Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
09:38
A Microfluidic Flow Chamber Model for Platelet Transfusion and Hemostasis Measures Platelet Deposition and Fibrin Formation in Real-time
Published on: February 14, 2017
Predicting prothrombotic tendencies in sepsis using spatial clot growth dynamics
Natalia P Soshitova1, Sergey S Karamzin, Anna N Balandina
1HemaCore LLC, Moscow, Russia.
Summary
Spatial clot growth assay detects hypercoagulation in sepsis patients, outperforming conventional methods. This novel assay shows potential for evaluating thrombotic risk and patient outcomes in sepsis.
Area of Science:
- * Hematology
- * Thrombosis Research
- * Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- * Sepsis-induced inflammation often leads to hypercoagulation, increasing risks of thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
- * Current diagnostic tools for sepsis-related procoagulant changes lack sufficient sensitivity.
- * Novel diagnostic methods are needed to accurately assess hemostatic alterations in sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate hemostatic state changes in septic patients using the spatial clot growth assay.
- * To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of spatial clot growth assay with conventional methods.
- * To evaluate the potential of spatial clot growth assay in predicting thrombotic risk.
Main Methods:
- * Spatial clot growth assay: monitors fibrin clot development in platelet-free plasma activated by tissue factor.
- * Conventional assays: included clotting time tests, thromboelastography, and D-dimer measurements.
- * Study cohort: Sixteen patients with hematological malignancies and sepsis were monitored for one month.
Main Results:
- * Spatial clot growth assay identified hypercoagulation in six patients, preceding D-dimer elevation in five.
- * Mean D-dimer concentration was significantly higher following hypercoagulation detected by spatial clot growth assay (457 vs. 234 μg/l; P < 0.05).
- * Spatial clot growth assay indicated normalization in survivors and increasing hypocoagulation in non-survivors.
Conclusions:
- * Spatial clot growth assay demonstrates higher sensitivity in detecting sepsis-associated hypercoagulation compared to conventional assays.
- * The assay shows potential for early identification of thrombotic risk in sepsis.
- * Monitoring spatial clot growth dynamics may aid in evaluating patient prognosis and guiding treatment decisions.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
01:20Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...