[Coagulation disorders following severe trauma: surgeon's role in prevention]

Severe trauma must be considered a "systemic disease" that could lead to severe systemic complications.

Coagulation disorders are present in most trauma patients as hemorrhagic disorder, thrombosis, or like in DIC, with both coexistent phenomenon. Trauma determine the activations of intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways, and of platelets. Intrinsic pathway activation induce a pro-coagulant function and the activation of fibrinolytic system. Both system activation explain low incidence of deep venous thrombosis. Post-traumatic activation of extrinsic coagulation lead to thrombin and fibrin production. In trauma patients platelets activation is related to endothelial damage, exposition of collagen, interaction with PAF and presence of microorganisms. Post-traumatic DIC is characterized by procoagulant factors activation, with intravascular deposit of fibrin and thrombosis, and by hemorrhagic disorders due to consumption of platelet and procoagulant factors. Lower levels of antithrombin III, in trauma patients, are strictly related to severity of damage and shock. Coagulation disorders related to sepsis, that often complicate trauma, are added to those determined by trauma, with a negative synergic effect. Medical treatment with massive infusion of colloid and crystalloid solution, and fluid, and massive transfusion of plasma and red blood cells can determine dilutional thrombocytopenia, reduced activity of coagulation factors and reduced haemostatic activity of RBC due to excessive haemodilution--Hct <20%.

To avoid post-traumatic coagulation disorders is important to prevent sepsis, thrombocytopenia and reduced activity of coagulation factors and of RBC, as well as prevent and immediately treat shock. The early use of high dose antithrombin concentrate, is important to prevent DIC and MOFS, and administer subcutaneous or intravenous heparin, in absence of hemorrhagic disorders that contraindicate its use.