The TEG 6s Global Hemostasis System is Useful for Coagulation Management in Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation: The First Two Cases

INTRODUCTION: Hypercoagulability-related graft thrombosis is the leading cause of graft failure after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK). Addressing this issue is crucial to improve the outcomes of SPK recipients. Thromboelastography (TEG) has been used to assess the coagulation profiles of SPK recipients. Recently, a new-generation TEG device, the TEG 6s Global Hemostasis System, was introduced. This device offers advantages over TEG 5000, including less frequent calibration requirements, ease of use, and reduced sensitivity to movement. We hypothesized that TEG 6s would enhance coagulation management in SPK. METHODS: We report two cases of Asian female SPK recipients in whom TEG 6s was used to assess coagulation status at six preset times during and after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperatively, both patients exhibited hypercoagulability on TEG 6s. Postoperative intravenous heparin was administered, and the dose was titrated based on the TEG 6s results. Vascular thrombosis was not observed in either patient. Detailed TEG 6s and standard laboratory test results are reported. This pilot study demonstrates that TEG 6s monitoring can effectively assess coagulation status in SPK recipients, aiding in optimal coagulation management and reducing the risk of thrombotic complications leading to graft loss. The TEG 6s facilitated real-time and accurate coagulation assessment, allowing for tailored anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first observational study to use TEG 6s in SPK recipients, indicating its potential benefits in improving patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and establish comprehensive guidelines for using TEG 6s in SPK procedures.