Evaluation of coagulation tests as predictors of angiographic bleeding complications.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and platelet count are useful predictors of postangiographic hematoma.


METHODS
The authors prospectively studied 1,000 consecutive patients who underwent femoral arterial puncture for a diagnostic or therapeutic vascular procedure. Demographic and procedural variables were recorded, including patient age and sex, history of medications and bleeding, procedure type and length, catheter size, and experience level of radiologist applying compression for hemostasis.


RESULTS
Abnormal results of coagulation tests were not correlated with an increased occurrence of hemorrhagic complications, but bleeding complications did occur more often in patients with thrombocytopenia. Hematomas occurred in 8.1% (10 of 123) of patients with any abnormal coagulation test results and 9.7% (85 of 877) of patients with normal test results. A platelet count of less than 100 X 10(9)/L was correlated with a higher occurrence of hematoma (P = .002).


CONCLUSIONS
Abnormal PT and PTTs do not correlate with an increased risk of postangiographic hematoma, but a low platelet count is associated with more bleeding complications.
Darcy
M D
MD
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Kanterman
R Y
RY
Kleinhoffer
M A
MA
Vesely
T M
TM
Picus
D
D
Hicks
M E
ME
Pilgram
T K
TK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006406:Hematoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006474:Hemorrhagic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D011677:Punctures; D012307:Risk Factors