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Recombinant activated factor VII in the management of life-threatening bleeding in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Massive perioperative bleeding is a potential complication of cardiac surgery, and may persist despite conventional interventions. RFVIIa is being increasingly used as additional therapy, and the aim of the present study was to describe our experience with rFVIIa in the management of life-threatening bleeding in adult cardiac surgery. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 24 patients undergoing a variety of cardiac procedures was performed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between January and August 2004. The patients developed life-threatening bleeding during or after surgery despite conventional medical therapy and transfusion of blood products, and received rFVIIa as additional therapy. RESULTS: RFVIIa was administered as a median bolus dose of 60 microg/kg. Nineteen patients received one dose of rFVIIa; the bleeding stopped or decreased in 18 of them. Five patients received repeated doses of rFVIIa. Fifteen patients were reexplored due to massive postoperative bleeding or cardiac tamponade and a surgical source of bleeding was identified in six of these patients. A statistically significant reduction in chest drain losses after administration of rFVIIa was demonstrated. No adverse reactions were noted. CONCLUSIONS: RFVIIa was successfully used as an additional therapy both during and after cardiac surgery, when bleeding was refractory to conventional methods. Bleeding stopped eventually in all patients and none of the patients exsanguinated.

Adult↗

Evidence of placental abruption as a chronic process: associations with vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy and placental lesions.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians widely regard placental abruption as an acute event, though accumulating data point towards abruption being the end-result of chronic processes early in pregnancy, and perhaps even extending to conception. The Collaborative Perinatal Project was a prospective cohort study performed from 1959 to 1966 in the United States. Since enrolled pregnancies were managed without the biases created by modern perinatal surveillance and interventions, the natural history of disease in these data is ideal to study obstetrical complications such as placental abruption. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the associations versus contributions of the clinical feature of early gestational vaginal bleeding and histologic lesions (chronic and acute) with placental abruption. STUDY DESIGN: Women enrolled in the Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959-1966) were used, restricting the analysis to those that delivered singleton births (n=46,364). Risks of placental abruption were compared between women with and without vaginal bleeding at <20 weeks gestation. We also examined the relationships between placental abruption and chronic and acute histologic lesions, including infarcts, decidual necrosis, presence of macrophages in the decidua, amnion or chorion, and neutrophil infiltration in the amnion, chorion, placental surface, and umbilical vein. RESULTS: Any episode of vaginal bleeding at <20 weeks in pregnancy conferred an increased risk of placental abruption (adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 1.8). The greatest risk occurred with bleeding in both the first two trimesters (RR 3.1, 95% CI 2.3, 4.1). The presence of histologic lesions in the placenta, cord and membranes similarly carried an increased risk of placental abruption, even in the absence of vaginal bleeding. The risk of abruption was, however, highest in the presence of both histologic lesions and vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy and histologic lesions of the placenta, umbilical cord, and membranes are associated with increased risk of placental abruption in later pregnancy. However, the increased risk associated with placental lesions, especially chronic inflammatory lesions, even in the absence of early vaginal bleeding, suggests that prolonged inflammation may be implicated in placental abruption.

Abruptio Placentae↗

Validity of the Rockall scoring system after endoscopic therapy for bleeding peptic ulcer: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The Rockall scoring system was developed in unselected patients, the majority of whom did not receive endoscopic therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Rockall system in high-risk patients who undergo endoscopic therapy for peptic ulcer hemorrhage. METHODS: Rockall scores were calculated in 247 patients with major peptic ulcer bleeding entered into a randomized trial of endoscopic therapy. The observed rates of recurrent bleeding and mortality after endoscopic therapy were compared with predicted rates derived from Rockall's study group. The validity of the Rockall system was assessed in terms of calibration and discrimination. RESULTS: Rates of recurrent bleeding and mortality after endoscopic therapy increased with an increasing Rockall score. Observed rates of recurrent bleeding and mortality were below predicted rates, and calibration of the Rockall system was poor (Mantel-Haenszel chi square = 25.8, p < 0.0001 for recurrent bleeding; Mantel-Haenszel chi square = 15.1, p < 0.0001 for death). For the prediction of recurrent bleeding, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was low (63.4%), but the system was satisfactory when predicting mortality (area under the resulting curve, 84.3%). CONCLUSIONS: After endoscopic therapy for a bleeding peptic ulcer, the Rockall scoring system can identify patients at high risk of death, but it is inadequate for the prediction of recurrent bleeding.

Aged↗

Comparison of hemostatic efficacy for epinephrine injection alone and injection combined with hemoclip therapy in treating high-risk bleeding ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Rebleeding occurs in 10% to 30% of bleeding ulcer patients receiving endoscopic epinephrine injection therapy. It remains unclear whether addition of a secondary clip therapy following epinephrine injection may reduce the rebleeding rate of high-risk bleeding ulcers. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacies of epinephrine injection alone and epinephrine injection combined with hemoclip therapy in treating high-risk bleeding ulcers. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A medical center in Taiwan. PATIENTS: One hundred five bleeding ulcer patients with active spurting, oozing, nonbleeding visible vessels or adherent clots in ulcer bases. INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic combination therapy (n = 52) or diluted epinephrine injection alone (n = 53). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Initial hemostasis rates and recurrent bleeding rates. RESULTS: Initial hemostasis was achieved in 51 patients treated with combination therapy and 49 patients with epinephrine injection therapy (98% vs 92%, P = .18). Bleeding recurred in 2 patients in the combination therapy group and 11 patients in the epinephrine injection group (3.8% vs 21%, P = .008). Among the patients with rebleeding, repeated combination therapy was more effective than repeated injection therapy in achieving permanent hemostasis (100% vs 33%, P = .02). No patient required an emergency operation in the combination therapy group. However, 5 patients in the epinephrine injection group underwent emergency surgery to arrest bleeding (0% vs 9%, P = .023). LIMITATIONS: Treatment outcome of endoscopic hemoclip therapy is related to the techniques of endoscopists. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic combination therapy is superior to epinephrine injection alone in the treatment of high-risk bleeding ulcers.

Aged↗

Analysis of bleeding complications associated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors blockade in patients with high-risk acute coronary syndromes: insights from the PRISM-PLUS study.

We aim to characterize the hemorrhagic complications and predictors of increased bleeding risk in a population of patients with high-risk acute coronary syndromes (ACS), enrolled in the PRISM-PLUS study. Patients treated with heparin plus tirofiban had more bleeding events compared to patients treated with heparin alone. No significant increase in major bleeding, thrombocytopenia, blood loss and blood products transfusions was observed among the patients who received the combination therapy. Several clinical variables were independently associated with increased risk of bleeding for both treatment groups: advanced age, lower body weight, female gender, decreased creatinine clearance (<30 ml/min). Females, patients with impaired renal function, patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), especially prolonged PCI (>100 min duration) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were at risk for increased major bleeding complications. Increased blood loss was also found in females, patients with elevated diastolic blood pressure, PCI, duration of PCI>100 min or CABG. No incremental risk was detected with the addition of tirofiban to heparin in patients at risk for major bleeding or increased blood loss. We concluded that identification of patients with high-risk ACS, at risk for bleeding complications and blood loss can be done with specific clinical variables. Tirofiban added to heparin increased minor hemorrhagic complications. Although there was no significant increase in major bleeding, thrombocytopenia and blood transfusions with the combination of tirofiban plus heparin, the power to detect a statistically significant difference in these endpoints was limited by the small number of events.

Aged↗

Perirectal seeds as a risk factor for prostate brachytherapy-related rectal bleeding.

PURPOSE: To correlate rectal wall doses and perirectal seed numbers with late rectal bleeding after prostate brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We studied 148 patients randomized to implantation with I-125 vs. Pd-103 at the VA Puget Sound HCS from 1998 through 2001 and for whom postimplant dosimetry was available. Implants were performed by standard techniques, using a modified peripheral loading pattern. A postimplant computed tomography (CT) scan (3 mm slice thickness) was obtained 1-4 h after implantation. Rectal doses were expressed as the R100, R200, and R300, defined as the rectal volume (cc) that received more than 100%, 200%, or 300% of the prescription dose, respectively. The rectum was considered to be a solid structure defined by the outer wall, without attempting to differentiate the inner wall or contents. In addition to conventional dose parameters, each patient's postimplant CT scan was reviewed for the number of seeds within 0, 0.1-2, and 2.1-4 mm of the outer rectal wall. The proximal edge of the seed was used for distance determinations from the outer rectal wall. Patients who reported Grade 1 or higher Radiation Therapy Oncology Group morbidity were contacted by telephone to obtain more details regarding their rectal bleeding. Those who reported persistent bleeding lasting for more than 1 month were categorized as Grade 2. RESULTS: Patients had a wide range of rectal wall doses, with R100 values ranging from 0.0 to 10.4 cc (median, 0.95 cc). Similarly, the number of perirectal seeds within 0.0 to 2.0 mm of the rectum varied widely, ranging from 0 to 12 seeds (median: 1 seed). Seven patients (7 of 144 = 5%) developed persistent rectal bleeding, one of whom required a colostomy. Both rectal radiation doses and the number of perirectal seeds were higher in patients with persistent rectal bleeding. The number of perirectal seeds < or =2.0 mm of the rectal wall was higher in patients with rectal bleeding (p = 0.037), but the number of seeds 2-4 mm from the wall were not related (p = 0.72). In multivariate regression analysis including prostatic D90 (the dose that covers 90% of the postimplant prostate), preimplant transrectal ultrasound volume, R300, and the number of seeds < or =2 mm from the rectal wall as independent variables, only the R300 was statistically significantly associated with the likelihood of persistent rectal bleeding (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: A limited number of errant perirectal sources in itself does not appear to place patients at increased risk of rectal bleeding, providing that the overall rectal wall doses are within acceptable values.

Brachytherapy↗

Incidence of cyclical bleeding after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of cyclical bleeding after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) when the uterus is amputated at or below the level of internal cervical os. DESIGN: Prospective series of consecutive patients (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Single surgery team, independent surgery center. PATIENTS: Women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, or chronic pelvic pain. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (with concurrent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy if required), along with laparoscopic biopsy sampling of the cervical stump. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From October 2002 through February 2004, we performed 67 consecutive LSH procedures. At the completion of uterine amputation, two biopsies were obtained from the cervix at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and submitted for histologic evaluation to identify the tissue type. We assumed the presence of endocervical tissue on cervical biopsy would indicate the uterine amputation took place at or below the level of internal os. All 67 patients were contacted 3- to 15-months postoperatively to inquire about bleeding status, and 64 (96%) responded. The overall bleeding incidence was 12/64 (19%). Among the subgroup with endocervical tissue on biopsy, 7/41 (17%) experienced cyclical bleeding. The continuous variables (i.e., age, body mass index [BMI], parity, uterine weight) and categorical variables (i.e., indications for surgery, status of endometriosis, adenomyosis, endocervical fulguration, cervical biopsy, history of cesarean section) were not statistically significant in association with the bleeding time. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the overall incidence of post-LSH cyclical bleeding is 19%. When the uterus is amputated at or below the level of internal os, the incidence is 17%. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the medical literature to report on cyclical bleeding after LSH when the uterine amputation is demonstrated to have occurred at or below the level of internal cervical os.

Adult↗

Prediction of the excessive perioperative bleeding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: role of aspirin and platelet glycoprotein IIIa polymorphism.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of the glycoprotein IIIa allele PlA2 is associated with enhanced thrombin formation and an impaired antithrombotic action of aspirin, which could favor coronary thrombosis. We wondered whether PlA1/A2 genetic polymorphism could affect the postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We also aimed to assess the effects of aspirin pretreatment and to ascertain the value of platelet function studies as predictors of postoperative bleeding. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind study, patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were pretreated with a 150-mg dose of aspirin orally 12 and 3 hours before surgery (n = 51, 41 elective) or with placebo (n = 51, 43 elective). The hemostasis was monitored by Simplate (bioMérieux, Inc, Durham, NC) bleeding time and capillary closure time (platelet function analyzer PFA 100; Sysmex UK Ltd, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom). Postoperative bleeding and blood products transfusions were recorded. The glycoprotein IIIa polymorphism was analyzed. RESULTS: Bleeding was significantly greater in PlA1 homozygotes from control group. Blood loss was significantly greater (by 25%) in aspirin group. The volume of blood products transfusions in aspirin patients was significantly larger (by 137%). When subjects were stratified accordingly to blood platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa genotype, in the aspirin group PlA2 carriers had greater blood loss than PlA1 homozygotes (1858 +/- 932 mL vs 1216 +/- 525 mL, P < .05). CONCLUSION: PlA1 homozygotes normally had a greater risk of perioperative bleeding. Capillary closure time had no advantage relative to Simplate bleeding time in predicting postoperative blood loss. Aspirin pretreatment revealed no beneficial effects and resulted in increased postoperative bleeding and requirement for blood product transfusions after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with stable angina. It was most unfavorable for PlA2 carriers.

Alleles↗

Correlation of perioperative platelet function and coagulation tests with bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

The authors evaluated the correlation of post-cardiopulmonary bypass surgery bleeding, measured as 24-hour chest tube output/kilogram body weight, with platelet function tests using glass bead adhesion and Thrombelastograph Platelet Mapping (Haemoscope Corporation, Niles, Ill); coagulation tests; patient characteristics; surgery parameters; and visual assessment of surgical field bleeding before closure as not bleeding (code 1), oozing (code 2), and excessive bleeding (code 3). All platelet function and coagulation tests indicated significant dysfunction 15 minutes after protamine neutralization of heparin. With the exception of glass bead adherence, these assays indicated poor recovery of function 1 hour postoperatively. By multiple regression, the most significant predictors of postoperative bleeding were a low body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), lowest core body temperature (P = 0.0006), and cross clamp time (P < 0.0001). Low core temperature was significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated with cross clamp time, which the authors believe is the most likely cause of coagulation and platelet dysfunction. None of the platelet function tests significantly correlated with bleeding. Looking at the highest quartile of chest tube output patients (n = 19) versus the upper and lower 50th percentile of coagulation and platelet function, bleeding could be explained for 11 patients by BMI plus surgery parameters along with coagulation and/or platelet dysfunction. In three cases without negative surgery parameters, coagulation dysfunction was observed. The remaining five cases did not give a clear indication of which parameters were primarily responsible for the bleeding.

Adult↗

Radiolabeled and near-infrared fluorescent fibrinogen derivatives create a system for the identification and repair of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointesintal hemorrhage is often difficult to localize. A test that does not depend on active bleeding might prove clinically useful. We tested 2 novel fibrinogen (FBG)-based contrast agents for their ability to localize gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage after bleeding stopped. 125I-FBG permits gamma ray-based preoperative or intraoperative scanning, and near-infrared (NIR) flourescent FBG (FBG800) permits real-time intraoperative visualization of active clot. METHODS: Bovine FBG was radiolabeled with 125I or conjugated to the NIR fluorophore CW800. Sites of bleeding were created by gastrotomy, mucosal resection of the stomach, or laceration of a mesenteric vessel; then 1.7 mg/kg FBG800 or 15 microCi/kg 125I-FBG was injected intravenously into mice, rabbits, or pigs 30 minutes before or after injury. Sites of active clot were quantified by using gamma counting and were also imaged by using invisible NIR light intraoperatively, for up to 3 hours postinjection. RESULTS: After an injection of either 125I-FBG or FBG800, sites of prior bleeding could be identified in the absence of active bleeding. Blood clearance was such that a signal-to-background ratio of 2.0 or greater could be achieved within 20 minutes after injection. A similarly labeled human serum albumin did not accumulate at any site, with an SBR of 1.0 or less. CONCLUSIONS: Both radiolabeled (preoperative gamma scanning) and NIR fluorescent (intraoperative real-time imaging) FBG can be used in experimental situations to identify the location of prior bleeding in the absence of active bleeding. Taken together, these contrast agents create a system for the identification and control of obscure GI bleeding.

Animals↗

Pathophysiology of bleeding in surgery.

Bleeding is a major surgical complication. Although mortality rates of 0.1% are observed for surgical procedures, it may be 5% to 8% for elective vascular surgery, and increase to 20% in the presence of severe bleeding. In major surgery for liver diseases, as well as in cardiac surgery, excessive blood loss is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and intensive care stay. Approximately 75% to 90% of intraoperative and early postoperative bleeding is due to technical factors. However, in some cases either acquired or congenital coagulopathies may favor, if not directly cause, surgical hemorrhage. Uncontrolled bleeding leads to a combination of hemodilution, hypothermia, consumption of clotting factors, and acidosis, which in turn worsen the clotting process, further exacerbating the problem in a vicious bloody circle. At present, the standard treatment for surgical bleeding is the rapid control of the source of bleeding by either surgical or radiological techniques. Blood-derived products as well as hemostatic agents, such as aprotinin, tranexamic acid, and DDAVP, are widely used to improve hemostatic balance in bleeding patients. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has been reported to be effective for the treatment of surgical or traumatic massive bleeding unresponsive to conventional therapy. Although most reports are anecdotal, and therefore exposed to a "positive" selection bias, the number of cases is impressive, strongly suggesting that in such patients rFVIIa may afford a hemostatic advantage beyond that of conventional replacement therapy.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗

Arterial bleeding in patients with intractable hematospermia and concomitant hematuria: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the presence of arterial bleeding and its outcome after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with intractable hematospermia and concomitant hematuria. METHODS: In a 32-month period, 5 patients with hematospermia and concomitant hematuria who were unresponsive to medical treatment were enrolled in this study to undergo pelvic angiography. When angiography revealed arterial bleeding, TAE was done whenever possible to stop the bleeding. All patients were then followed up at the outpatient clinics by the referring urologists for the result of TAE on hematospermia and the presence of impotence. RESULTS: Arterial bleeding mainly from the internal pudendal artery was revealed by angiography in all 5 patients. The cessation of bleeding by TAE was successfully achieved in all patients. Hematospermia was improved in 3 patients. In the other 2 patients, hematospermia subsided after TAE but recurred at 12 and 23 months. Subsequent angiography of the 2 patients showed recurrent arterial bleeding, fed by blood flow from the opposite side. One of the 2 patients agreed to undergo a second TAE, after which the hematospermia disappeared. None of the 5 patients had impotence at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intractable hematospermia and concomitant hematuria may have arterial bleeding that can be detected by angiography. The cessation of the bleeding could be achieved by TAE without complication of impotence. However, long-term follow-up is necessary for possible reconstitution of blood flow from the opposite side.

Angiography↗

Bleeding complications in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioversion randomized to transesophageal echocardiographically guided and conventional anticoagulation therapies.

In a multicenter randomized trial, we studied a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guided strategy with short-term anticoagulation compared with a conventional strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation >2 days' duration and undergoing cardioversion. Composite major and minor bleeding was a predetermined secondary end point of the study. The objective of the study was to assess the incidence, location, and predictors of bleeding in the 2 treatment groups. A total of 1,222 patients were assigned to a TEE guided or conventional strategy and followed over 8 weeks. We present data on major and minor adjudicated bleeding complications for the 2 study groups during the 8-week study period. Composite major and minor bleeding complications occurred in 51 of 1,222 patients (4.2%) and were significantly lower in the TEE guided group compared with the conventional group (2.9 vs 5.5%, p = 0.025). The TEE group had fewer cancellations of cardioversion as a result of bleeding (0% vs 0.7%, p = 0.003). Major (n = 14) and minor (n = 38) bleeding complications were predominantly gastrointestinal (71.4% and 31.6%, respectively) and were associated with warfarin use. Predictors of bleeding included patient age, conventional group assignment, inpatient status, and functional status. Thus, composite major and minor bleeding complications occurred in 4.2% of the 1,222 patients and were significantly lower in the TEE guided group compared with the conventional group. Treatment variables affecting length of anticoagulant therapy in the conventional arm combined with advancing age and functional status are important concerns in patients who undergo cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

Aged↗

Continuous combined conjugated equine estrogen-progestogen therapy: effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethindrone acetate on bleeding patterns and endometrial histologic diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the incidence of amenorrhea with continuous combined therapy by using two different progestogens and to determine whether early bleeding predicts subsequent bleeding and endometrial response. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-nine postmenopausal women on sequential estrogen-progestogen treatment were switched to continuous combined estrogen-progestogen therapy comprising conjugated equine estrogens 0.625 mg daily with either norethindrone acetate 0.35 mg twice daily or medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg twice daily added continuously for 78 weeks. All bleeding was recorded, and endometrial biopsies were performed at 26 and 78 weeks. RESULTS: Only one third of the women who starting the study had amenorrhea by week 78, but 46 (62%) of these women had withdrawn, mainly because of chronic irregular bleeding. Endometrial atrophy was observed in the majority of biopsy specimens. The two progestogens had similar effects. Bleeding patterns were useful predictors of subsequent bleeding, but not of endometrial response. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent irregular bleeding is common with continuous combined estrogen-progestogen therapy. Women with persistent early bleeding should probably revert to sequential treatment. Regular endometrial sampling is advised.

Amenorrhea↗

Acute vaginal bleeding in women undergoing liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to define the nature of acute vaginal bleeding problems in women undergoing liver transplantation and to determine the efficacy of treatments given. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart review of 24 patients undergoing liver transplantation in whom consultation was requested for vaginal bleeding. RESULTS: Twenty-four liver transplant patients were seen for evaluation of acute vaginal bleeding. Two patients were seen before transplantation, and 16 women were evaluated for bleeding after transplantation (8 within the first 15 postoperative days). In the other eight women abnormal uterine bleeding developed between 2 months and 5 years after transplantation. Five of these women had compromised liver function. In six other women vaginal bleeding originated from extrauterine sources. Six of seven endometrial biopsy specimens revealed proliferative endometrium, and the other showed adenomatous hyperplasia. Three of four patients had a response to progestational agents, bleeding stopped spontaneously in three patients, two required hysterectomy, and three died of other causes. The other five patients were not seen again by us before or after discharge from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Medical or surgical therapy can effectively control acute vaginal bleeding in liver transplant patients.

Acute Disease↗

Ultrasonography-based triage for perimenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal perimenopausal bleeding is common and accounts for much medical and surgical intervention. This study was undertaken to evaluate an ultrasonography-based triage paradigm for perimenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. STUDY DESIGN: Four hundred thirty-three perimenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (either metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, or both) were evaluated. In lieu of undergoing a sampling procedure they were brought back on days 4 to 6 of the subsequent bleeding cycle, when the endometrium was expected to be its thinnest. If a distinct endometrial echo < or = 5 mm (double layer) was imaged by endovaginal ultrasonography, dysfunctional uterine bleeding was diagnosed. If a thickened endometrial echo > 5 mm or no endometrial echo was reliably visualized, a saline infusion sonohysterography was performed. If saline infusion sonohysterography revealed a symmetric single-layer endometrial thickness < 3 mm, dysfunctional uterine bleeding was diagnosed. If focal lesions were noted (polyps, submucous myomas, focal thickening), the patient was scheduled for curettage with hysteroscopy. If the endometrium was globally thickened, nondirected office biopsy was performed. RESULTS: A total of 341 patients (79%) had ultrasonographic evidence of no anatomic abnormality, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding requiring no further studies was diagnosed. Fifty-eight patients (13%) had focal polypold masses, all of which were removed hysteroscopically and confirmed pathologically. Twenty-two patients (5%) had submucous myomas; 10 patients (23%) had globally thickened endometrium on saline infusion sonohysterography, and then nondirected office sampling revealed hyperplasia in 5 and proliferation in 5. Two patients had technically inadequate saline infusion sonohysterography, and thus we proceeded to hysteroscopy with curettage. CONCLUSION: Nondirected office biopsy alone without imaging would have potentially missed the diagnosis of focal lesions such as polyps, submucous myomas, and focal hyperplasia in up to 80 patients (18%). Our clinical algorithm for perimenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding used unenhanced endovaginal ultrasonography followed by saline infusion sonohysterography for selected patients. This approach allowed for no endometrial sampling, nondirected sampling, or directed sampling depending on whether the ultrasonography-based triage revealed no anatomic abnormalities, globally thickened endometrial tissue, or focal abnormalities, respectively.

Adolescent↗

Preventing, minimizing, and managing postoperative bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Most bleeding in cardiovascular surgery is biological, not surgical, the result of disseminated intravascular coagulation in its latter phases. Disseminated intravascular coagulation bleeding affects all levels of the coagulation systems, requiring stabilization of the platelet system, balancing the procoagulant system and its regulation, and stopping the fibrinolytic system's activation. METHODS: The article discusses the multisystem protocol put into place at the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of La Pitié Hospital in Paris to diagnose and treat DIC bleeding so as to slow down causes of its occurrence and prevent further deterioration of the hemostatic systems. RESULTS: All biological bleeding was controlled, permitting detection of other causes of bleeding and allowing rational use of blood products. No thromboembolic accident occurred. There was an absence of iatrogenic bleeding. The protocol also detects disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients who did not bleed to take early and frequently lifesaving measures. CONCLUSIONS: This demonstrates the need to treat bleeding through a multisystem approach, monitoring its evolution by means of biological tests to be able to provide appropriate treatment.

Blood Coagulation Tests↗

Vaginal bleeding disturbances and implantable contraceptives.

Implantable contraceptives allow safe and effective fertility regulation for up to 5 years. Currently available devices release low doses of progestogens. Disruption of vaginal bleeding patterns is almost inevitable, particularly during the initial months of use. Irregular and prolonged bleeding as well as amenorrhea are common. Irregular bleeding is unpopular with most women and unacceptable to some. This review describes the vaginal bleeding disturbances induced by modern implantable contraceptives and discusses the implications of these in terms of method use and discontinuations. The cause of the irregular bleeding is not fully understood, but recent evidence suggests that an increase in endometrial vascular fragility might precipitate vessel breakdown and, hence, breakthrough bleeding. This review discusses this evidence and outline the possible mechanisms underlying breakthrough bleeding associated with implantable contraceptives. In addition, therapies for bleeding disturbances are described and their efficacy reviewed.

Contraceptive Agents, Female↗