Bleeding Risk with Invasive Procedures in Patients with Cirrhosis and Coagulopathy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Previous perceptions of cirrhosis as a hypocoagulable state have resulted in empirical blood product transfusions prior to invasive procedures. We evaluate procedure-related bleeding risks in patients with cirrhosis, assess the utility of conventional and newer global coagulation tests, and explore evidence surrounding prophylactic transfusion strategies.

Recent findings: Recent literature supports the concept of a rebalanced, albeit fragile, haemostasis equilibrium in cirrhosis, with a potential hypercoagulable tendency in stable patients. Standard coagulation tests provide a poor reflection of bleeding risks and yet are relied upon for transfusion thresholds. Consequently, a sizeable proportion of patients receive unnecessary blood products. The role of viscoelastic tests to guide transfusions requires further evaluation. In stable cirrhotic patients, procedure-related bleeding rates appear low. Prophylactic transfusion strategies based on arbitrary thresholds lack evidence of clinical benefit. There is a pressing need for point-of-care coagulation tests that represent the complex coagulopathy of cirrhosis and well-powered randomised controlled trials to develop evidence-based pre-procedure transfusion guidelines.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Haemostasis; Rotational thromboelastometry; Thromboelastography; Transfusion; Viscoelastic tests.