Thromboelastometry identifies coagulopathy associated with liver failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by yellow fever, guiding specific hemostatic therapy: a case report

• Published in: Revista Brasileira de terapia intensiva Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 474 - 478
• Main Authors: Crochemore, Tomaz, Savioli, Felício Aragão, Guerra, João Carlos de Campos, Kalmar, Erika Maria do Nascimento
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira - AMIB 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 0103-507X; 1982-4335
• DOI: 10.5935/0103-507X.20200078

This case report a severe case of yellow fever complicated by liver failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromboelastometry was capable of identifying clotting disorders and guiding hemostatic therapy. We report the case of a 23-year-old male admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with sudden onset of fever, generalized muscle pain associated with liver failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The results of conventional laboratory tests showed thrombocytopenia, whereas thromboelastometry suggested coagulopathy with slight hypofibrinogenemia, clotting factor consumption, and, consequently, an increased risk of bleeding. Unlike conventional laboratory tests, thromboelastometry identified the specific coagulation disorder and thereby guided hemostatic therapy. Both fibrinogen concentrates and vitamin K were administered, and no blood component transfusion was required, even in the presence of thrombocytopenia. Administration of hemostatic drugs, including fibrinogen concentrate and vitamin K, improved thromboelastometric parameters, correcting the complex coagulation disorder. Blood component transfusion was not performed, and there was no bleeding.