Haemostatic changes detected by thromboelastography in chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Haemostasis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is complex, with patients experiencing both thrombotic and haemorrhagic risks. Current therapies, such as dialysis and blood transfusions, often rely on clinical judgment, which may not fully address these haemostatic abnormalities. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether Thromboelastography (TEG) offers a better ability to assess coagulation abnormalities in CKD compared to standard coagulation tests like activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and prothrombin time (PT). A search across five databases identified 10 studies comparing TEG parameters in CKD patients versus healthy controls. TEG detected hypercoagulability in CKD, with significant reductions in Kinetics Time (P = 0.04), increases in Alpha angles (P = 0.02), and elevated Maximum Amplitude values (P = 0.0006). However, Reaction Time (P = 0.43) and Lysis 30 (P = 0.28) showed no significant differences. Standard coagulation tests, including aPTT and PT, also showed no significant differences between groups (P = 0.30 and P = 1.00), suggesting their limitations in detecting the complex haemostatic changes in CKD. Platelet counts were lower in CKD patients (P = 0.0009) but remained within normal ranges. Elevated fibrinogen levels (P = 0.003), linked to chronic inflammation, indicated a prothrombotic profile. Despite high heterogeneity in some parameters due to variability in CKD stages and treatment types, TEG demonstrates a more detailed assessment of haemostatic changes in CKD, suggesting its potential as a predictive tool for managing coagulation abnormalities.