Related Experiment Videos
Screening for hemostasis during hemorrhagic emergencies.
1Centro Emofilia e Trombosi Angelo Bianchi Bonomi, Università degli Studi ed Ospedale Maggiore, Milano.
La Ricerca in Clinica E in Laboratorio
|October 1, 1989
Summary
This study introduces a rapid laboratory screening for bleeding emergencies, identifying hemostatic system issues. The scheme effectively detects coagulation abnormalities in patients needing massive transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pathology
- Hematology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Hemorrhagic emergencies necessitate rapid assessment of the hemostatic system.
- Distinguishing bleeding causes is critical for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a laboratory screening scheme for the hemostatic system in patients with excessive bleeding during emergencies.
- To determine if excessive bleeding is due to hemostatic system alterations or other factors.
Main Methods:
- A panel of seven simple, rapid, and comprehensive tests was selected: platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, reptilase time, plasma fibrinogen, and fibrin(ogen) degradation products.
- The scheme was validated using 172 emergency cases requiring massive blood transfusion.
Main Results:
- The screening scheme demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity, with 93% of cases showing abnormalities in one or more tests.
- The scheme successfully identified common bleeding disorders, including disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver disease, heparinization, and massive transfusion-related defects.
Conclusions:
- The proposed laboratory screening scheme is effective and sensitive for evaluating the hemostatic system during hemorrhagic emergencies.
- This diagnostic tool aids in the work-up of various bleeding disorders frequently encountered in critically ill patients.