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Effects of temperature on partial thromboplastin time in heparinized plasma in vitro
M Felfernig1, A Blaicher, S C Kettner
1Department of Anaesthesiology and General Intensive Care B, University of Vienna, Austria.
Background And Objective:
Perioperative hypothermia has been found to impair the coagulation cascade and to increase blood loss and transfusion requirements. The effect of concomitant in vitro heparinization on coagulation during hypo- and hyperthermic conditions has not been well defined.
Methods:
In the present study, activated partial thromboplastin time was examined in vitro at 33 degrees C, 35 degrees C, 37 degrees C, 39 degrees C and 41 degrees C in normal human plasma in response to unfractionated heparin.
Results:
Hypothermia
Conclusions:
These observations suggest that both hypo- and hyperthermia increase the response to heparin in vitro. Further studies are needed to identify the effect of patient's body temperature on heparin activity and bleeding tendency in vivo.