibrinogen concentrate may not be effective in this setting when administered according to 5-minute bleeding mass. Low bleeding rates and normal-range plasma fibrinogen concentrations before study medication, and variability in adherence to the complex transfusion algorithm, may have contributed to these results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier no. NCT01475669; EudraCT trial no. 2011-002685-20.
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Effects of red-cell storage duration on patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Steiner ME, Ness PM, Assmann SF, Triulzi DJ, Sloan SR, Delaney M, Granger S, Bennett-Guerrero E, Blajchman MA, Scavo V, et al
New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;372((15):):1419-29.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some observational studies have reported that transfusion of red-cell units that have been stored for more than 2 to 3 weeks is associated with serious, even fatal, adverse events. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery may be especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of transfusion.METHODS We conducted a randomized trial at multiple sites from 2010 to 2014. Participants 12 years of age or older who were undergoing complex cardiac surgery and were likely to undergo transfusion of red cells were randomly assigned to receive leukocyte-reduced red cells stored for 10 days or less (shorter-term storage group) or for 21 days or more (longer-term storage group) for all intraoperative and postoperative transfusions. The primary outcome was the change in Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (MODS; range, 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating more severe organ dysfunction) from the preoperative score to the highest composite score through day 7 or the time of death or discharge.RESULTS The median storage time of red-cell units provided to the 1098 participants who received red-cell transfusion was 7 days in the shorter-term storage group and 28 days in the longer-term storage group. The mean change in MODS was an increase of 8.5 and 8.7 points, respectively (95% confidence interval for the difference, -0.6 to 0.3; P=0.44). The 7-day mortality was 2.8% in the shorter-term storage group and 2.0% in the longer-term storage group (P=0.43); 28-day mortality was 4.4% and 5.3%, respectively (P=0.57). Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups except that hyperbilirubinemia was more common in the longer-term storage group.CONCLUSIONS The duration of red-cell storage was not associated with significant differences in the change in MODS. We did not find that the transfusion of red cells stored for 10 days or less was superior to the transfusion of red cells stored for 21 days or more among patients 12 years of age or older who were undergoing complex cardiac surgery. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; RECESS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00991341.).
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Safe application of a restrictive transfusion protocol in moderate-risk patients undergoing cardiac operations
Song HK, von Heymann C, Jespersen CM, Karkouti K, Korte W, Levy JH, Ranucci M, Saugstrup T, Sellke FW
Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2014;97((5):):1630-5.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perioperative red blood cell transfusion is associated with adverse outcomes after cardiac operations. Although restrictive transfusion protocols have been developed, their safety and efficacy are not well demonstrated, and considerable variation in transfusion practice persists. We report our experience with a restrictive transfusion protocol. METHODS We analyzed the outcomes in 409 patients undergoing cardiac operations enrolled in a trial conducted at 30 centers worldwide. Blood products were administered on the basis of a transfusion algorithm applied across all centers, with a restrictive transfusion trigger of hemoglobin less than or equal to 6 g/dL. Transfusion was acceptable but not mandatory for hemoglobin 6 to 8 g/dL. For hemoglobin 8 to 10 g/dL, transfusion was acceptable only with evidence for end-organ ischemia. RESULTS The patient population was moderately complex, with 20.5% having combined procedures and 29.6% having nonelective operations. The mean EuroSCORE for the population was 4.3, which predicted a substantial incidence of morbidity and mortality. Actual outcomes were excellent, with observed mortality of 0.49% and rates of cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and acute renal failure 1.2%, 6.1%, and 0.98%, respectively. The frequency of red blood cell transfusion was 33.7%, which varied significantly by center. Most transfusions (71.9%) were administered for hemoglobin 6 to 8 g/dL; 21.4% were administered for hemoglobin 8 to 10 g/dL with evidence for end-organ ischemia; 65.0% of patients avoided allogeneic transfusion altogether. CONCLUSIONS A restrictive transfusion protocol can be safely applied in the care of moderate-risk patients undergoing cardiac operations. This strategy has significant potential to reduce transfusion and resource utilization in these patients, standardize transfusion practices across institutions, and increase the safety of cardiac operations. Copyright 2014 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Effect of two doses of tranexamic acid on fibrinolysis evaluated by thromboelastography during cardiac surgery: A randomised, controlled study
Faraoni D, Cacheux C, Van Aelbrouck C, Ickx BE, Barvais L, Levy JH
European Journal of Anaesthesiology. 2014;31((9):):491-8.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tranexamic acid is used to decrease bleeding and transfusions during cardiac surgery. However, dosing based on pharmacokinetic data to optimally inhibit fibrinolysis is unknown. With increasing concerns regarding seizures associated with higher doses, lower dosing schemes may be important. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of two dosing schemes compared with placebo on fibrinolysis and clinical outcomes. DESIGN A double-blind, randomised, controlled, pilot trial. SETTING Single tertiary centre. PATIENTS Cardiac surgery patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTION Patients were randomised to receive a 30 mg kg bolus and continuous infusion of 16 mg kg h (Group HIGH), a 5 mg kg bolus followed by 5 mg kg h (Group LOW) or Sodium chloride (Placebo). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Fibrinolysis was evaluated by thromboelastography and D-dimers. Secondary endpoints were blood loss, transfusion requirement and side effects. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were included. Significant fibrinolysis was defined by LY30 more than 7.5% based on thromboelastography and was not observed after cardiopulmonary bypass in any groups. After protamine administration, LY30 differences between groups were 0.7 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.04 to 1.4] between Groups HIGH and Placebo, -0.08 (95% CI -0.82 to 0.66) between Groups HIGH and LOW, and 0.78 (95% CI 0.02 to 1.5) between Groups LOW and Placebo. A significant increase in D-dimers was observed in the Group Placebo compared with the two treatment groups. There were no differences in bleeding or transfusion requirement. CONCLUSION In this dose-finding study, there were no differences in fibrinolysis or clinical outcomes among the two tranexamic acid schemes and placebo. Any difference in fibrinolytic inhibition requires a larger adequately powered study. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT number: 2010-024104-99.
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Efficacy and safety of recombinant factor XIII on reducing blood transfusions in cardiac surgery: A randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial
Karkouti K, von Heymann C, Jespersen CM, Korte W, Levy JH, Ranucci M, Sellke FW, Song HK
Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2013;146((4):):927-39.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass frequently leads to excessive bleeding, obligating blood product transfusions. Because low factor XIII (FXIII) levels have been associated with bleeding after cardiac surgery, we investigated whether administering recombinant FXIII after cardiopulmonary bypass would reduce transfusions. METHODS In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, 409 cardiac surgical patients at moderate risk for transfusion were randomized to receive an intravenous dose of recombinant FXIII, 17.5 IU/kg (n=143), 35 IU/kg (n=138), or placebo (n=128) after cardiopulmonary bypass. Transfusion guidelines were standardized. The primary efficacy outcome was avoidance of allogeneic blood products for 7 days postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included amount of blood products transfused and reoperation rate. Serious adverse events were measured for 7 weeks. RESULTS Study groups had comparable baseline characteristics and an approximately 40% decrease in FXIII levels after cardiopulmonary bypass. Thirty minutes postdose, FXIII levels were restored to higher than the lower 2.5th percentile of preoperative activity in 49% of the placebo group, and 85% and 95% of the 17.5- and 35-IU/kg recombinant FXIII groups, respectively (P<.05 for both treatments vs placebo). Transfusion avoidance rates were 64.8%, 64.3%, and 65.9% with placebo, 17.5 IU/kg, and 35 IU/kg recombinant FXIII (respective odds ratios against placebo, 1.05 [95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.80] and 0.99 [95% confidence interval, 0.57-1.72]). Groups had comparable adverse event rates. CONCLUSIONS Replenishment of FXIII levels after cardiopulmonary bypass had no effect on transfusion avoidance, transfusion requirements, or reoperation in moderate-risk cardiac surgery patients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00914589). Copyright 2013 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
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A phase 2 prospective, randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of tranexamic acid with ecallantide on blood loss from high-risk cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CONSERV-2 Trial)
Bokesch PM, Szabo G, Wojdyga R, Grocott HP, Smith PK, Mazer CD, Vetticaden S, Wheeler A, Levy JH
Journal of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery. 2012;143((5):):1022-9.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ecallantide is a recombinant peptide in the same class as aprotinin that inhibits plasma kallikrein, a major component of the contact coagulation and inflammatory cascades. Therefore, ecallantide was expected to reduce blood loss associated with cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS This prospective multinational, randomized, double-blind trial enrolled patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass for procedures associated with a high risk of bleeding. Patients were randomly assigned to ecallantide (n = 109) or tranexamic acid (high dose, n = 24; low dose, n = 85). Efficacy was assessed from the volume of packed red blood cells administered within the first 12 hours after surgery. RESULTS The study was terminated early after the independent data safety and monitoring board observed a statistically significantly higher 30-day mortality in the ecallantide group (12%) than in the tranexamic acid groups (4%, P = .041). Patients receiving ecallantide received more packed red blood cells within 12 hours of surgery than tranexamic acid-treated patients: median = 900 mL (95% confidence interval, 600-1070) versus 300 mL (95% confidence interval, 0-523) (P < .001). Similar differences were seen at 24 hours and at discharge. Patients treated with the higher tranexamic acid dose received less packed red blood cells, 0 mL (95% confidence interval, 280-600), than the group treated with the lower dose, 400 mL (95% confidence interval, 0-400) (P = .008). No deaths occurred in the higher dose tranexamic acid group. CONCLUSIONS Ecallantide was less effective at reducing perioperative blood loss than tranexamic acid. High-dose tranexamic acid was more effective than the low dose in reducing blood loss. Copyright 2012 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.