Effects of Sequential Compression Devices on Coagulation Parameters Assessed by TEG® in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Terminated
- Sponsor
- University of Parma
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Reduction in the area under the curve of maximum amplitude (MA) TEG value over time
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to assess possible alteration in coagulation (blood clotting) following treatment with sequential compression devices (SCD) plus low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as opposed to LMWH alone.
The investigators will examine coagulation in the early postoperative period of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery during their stay in our Intensive Care Unit.
In addition to common laboratory tests, the investigators will examine coagulation using TEG®, a device which allows a semi-quantitative examination of all phases of coagulation.
Detailed Description
Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are routinely used in perioperative prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications [(chiefly deep vein thrombosis (DVT)]. LMWHs have been proved to be safe and equipotent or superior when compared with unfractionated heparin.
Sequential compressing devices (SCD) are relatively novel pneumatic stockings with several air chambers. A computerized pump applies a gradient of pressure which decreases from the foot cranially. Pressure is also applied intermittently according to predetermined schedules. This devices are being employed for DVT prophylaxis in patients for whom anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated, or in those who have a low risk of DVT. They have also been employed to complement anticoagulant therapy in patients at high risk of DVT, such as those undergoing orthopedic surgery (Fordyce, 1992; Handoll, 2002; Warwick, 2002; Pitto, 2004).
The mechanism of action of SCD seems to be primarily mechanical, through a displacement of a column of blood through the venous system and towards the heart; they act as a surrogate of the muscular pump in immobilized patients (Killewich, 1995).
There is also some evidence that SCD activity may influence the coagulation/fibrinolysis system towards hypocoagulability (Dai, 2000; Kohro, 2003); Kohro and colleagues have also hypothesized that the shear forces generated by SCD may alter platelet adhesion by a direct effect on platelets and/or by increasing the release of factors from the venous endothelium (Kohro, 2005).
The investigators aim to assess the effects on coagulation when SCD are applied to patients at high risk of DVT in addition to standard LMWH therapy.The investigators chose to study a population in whom SCD may be useful in reducing the incidence of DVT, such as patients undergoing postoperative monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) after major abdominal surgery for cancer.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Diagnostic
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to — (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Elective major abdominal surgery for neoplasm
- •Planned admission to postsurgical ICU due to the patient's meeting one or more of the following:
- •ASA Physical Status Class 4
- •Surgery of modified Johns-Hopkins class ≥IV
- •ASA 3 with modified Johns-Hopkins class 3 surgery
- •Expected duration of surgery ≥8 h
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of coagulation abnormalities, either congenital or acquired
- •Ongoing treatment with anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents other than LMWH or hormones
- •Massive edema of the legs
- •Severe peripheral arteriopathy or neuropathy
- •Malformations or recent surgery/trauma to the lower extremities
Arms & Interventions
SCD + LMWH
This group will receive sequential compression device therapy to the lower limbs from their ICU admission until the morning after surgery.
Intervention: Sequential compression device therapy (Device)
SCD + LMWH
This group will receive sequential compression device therapy to the lower limbs from their ICU admission until the morning after surgery.
Intervention: Dalteparin (Drug)
SCD + LMWH
This group will receive sequential compression device therapy to the lower limbs from their ICU admission until the morning after surgery.
Intervention: TEG (Procedure)
LMWH only
Patients in this group will receive only standard LMWH therapy during their ICU stay.
Intervention: Dalteparin (Drug)
LMWH only
Patients in this group will receive only standard LMWH therapy during their ICU stay.
Intervention: TEG (Procedure)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Reduction in the area under the curve of maximum amplitude (MA) TEG value over time
Time Frame: 24 hours from application of SCD
Secondary Outcomes
- Reduction in the area under the curve of the alpha angle TEG value over time(24 h after application of SCD)
- Reduction in the area under the curve of the r time TEG value over time(24 h after application of SCD)
- Incidence of hypotension (mean arterial pressure ≤60 mmHg)(≤24 h after application of SCD)
Investigators
Guido Fanelli
MD
University of Parma