Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
06:28
Leveraging Turbidity and Thromboelastography for Complementary Clot Characterization
Published on: June 4, 2020
7.4K
Coagulation profile after plasma exchange using albumin as a replacement solution measured by thromboelastometry
1Anesthesia Department, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Vox Sanguinis
|September 19, 2015
Summary
Plasma exchange with albumin replacement significantly alters thromboelastometry (TEM) parameters, including clotting time and clot firmness. These changes strongly correlate with fibrinogen levels, indicating a need for further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Coagulation Science
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Plasma exchange (PE) using albumin as replacement fluid can decrease coagulation proteins.
- The impact of these changes on thromboelastometry (TEM) is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in TEM parameters after PE with 5% albumin.
- To correlate TEM changes with standard coagulation tests.
Main Methods:
- Prospective recording of consecutive patients undergoing PE.
- Laboratory and TEM (EXTEM, fibTEM) assays before and after PE.
- Monitoring for bleeding events; statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman's tests.
Main Results:
- All TEM parameters decreased post-PE, notably clotting time (CT) and fibrin-based TEM (fibTEM).
- Maximum clot firmness (MCF) showed a lesser reduction.
- Strong correlations observed between CT, MCF, fibTEM, and fibrinogen levels.
Conclusions:
- PE with albumin significantly impacts TEM, causing delayed clot formation and reduced firmness.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of these TEM derangements.
