The interplay between microcirculatory dysfunction and coagulopathy in patients with sepsis: An exploratory
Elisa Damiani1, Roberta Domizi1, Andrea Carsetti1
1Clinic of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria delle Marche, via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Tronto 1/a, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
Background:
Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) and microvascular dysfunction are hallmark features of sepsis, yet their relationship remains poorly understood. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether early microvascular impairment can predict the presence/development of SIC. The secondary objective was to explore the relationship between SIC and the evolution of microvascular perfusion over the first 4 days.
Methods:
Prospective observational study on 30 septic patients. Sublingual microcirculation (incident dark-field video-microscopy) was evaluated at day 0 and 4. Standard coagulation tests and thromboelastography were assessed daily. SIC was identified by a SIC score ≥ 4. Plasma syndecan-1 and thrombomodulin levels were measured on day 0.
Results:
SIC was identified in 20 patients (66.7%) by day 4. On day 0, the microcirculation did not differ between SIC+ and SIC- patients. However those with lower baseline microvascular flow index (MFI <2.92) were more likely to develop SIC (82% vs 46%, p = 0.037). From Day 0 to Day 4, microvascular density (TVD, PVD) decreased in the SIC+ group but increased in the SIC- group (p for interaction <0.05). Baseline Syndecan-1 levels correlated negatively with the variation (Δ) in microvascular density. Correlations were found between Δ-microcirculatory parameters and Δ-coagulation markers, such as Δ-MFI and Δ-INR (r = -0.516, p < 0.05) or Δ-TVD and Δ-platelets (r = 0.442, p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The sublingual microcirculation on day 0 failed to predict the development of SIC. In longitudinal exploratory analysis, SIC was associated with a reduction in microvascular density from day 0 to day 4, although a causal relationship remains to be established.
