Changes in fibrinogen availability and utilization in an animal model of traumatic coagulopathy
Sammanfattning
Background
Impaired haemostasis following shock and tissue trauma is frequently detected in the trauma setting.
These changes occur early, and are associated with increased mortality. The mechanism behind
trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is not clear. Several studies highlight the crucial role of fibrinogen
in posttraumatic haemorrhage. This study explores the coagulation changes in a swine model of
early TIC, with emphasis on fibrinogen levels and utilization of fibrinogen.
Methods
A total of 18 landrace pigs were anaesthetized and divided into four groups. The Trauma-Shock group
(TS) were inflicted bilateral blast femoral fractures with concomitant soft tissue injury by a high-
energy rifle shot to both hind legs, followed by controlled exsanguination. The Shock group (S) was
exposed to shock by exsanguination, whereas a third group was exposed to trauma only (T). A fourth
group (C) served as control. Physiological data, haematological measurements, blood gas analyses
and conventional coagulation assays were recorded at baseline and repeatedly over 60 minutes.
Thrombelastometry were performed by means of the tissue factor activated ExTEM assay and the
platelet inhibiting FibTEM assay. Data were statistically analysed by repeated measurements
analyses method.
Results
A significant reduction of fibrinogen concentration was observed in both the TS and S groups. INR
increased significantly in the S group and differed significantly from the TS group. Maximum clot
firmness (MCF) of the ExTEM assay was significantly reduced over time in both TS and S groups. In
the FibTEM assay a significant shortening of the clotting time and an increase in MCF was observed
in the TS group compared to the S group.
Conclusion
Despite a reduction in clotting capability measured by ExTEM MCF and a reduced fibrinogen
concentration, extensive tissue trauma may induce an increased fibrin based clotting activity that
attenuates the hypocoagulable tendency in exsanguinated animals.