Effect of Fibrin Bandage Fibrinogen Concentration on Blood Loss after Grade V Liver Injury in Swine

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of fibrinogen concentration of dry fibrin bandages on blood loss after grade V liver injury. METHODS: Twenty-four pigs were used. Grade V liver injuries were induced and treated with dry fibrin bandages containing 0, 4, 8, or 15 mg fibrinogen/cm2. Animals were monitored for 60 minutes. Blood loss, fluid use, hematological data, and hemostasis were assessed. RESULTS: Post-treatment blood losses (mean and 95% confidence interval [CI]) were 1,560 mL (356-6,844), 372 mL (65-2,134), 225 mL (51-992), and 127 mL (22-732) in the 0-, 4-, 8-, and 15-mg groups, respectively. Only the 15-mg group had results significantly lower than the 0-mg group (p < 0.05). Blood loss was negatively related to fibrinogen concentration (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fibrinogen concentration was inversely related to blood loss after grade V liver injury. The 15-mg formulation was the only one that significantly reduced blood loss.