Thromboelastography as a Tool for Monitoring Blood Coagulation Dysfunction after Adequate Fluid Resuscitation can Predict Poor Outcomes in Patients with Septic Shock.

Background: Coagulation abnormalities are universal in patients with septic shock and likely play a key role in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Early diagnosis and management of sepsis-induced coagulopathy can influence the outcome. Thromboelastography (TEG) can effectively distinguish hypercoagulability and hypocoagulability in patients with septic shock. TEG may be a useful tool to objectively evaluate the degree and risk of sepsis. Methods: A total of 76 adult patients with septic shock were enrolled and divided into four groups: patients with hypotension requiring vasopressor and serum lactate level >2 mmol/L (group A), patients with hypotension requiring vasopressor and serum lactate level <= 2 mmol/L (group B), patients with mean arterial pressure >= 65 mmHg and serum lactate level >2 mmol/L (group C), and patients with mean arterial pressure >= 65 mmHg and serum lactate level <= 2 mmol/L (group D) after adequate fluid resuscitation. TEG values were obtained at the emergency room and after 6 hours of adequate fluid resuscitation. Data on fibrinogen (FIB) levels, international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), blood gas, platelet count, andd-dimers were also collected. Results: The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 9.11 +/- 5.36 days. Mortality rate was 6.58%. The values of reaction time, kinetics time, maximum amplitude, alpha angle, aPTT, INR, serum creatinine, FIB, and sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score showed a significant differences. The results of the routine coagulation tests, blood gas volume, platelet count, procalcitonin level,d-dimer level, white blood cell count, creatinine level, disseminated intravascular coagulation score, SOFA score, and TEG values after adequate fluid resuscitation were significantly different between groups A and B, groups A and C, groups A and D, groups B and D, and groups C and D. Conclusion: TEG is helpful in predicting the severity of sepsis and outcome of patients.