Viscoelastic Testing in Trauma

Semin Thromb Hemost. 2017 Jun;43(4):375-385. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1598057. Epub 2017 Apr 1.

Abstract

Traumatic-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is a complex condition which develops both as a response to trauma as well as to clinical care interventions. Accurate and timely diagnostics are necessary to enable therapy aimed at correction of TIC. Viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHA) are increasingly recognized for their potential to diagnose TIC as well as for guidance of treatment. This narrative review focuses on the evidence of the use of VHAs to diagnose TIC, to monitor efficacy of treatment of TIC during bleeding and to prognosticate outcome. Pitfalls of the use of VHA are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / prevention & control
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / methods*
  • Blood Coagulation*
  • Hemostasis
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
  • Thrombelastography / methods
  • Wounds and Injuries / blood
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*