Thromboelastography in the evaluation of coagulation disorders in patients with sepsis

Abstract

Aim: Unbalanced hemostasis and disseminated intravenous coagulopathy serve as key participants in organ dysfunction and disability. In this study we evaluated the coagulation profiles of patients diagnosed with systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS)-sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. We also researched coagulation in sepsis by comparing thromboelastography (TEG) data with those of nonsepsis patients to determine the usefulness of the TEG device.

Materials and methods: Data were collected from 55 anesthesiology and surgery intensive care unit (ICU) patients: 21 with SIRS-sepsis (Group S) and 34 patients without SIRS-sepsis (Group C). Blood samples were taken upon admission to the ICU (t1) and on day 3 of the ICU stay (t2). TEG data (R = reaction time, K = coagulation time, a = alpha angle, and MA = maximum amplitude) were recorded. TEG parameters were compared with routine coagulation and hemogram studies.

Results: The mean R value in Group C was higher than that of Group S at both t1 and t2. Group S had a significantly lower K value and higher alpha angle at t1 compared to Group C (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Hypercoagulability was observed in SIRS-sepsis patients in the ICU, as measured with TEG. We believe that TEG will be a useful tool in the evaluation of coagulation disorders developing in septic critically ill patients.