Rotation thromboelastography (ROTEM) parameters are influenced by age, gender, and oral contraception

Rotation thromboelastography (ROTEM) is a screening method that allows the rapid detection of plasma- and platelet-related haemostatic abnormalities. To use this procedure more efficiently, reference values depending on gender, age, and oral contraception are required. In this study, five cohorts of healthy subjects were examined by ROTEM upon activation of the extrinsic or intrinsic pathway of coagulation, or recalcification alone. The cohorts comprised male subjects below (1) and above (2) 45 years of age, female subjects below 45 years of age with (3) or without (4) oral contraception, and female subjects above 45 years (5) without hormone replacement therapy. A significant influence of gender, age, and oral contraception on parameters determined by ROTEM was observed. Thus, adjustment for age, gender, and oral contraception is required when ROTEM is used to screen for distinct abnormalities of haemostasis.