Protocol based on thromboelastograph (TEG) out-performs physician preference using laboratory coagulation tests to guide blood replacement during and after cardiac surgery: a pilot study.

The authors investigated the impact of a TEG-based algorithm for the management of bleeding in cardiac patients. Although the methodology and the decision tree employed in this trial were not able to differentiate between specific pathophysiological mechanisms of bleeding (compared to published ROTEM-based algorithms), dramatic reductions in allogeneic blood product and health care requirements could be demonstrated. Thus, this pilot study confirms that a point-of-care based strategy improves clinical outcome.

– Sybille Kozek-Langenecker