Cost reduction of perioperative coagulation management in cardiac surgery: value of ‘bedside’ thrombelastography (ROTEM)☆

Abstract

Objective: Demographic changes and aggressive platelet inhibition have resulted in a marked increase in blood- and coagulation product expenditure and costs in cardiac surgery. We analyzed ‘bedside’ coagulation test (ROTEM) in order to verify clot forming quality for the purpose of finding a cost-effective treatment path. Methods: Annual treatment costs of all cardiosurgical patients were analyzed before (729 patients) and after (693 patients) implementation of ‘bedside’ ROTEM. Cumulative numbers and costs of platelet concentrates (PltC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), red blood cell units (RBC), and coagulation factors: pooled coagulation concentrates (PCC), recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa), factor XIII (FXIII), and fibrinogen were assessed. Average monthly numbers and costs were compared. Number of resternotomies and early mortality was assessed and compared in both periods. Results: After ROMTEM implementation cumulative RBC expenditure showed 25% decrease while PltC exhibited 50% decrease. FFP expenditure remained unchanged. PCC, FXIII were markedly reduced (−80%) while rFVIIa were entirely omitted. Fibrinogen, however, increased two-fold. Cumulative average monthly costs of all blood products decreased from 66,000€ to 45,000€ (−32%). Coagulation factor average monthly costs decreased from 60,000€ to 30,000€ (−50%) yielding combined savings of 44%. In contrast, average monthly costs for ROTEM were 1.580€. Total number of resternotomies decreased from 6.6% to 5.5% while early mortality (5.9%; 6.0%) remained stable. Conclusion: Cumulative costs for treatment of perioperative coagulation disorders can be reduced by ‘bedside’ ROTEM analysis to achieve a selective substitution management. Saved costs for blood- and coagulation products clearly outweighed the expenses of ROTEM. Adequate differential coagulation management can therefore be cost-effective.