A combination of clot formation abnormalities in thromboelastometry has a high prognostic value in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

Abstract

Background Global coagulation tests offer a better tool to assess procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways, fibrinolysis and clot firmness and evaluate more accurately coagulation defects compared to conventional coagulation tests. Their prognostic role in acute-on-chronic liver disease (ACLF) or acute decompensation (AD) has not been well established. Aims To assess the properties and prognostic value of the coagulation profile measured by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in ACLF and AD. Methods 84 consecutive patients (35 ACLF and 49 AD) were prospectively studied. Twenty healthy persons matched for age and gender were used as controls. ‘Hypocoagulable’ or ‘hypercoagulable’ profiles on admission were assessed based on nine ROTEM parameters and mortality was recorded at 30 and 90 days. Results Individual ROTEM parameters denoted significantly more hypocoagulability in patients compared to controls. ‘Hypocoagulable’ profile (defined as a composite of 4 or more ROTEM parameters outside the range) was associated with more severe liver disease assessed either as MELD or Child-Pugh scores (P < 0.001 for both) and higher 30-day mortality (Log-rank P = 0.012). ‘Hypocoagulable’ profile (HR 3.160, 95% CI 1.003–9.957, P = 0.049) and ACLF status (HR 23.786, 95% CI 3.115–181.614, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality, in multivariate model. A higher early mortality rate was shown in ACLF patients with ‘hypocoagulable’ phenotype compared to those without (Log-rank P = 0.017). ‘Hypocoagulable’ profile was not associated with mortality in AD. Conclusion ‘Hypocoagulable’ profile was associated with more advanced liver disease and higher short-term mortality in patients with ACLF.