Clinical utility of viscoelastic testing in chronic liver disease: A systematic review

Henry Wei, Lauren Jane Child

Henry Wei, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Lauren Jane Child, Department of Haematology, New Zealand Blood Services Epsom, Auckland 1051, New Zealand

Abstract

Key Words: Viscoelastic testing; Thromboelastography; Rotational thrombelastometry; Coagulation; Chronic liver disease; End stage liver disease; Cirrhosis; Haemostasis

INTRODUCTION

The liver plays a fundamental role in maintaining normal haemostasis.It synthesises the majority of clotting factors and anticoagulants and is involved in the regulation of platelet production through the synthesis of thrombopoietin (TPO).Chronic liver disease is associated with complex changes that result in a state of rebalanced homeostasis, where abnormalities in procoagulant factors are balanced by changes to anticoagulant factors[1,2].The most significant changes to coagulation are summarised in Table 1[2-5].

Conventional coagulation tests such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalised ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) are commonly used to assess haemostasis in patients with chronic liver disease.This is despite the fact these tests were never developed to provide information on complexhaemostatic abnormalities and are not validated for predicting bleeding or thrombosis risk in cirrhosis[5].Conventional coagulation tests only measure the first 5%-10% of fibrin formation and provide no information on clot strength and stability, in vivo activity of natural anticoagulants or the complex interaction between clotting factors, platelets and the endothelium[1].While increases in PT and INR are associated with mortality in liver disease, there is no correlation between a raised PT, INR or APTT and risk of bleeding[3].A systematic review published in 2005 found no correlation between a prolonged PT and bleeding risk in patients undergoing liver biopsy[6].Preoperative PT/INR is also not predictive of bleeding risk in those undergoing liver transplantation[5,7].

Table 1 Rebalanced haemostasis in chronic liver disease

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is often transfused in an attempt to normalise PT/INR in patients with liver disease[3,5].Major societal guidelines differ in their recommendations on the management of cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and abnormal coagulation profiles.The American Association for the Study of Liver Disease does not recommend correcting an abnormal INR in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertensive bleeding[8].In contrast, the British Society of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommended correction of an abnormal INR in patients with acute variceal bleeding[9,10].Despite these recommendations, there is a lack of data to support the use of FFP in this setting.Multiple studies have demonstrated that transfusion of FFP has minimal in vivo effect on a mildly prolonged PT/INR in patients with liver disease[3,5].Other studies have demonstrated that thrombin generation, a dynamic and global measure of clot formation, remains normal in patients with cirrhosis despite a prolonged PT/INR and APTT[11-13].The use of FFP in patients with cirrhosis is not without harm and epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of transfusion associated acute lung injury (TRALI)[14].FFP administration also results in volume expansion which can exacerbate portal hypertension, paradoxically increasing the risk of variceal bleeding[15].

The concept of rebalanced haemostasis in liver disease and limitations of the conventional tests of coagulation has led to renewed interest in the use of global haemostatic assays including viscoelastic tests of coagulation (VETs) in patients with liver disease[2].Compared to conventional tests, VETs such as thrombelastography (TEG) or rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) provide real time global assessment of clot formation in whole blood and information on the interaction between platelets and coagulation factors[3].The general concept of TEG and an example of a normal trace are provided in Figures 1 and 2.Table 2 provides a comparison of TEG and ROTEM parameters.

Relevance of this review

The use of VETs to guide perioperative transfusion is well established and widely used in liver transplantation[2].Despite this, VETs are not commonly used in patients with chronic liver disease outside the transplant setting.Observational and cohort studies in patients with liver disease have shown that alterations in TEG parameters correlate with bleeding risk.Pre-operative TEG MA is highly predictive of massive transfusion during liver transplantation[16].Unlike conventional tests of coagulation,TEG has also been shown to predict re-bleeding in acute variceal haemorrhage[17].In cirrhotic patients with an acute infection, TEG parameters become hypocoagulable suggesting that cirrhotic patients have little haemostatic reserve.These observations explain the established link between infection and variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease[17,18].

Table 2 Comparison of thromboelastography and rotational thrombelastometry parameters

Figure 1 Technique of thromboelastography.

As abnormalities on conventional tests of coagulation do not correlate with bleeding risk they cannot be used to distinguish between surgical or anatomic causes of bleeding such as portal hypertension and bleeding due to an underlying coagulopathy.Recent randomised control trials suggest that VETs have the potential to more accurately identify those who will benefit from blood product transfusion thereby avoiding unnecessary transfusions which has financial, resource and safety implications[19-23].VETs may enable consistent and evidence-based guidelines to be developed to ensure that patients with liver disease, are optimally managed.

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the benefits and harms of using viscoelastic tests to guide blood product transfusion in patients with chronic liver disease who present with bleeding or require invasive procedures.To ensure that implementation of TEG and ROTEM is both safe and efficacious, this review will compare VETs with the conventional tests of coagulation and evaluate the implications of using TEG and ROTEM in patients with chronic liver disease.

Figure 2 Example of a thromboelastography tracing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline[24].

Criteria for considering studies for this review

Types of studies:We included original, randomised control trials that have been published in a medical journal in the English language irrespective of the blinding status.We excluded unpublished or observational trials from the analysis.Studies published in a language other than English were also excluded.

Types of participants:We included trials that examined the use of VETs in adult patients with chronic liver disease who presented with bleeding or required an invasive procedure.Trials involving children were excluded.There were no other subgroups of patient population that were excluded.

Types of interventions:We included trials comparing VET guided transfusion strategy with conventional tests of coagulation.Given the lack of consensus regarding transfusion strategies with conventional tests of coagulation, transfusion in the conventional care arm could be defined by the standard of care or guidelines that were in place at the centre performing the randomised control trial.

Types of outcome measures

Primary outcome:Amount of blood products transfused.The amount of fresh frozen plasma, platelets and fibrinogen transfused were assessed.This includes the proportion of patients requiring transfusion of each blood product and the average amount of blood products transfused per patient.

Secondary outcomes:(1) Rates of bleeding in those undergoing an invasive procedure; (2) Rates of rebleeding in those presenting with bleeding; (3) Rates of adverse events related to blood transfusion; (4) Overall mortality using the longest follow-up data from each trial; (5) Length of stay in the intensive care unit; and (6) Number of days in hospital.

Search methods for identification of studies

Electronic searches:A literature search was performed on MEDLINE (PubMed) and Google Scholar to identify original, English language articles assessing the use of VETs in patients with chronic liver disease.MEDLINE and Google Scholar were chosen primarily because of the large number of individual articles and range of journals that are included on these databases.In addition, MEDLINE targets healthcare professionals and researchers ensuring that the articles are relevant.It is authoritative and peer-reviewed so that the research included is well-designed and statistics are accurately represented.The search included articles published up until the 17thof November 2019.

Selection of studies and data extraction:The following search string was used on PubMed: [(thromboelastography OR TEG OR viscoelastic) AND (“liver transplantation” OR cirrhosis OR liver disease) AND (transfusion OR haemostasis OR “blood management” OR haemorrhage)].

The following search string was used on Google Scholar: All of the words (thromboelastography, TEG, viscoelastic, liver transplantation, cirrhosis, liver disease, transfusion, haemostasis, blood management, haemorrhage).

The titles and abstracts of the articles were screened using the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria detailed above.A full text review was then undertaken on the articles that met the inclusion criteria.Data was extracted from randomised control trials that evaluated the outcomes of VET guided transfusion in those with liver disease.The study subjects, inclusion and exclusion criteria, methods, outcomes and length of follow up were examined.

Data was extracted by two independent individuals using a data extraction form developed for this purpose.The risk of bias was assessed in the included studies by use of the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessment of risk of bias[25].

RESULTS

Results of the search

The MEDLINE search generated 348 results and the Google scholar search generated 483 results.There were 71 duplicates across the two databases which left a total of 760 results.Five articles met the eligibility criteria based on title and abstract review and were included in the analysis following full text review (Figure 3)[19-23].

Analysis of the randomised control trials

Included studies:The five randomised control trials included in the analysis examined the use of TEG in guiding blood product transfusion[19-23].None of the studies utilised ROTEM.A range of different TEG methods were used.One trial used the TEG5000 analyser with native blood[21]whereas another two trials used the TEG5000 analyser with a kaolin activator[20,23].Two trials used the MonoTEM-A analyser on native whole blood[19,22].As a consequence of the differing TEG analysers and methodology used, the thresholds for TEG guided transfusion differed significantly between the clinical trials (Table 3).The thresholds for transfusion were consistent across the studies utilising the same TEG analyser and method.

All clinical trials utilised conventional coagulation tests as the control.The thresholds for transfusion were based on major societal guidelines and the thresholds for transfusion of FFP and platelets were consistent across all five studies.FFP was administered when the INR was ≥ 1.8 (PT used in one study[20]) and platelets transfusion when the platelet count was < 50 × 109[19-23].

The included trials examined the utility of TEG in guiding blood product transfusion in a variety of settings.One randomised control trial examined the use of TEG in orthotopic liver transplantation[20].Two trials examined the use of TEG prior to invasive procedures[19,21].One trial examined the use of TEG in patients presenting with a variceal bleeding[22]and the final study examined the use of TEG in cirrhotic patients with non-variceal bleeding[23].

The study by Wanget al[20]in the setting of orthotopic liver transplantation was relevant to investigate the consistency of TEG to safely guide transfusion therapies in the setting of major surgery.This study included advanced liver disease patients with an overall model for end-stage liver disease score of 11.3 and deranged coagulation parameters considered to be at high risk of bleeding.These were patients who had similar baseline factors and definitions of coagulopathy compared to the two randomized trials examining the use of TEG prior to invasive procedures outside of the transplant setting[19,21].

Risk of bias in the included studies:The overall methodologic quality of the studies was moderate to high (Figure 4) with an overall low risk of bias seen in 2 of the 5 studies (40%)[22,23]and no studies demonstrating an overall high risk of bias.The randomisation process was satisfactorily performed in 40% of the studies[22,23]and data regarding deviations from the pre-set protocol was satisfactorily reported in60%[19,22,23].None of the studies included had missing outcome data or selective outcome reporting.

Table 3 Randomised control trials assessing the use of thromboelastography in liver disease

*In the above clinical trials, 1 SDAP unit corresponds to 6-8 pooled platelet units from whole blood donation.**When whole blood is used as the source for cryoprecipitate, 5 pooled units of is equivalent to 700 mg of fibrinogen.***Ideal body weight used.1Natural whole blood used without added activators.Normal R time using this TEG method is 12-26 min.2Higher than expected adverse reaction rate, including TRALI rates, not discussed in the paper.No information given about type of blood components used i.e., leucodepleted vs non-leucodepleted.APTT: Activated partial thromboplastin time; FFP: Fresh frozen plasma; INR: International normalised ratio; MA: Maximum amplitude; PT: Prothrombin time; R: Reaction time; RBC: Red blood cells; SDAP: Single donor apheresis platelets; SOC: Standard of care; TEG: Thromboelastography.

Effects of Interventions on the primary outcomes

All five studies reported a statistically significant reduction in overall blood product use with TEG guided transfusion[19-23].The trials reported different outcomes with regards to the transfusion of specific blood products such as FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate and red blood cells.

Four of the five studies reported a statistically significant reduction in FFP use[20-23].In those presenting with variceal bleeding, 13.3% required FFP in the TEG arm compared to 46.7% in the conventional arm (P= 0.010)[22].The absolute volume of FFP transfused was also markedly reduced in the TEG arm where 1345 mL of FFP was transfused compared with 4605 mL in the control arm[22].The two studies examining the use of TEG prior to invasive procedures yielded different results with one trial showing a significant reduction in FFP use and the other showing no difference[19,21].The two trials used different TEG analysers and methodology.As such, the transfusion thresholds in the TEG arm cannot be compared although the transfusion thresholds in the control group were identical.While not statistically significant, the trial which did not show a difference in FFP use had a higher number of patients with Childs Pugh B and C in the TEG arm than in the control arm (55.2%vs31%)[19].As the haemostatic rebalance is often lost in those with very advanced liver failure, this may have impacted on the results[26].

Figure 3 PRISMA flow diagram.

Figure 4 Author-judged risk of bias for each included study.

A statistically significant reduction in platelet transfusion was also reported in four of the five clinical trials[19,21-23]with no difference seen in the liver transplant trial[20].Both trials that examined the use of TEG in cirrhotic patients requiring invasive procedures showed significantly lower rates of platelet use[19,21].In one study, 13.3% required platelet transfusion in the TEG group versus 46.7% in the control group (P< 0.001)[22].Again, the total volume transfused was markedly lower with 450mL transfused in the TEG groupvs3405 mL in the standard of care arm[22].

The amount of cryoprecipitate transfused was only measured in two trials[20,23].In the liver transplant trial, there was no statistically significant difference in cryoprecipitate transfusion between the two groups[20].In the study examining the use of TEG in those with non-variceal bleeding a statistically significant reduction was seen where 4 units of cryoprecipitate were used in the TEG group compared with 16 in the standard of care group (where each unit consisted of 5 pooled units of cryoprecipitate)[23].

Effects of intervention on the secondary outcome

Rates of bleeding in those undergoing an invasive procedure:There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss and/or bleeding events in the three trials which examined the use of TEG perioperatively or prior to an invasive procedure[19-21].One trial measured the haemoglobin levels prior to and following each invasive procedure and found no significant difference in the levels between the TEG group and control group[19].In all three studies, periprocedural bleeding rates were low in both[19-21].Despite several patients having Childs-Pugh B and C disease, one study reported no bleeding complications in either arm following high-risk procedures including percutaneous liver biopsies[19].

Rates of rebleeding in those presenting with bleeding:Two trials examined the use of TEG in cirrhotic patients presenting with bleeding complications[22,23].There was no difference in the ability to control initial bleeding between the TEG and conventional care groups.In those presenting with variceal bleeding, there was a statistically and clinically significant difference in the rate of re-bleeding at 42 d.10% of those in the TEG group re-bled compared to 26.7% in the standard of care arm (P= 0.012)[22].In the study of patients with non-variceal bleeding, no significant difference in rebleeding was seen at up to 42 d follow up[23].

Rates of adverse events related to blood transfusion:The rates of transfusion reactions and/or adverse events were reported in four out of the five studies[19,21-23]with no data available from the liver transplantation study[20].Only one trial demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in adverse events related to transfusion where 30.6% had an adverse event in the TEG group versus 74.5% in the control arm[23].These reaction rates are much higher than expected even in this highrisk population.The authors report a TRALI rate of 12.2% in the TEG arm versus 48.9% in the conventional arm[23].The transfusion reactions were independently assessed by a panel of 3 experts to ensure appropriate classification.There is no mention of whether non-leucodepleted products were used in this trial which could potentially explain these unexpected results.In all other trials, transfusion reactions occurred infrequently with only two patients in all of the control groups and zero patients in the TEG groups experiencing an adverse transfusion event[19-22].

Overall mortality using the longest follow-up data from each trial:Mortality data was reported at various time points for all five trials with no statistically significant difference reported between the TEG group and control arm in any study[19-23].In the liver transplant trial, there was no difference in overall survival at 3 years[20].In the variceal bleeding trial, the mortality rate was high in both arms as one might expect in this high-risk population.The mortality rate was 13.3% at 6 wk in the TEG arm versus 26.7% in the control arm with aPvalue of 0.76[22].The small number of participants included in each individual trial means that not all trials were adequately powered to assess a statistically significant difference in mortality.

Length of stay in the intensive care unit:Only one trial reported on length of stay in the intensive care unit.Following a presentation with non-variceal bleeding, there was a statistically significant reduction in the length of ICU stay.This was reported to be an average of 2 d in the TEG group versus 3 days in the control arm (P= 0.012)[23].

Number of days in hospital:Length of hospital stay was only reported in the study examining the use of TEG in non-variceal bleeding[23].Length of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the two groups.

DISCUSSION

It is now widely accepted that chronic liver disease results in a state of rebalanced haemostasis where a reduction in procoagulant factors is balanced by a reduction in anticoagulant factors[3].While conventional tests of coagulation are commonly used in patients with chronic liver disease, there is no correlation between a prolonged PT or INR and risk of bleeding in this patient group.While a minority of patients with liver disease are at an increased risk of bleeding, the conventional tests of coagulation do not reliably separate those who have a clinically significant coagulopathy from those who do not[3].The haemostatic management of cirrhotic patients with a baseline coagulopathy on conventional testing remains difficult with a significant variation in clinical practice.The use of FFP to correct an abnormal PT or INR remains common practice despite a lack of evidence demonstrating clinical benefit[3,5].The potential harms of transfusion in this patient group are well documented[5].

VETs have significant potential to inform and improve the haemostatic management of patients with chronic liver disease.Alteration in TEG parameters have been shown to correlate with bleeding risk in this patient group.TEG guided transfusion has been shown to reduce allogeneic blood product use in cirrhotic patients who require invasive procedures, including liver transplantation and in those presenting with variceal and non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding[19-23].The reduction in blood product use in five randomised control trials was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding, difference in the ability to control bleeding, morbidity or mortality when compared to standard care.In acute variceal haemorrhage, the rate of re-bleeding at 42 d was significantly lower with TEG guided transfusion[22].Although the numbers included in each individual randomised control trial are small and there are differences in methodology and TEG cut-offs, the outcomes suggest a clinical benefit from TEG monitoring in chronic liver disease.The randomised control data available suggests that TEG provides a more accurate assessment of haemostasis, including bleeding risk and provides a more meaningful guide for blood product administration than conventional tests of coagulation in patients with chronic liver disease.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the poor predictive value of conventional coagulation tests in chronic liver disease has led to renewed interest in the use of global measures of haemostasis.Randomised control trials have confirmed earlier observations that VETs are more accurate in assessing bleeding risk and reduce blood product usage in chronic liver disease without compromising safety.While additional prospective randomised trials are needed to establish appropriate transfusion thresholds, VETs may enable consistent and evidence-based guidelines to be developed to ensure that patients with liver disease, are optimally managed.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Conventional coagulation tests do not predict bleeding or thrombosis risk in liver cirrhosis.Viscoelastic tests of coagulation (VETs) such as thrombelastography (TEG) is a point of care test that can predict clinically significant coagulopathy and the need for blood product transfusion.Despite this, VETs have not been widely used in patients with chronic liver disease outside the transplant setting.

Research motivation

The systematic review provides a summary and evaluation of existing clinical evidence for VET guided transfusion in chronic liver disease.This data will be important to improve the haemostatic management in these patients.

Research objectives

To verify the utility of VET guided transfusion in chronic liver disease patients presenting with bleeding or who require an invasive procedure.

Research methods

A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed according to the methodology of evidenced-based medicine.We included randomized controlled trials that compared the use of VET guided transfusion to conventional coagulation tests in the setting of chronic liver disease who presented with bleeding or required an invasive procedure.

Research results

Five studies were included in the analysis examining the use of TEG guided blood product transfusion in cirrhosis prior to invasive procedures, non-variceal haemorrhage, variceal haemorrhage and liver transplantation.TEG guided transfusion reduced overall blood product utilization compared to standard of care in all five studies.No increase in length of stay, mortality or risk of bleeding was observed.In those presenting with variceal bleeding, there was a statistically significant reduction in rate of re-bleeding at 42 d in the TEG arm versus standard of care.

Research conclusions

This systematic review highlights the role of VET in reducing blood product utilization in chronic liver disease without compromising safety and may enable guidelines to be developed to ensure patients with liver disease are optimally managed.

Research perspectives

There is an urgent need to develop protocols utilizing VET to guide transfusion in liver cirrhosis outside of the transplant setting in order to optimize haemostatic management of these patients.