Der Einfluss der moderaten Hypothermie bei 28 °C auf die Gerinnungs- und Thrombozytenfunktion – Untersuchung in einem In-vitro-Chandler-Loop-Modell

In the use of hypothermia in cardiac surgery an increased risk of bleeding is noticeable intra- and postoperatively. So far, the effects on coagulation and platelets caused by complex interactions between the extracorporeal circulation (ECC), surgical trauma and the effects of hypothermia prevent a clinical investigation of the cause of hypothermia associated bleeding in cardiac surgery. Methods: Using a Chandler-Loop blood flow model the effects of hypothermia could be studied under in-vitro conditions isolated from other competing factors. In the experimental group blood samples of three adult probands were cooled down from 37 °C to 28 °C and reheated at standardized temperature and flow conditions. During the measurements blood samples were taken at four checkpoints from the Chandler-Loops. A normothermic series of measurements served as a control group. Coagulation was examined using thrombelastometry and platelet function using impedance aggregometry. Results: Hypothermia irregularly caused a reduced coagulation; however, the platelet function seemed to be unaffected or only reversibly affected. Therefore, a decreased platelet function associated to hypothermia could not be detected via impedance aggregometry. In both groups the effects caused by the circulation in the Chandler-Loops on coagulation and platelet function were more pronounced than the effects caused by hypothermia. Discussion: The effects of hypothermia on coagulation seem to be not as pronounced and uniform as in other studies described. It is instead to assume that only specific components are impaired by cooling whereas the rotation in the Chandler-Loops always leads to measurable contact reactions. The results of the thrombelastomtry indicate that the cause for an impaired coagulation under hypothermia are reduced protein kinetics and a decreased platelet function. The reversible effects of hypothermia on platelets may account for the lack of measurable alterations in platelet function when using the Multiplate method. This being the case hypothermia caused impairment of platelet function could not be detected using the Multiplate method under clinical conditions.