Thromboelastography-based dynamic evaluation of perioperative coagulation changes and anticoagulant efficacy in lung cancer patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common postoperative complication in oncologic surgery, closely associated with perioperative hypercoagulability. Thromboelastography (TEG) may be an effective method for monitoring hypercoagulability and guiding preventive anticoagulation. Methods We prospectively collected perioperative clinical data from lung cancer surgery patients at our hospital between June 2019 and January 2020. TEG and coagulation-related indicators were monitored preoperatively, and on postoperative days 1 and 3. Newly diagnosed postoperative VTE was monitored using lower limb color doppler ultrasound. Results A total of 241 lung cancer surgery patients were included, with 25 developing VTE postoperatively (10.4%). TEG results showed a significant decrease in the R value (a thrombin marker) on postoperative day 1, followed by an increase on day 3. The MA value (a platelet marker) increased postoperatively. D-dimer levels also rose after surgery. On postoperative day 1, thrombin-related hypercoagulability was predominant (15/17 preoperatively, 40/46 postoperatively), whereas platelet-related hypercoagulability was dominant on postoperative day 3 (18/35). Patients who received prophylactic anticoagulation had significantly higher R values on day 3. The ROC curve for D-dimer predicting new-onset VTE showed AUCs of 0.732, 0.790, and 0.847 preoperatively, on days 1, and 3, respectively. Conclusion D-dimer helps identify high-risk patients for postoperative VTE, while TEG aids in classifying and monitoring hypercoagulability, optimizing anticoagulation therapy choices and dosages.

Keywords

• Thromboelastography
• Venous thromboembolism
• Hypercoagulability
• D-dimer
• Lung cancer