The use of thromboelastography to assess post-operative changes in coagulation and predict graft function in renal transplantation

Am J Surg. 2020 Dec;220(6):1511-1517. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.08.019. Epub 2020 Aug 27.

Abstract

Background: End stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with elevated fibrinogen levels and fibrinolysis inhibition. However, there is a paucity of data on how renal transplantation impacts coagulation. we hypothesize that renal transplantation recipients with good functioning grafts will have improved fibrinolytic activity following surgery.

Methods: Kidney recipients were analyzed pre-operatively and on post-operative day 1(POD1) using three different TEG assays with and without two concentration of tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA). TEG indices and percent reduction in creatinine from pre-op to POD1 were measured, with >50% defining "good" graft function. Follow up was done at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results: Percent lysis(LY30) on POD1 the t-PA TEG was significantly correlated to change creatinine from pre-op to POD-1(p = 0.006). A LY30 ≥ 23% was associated with good early graft function, and lower creatinine at 24-months(p = 0.028) compared to recipients with low POD1 LY30.

Conclusions: Post-operative tPA-TEG LY30 is associated with favorable early and late outcomes in kidney transplant.

Keywords: Coagulation; Fibrinolysis; Kidney transplant; TEG; Thromboelastography; t-PA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Coagulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery*
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Period
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Thrombelastography*
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / blood*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator