The Effects of Hypothermia on Fibrinogen Metabolism and Coagulation Function in Swine

Abstract

Clinical coagulopathy frequently occurs in the presence of hypothermia. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hypothermia on clotting protein fibrinogen metabolism and on coagulation function in a swine model. Twelve pigs were randomly allocated into control and hypothermia groups. Hypothermia of 32 Degrees C was induced using a blanket with circulating water at 4 Degrees C. Fibrinogen synthesis and breakdown were quantified using a 6-hour stable isotope infusion with subsequent gas chromatograph and mass spectrometry analysis. Clotting enzyme thrombin generation kinetics was quantified at baseline and at the end of the infusion. Changes in fibrinogen metabolism and thrombin generation were correlated with coagulation function assessed by thromboelastography (TEG). Hypothermia decreased fibrinogen synthesis from the control value of 2.6 + or - 0.4 to 1.2 + or - 0.2 mg kg -1 h -1 ( P less than .05), with no effect on fibrinogen breakdown. Thrombin generation at the initiation phase was delayed by hypothermia, but there were no changes at the propagation phase. In thromboelastography measurements, the initial clotting time ( R time) was prolonged from the baseline value of 3.01 + or - 0.13 to 4.30 + or - 0.24 minutes ( P less than .05) and clotting rapidity (angle a ) was decreased from the baseline value of 72.30 + or - 0.90 to 65.34 + or - 1.07 ( P less than .05). Hypothermia caused no significant changes in clot strength (maximum amplitude) and clot lysis (LY 60 ).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA627892

Entities

People

  • Wenjun Zhou Martini

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anesthesia
  • Anticoagulants
  • Arteries
  • Blood
  • Blood Coagulation
  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Blood Proteins
  • Body Temperature
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Fibrinogen
  • Hemorrhagic Shock
  • Hydroxides
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Proteins
  • Veins

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Trauma Surgery or Emergency Medicine.