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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Deciphering Coagulation Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Published on: August 4, 2023
Trauma-induced coagulopathy
Elizabeth D Katrancha1, Luis S Gonzalez2
1Elizabeth D. Katrancha is an instructor of nursing in the baccalaureate nursing program at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.Luis S. Gonzalez III is a clinical pharmacist at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. edk21@pitt.edu.
Abstract:
Coagulopathy is the inability of blood to coagulate normally; in trauma patients, it is a multifactorial and complex process. Seriously injured trauma patients experience coagulopathies during the acute injury phase. Risk factors for trauma-induced coagulopathy include hypothermia, metabolic acidosis, hypoperfusion, hemodilution, and fluid replacement. In addition to the coagulopathy induced by trauma, many patients may also be taking medications that interfere with hemostasis. Therefore, medication-induced coagulopathy also is a concern. Traditional laboratory-based methods of assessing coagulation are being supported or even replaced by point-of-care tests. The evidence-based management of trauma-induced coagulopathy should address hypothermia, fluid resuscitation, blood components administration, and, if needed, medications to reverse identified coagulation disorders.
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