Platelet Activity Monitoring for Patients Under Adp Medication Using Verify Now in Subdural Hematoma

The brain is encased in three membranes: the pia mater, arachnoid, and dura mater. A subdural hematoma is often a post-traumatic accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the brain, occurring when a trauma tears a small vein on the brain. As the hematoma expands, it compresses the brain, potentially leading to severe neurological symptoms that may require urgent surgical removal. Patients on antiplatelet therapy are at increased risk of larger subdural hematomas and higher morbidity.

The reversibility of antiplatelet effects and the potential benefits of platelet transfusions to halt hematoma expansion or prevent significant re-bleeding during surgical management are still debated. The French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR) recommends delaying neurosurgical interventions by 5 days if clinically tolerable, with platelet transfusions provided for urgent surgeries within this period. However, prolonged cessation of antithrombotic treatments increases the risk of perioperative thrombotic events.

Literature also notes individual variability in the effectiveness of antiplatelet treatments. European guidelines suggest using platelet function analysis devices alongside standard laboratory coagulation monitoring in trauma patients suspected of platelet dysfunction (Level 2C). The 2019 SFAR guidelines for the emergency management of patients on antiplatelets do not recommend these devices outside of cardiovascular surgery due to a lack of studies.