Pilot trial of a novel two-step therapy protocol using nebulized tranexamic acid and recombinant factor VIIa in children with intractable diffuse alveolar hemorrhage

Management of severe acute pulmonary haemorrhage in children

Pulmonary haemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening condition with a variety of causes. Quality clinical trials are insufficient in children, restricting the evidence base to observational data and adult studies. The overall management strategy should address control of symptomatic bleeding, identification of the bleeding source, and treatment of the underlying cause. Flexible bronchoscopy is an important tool used to identify the cause and site of bleeding, do interventional procedures, and directly instil medications to affected areas. Medications to control bleeding include vasoconstrictors, antifibrinolytics, and recombinant factor VIIa. Definitive treatment often requires immunomodulatory medications, bronchial artery embolisation, or surgery. In this Review, we summarise the most recent evidence pertaining to medical, interventional, and surgical treatments of pulmonary haemorrhage in children.

Use of Inhaled Tranexamic Acid for Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Bleeding is a common complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is multifactorial, and results in significant morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary hemorrhage represents a serious adverse event in pediatric patients on ECMO and remains a challenging complication to manage. Its occurrence highlights the importance of identifying treatments that address bleeding complications in this population. This retrospective cohort study, from January 2018 to August 2022, explores the use of inhaled tranexamic acid (TXA), a clot-stabilizing agent, in 53 pediatric ECMO patients with new pulmonary hemorrhage. Primary diagnoses included respiratory failure (34%) and structural abnormalities (34%), such as congenital heart defects, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and tracheal stenosis, with viral pneumonia being the leading cause of respiratory failure (47%). Results indicated that 48 of 53 (91%) patients showed cessation of pulmonary hemorrhage within 48 hours of inhaled TXA administration as measured by a decrease in our institution-specific bleeding scale from moderate to minor or no bleeding. In ECMO-managed pediatric patients with pulmonary hemorrhage, treatment with inhaled TXA demonstrated safety, with no observed adverse effects, and showed promising signs of contributing to the cessation of bleeding.

First Reported Case of Anaphylaxis to Nebulized Tranexamic Acid in a Pediatric Patient: A Rare but Critical Event

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss due to certain medical conditions. It has a low side effect profile and is safe to administer in most instances. Anaphylaxis cases due to intravenous TXA have been reported in the literature. We report the first pediatric case of anaphylaxis due to the use of nebulized TXA. Case Presentation: A 2-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and tracheostomy was hospitalized with pneumonia. On the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient started bleeding from the trachea. Nebulized TXA was started to reduce tracheal bleeding. Anaphylaxis developed 5 min after administration of nebulized TXA. Subsequently, the patient was successfully treated with adrenaline, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, and steroids. Conclusion: Nebulized TXA is increasingly used off-label. Although it has a safe profile, side effects such as anaphylaxis may occur rarely. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis when using nebulized TXA.

Advances in the study of nebulized tranexamic acid for pulmonary hemorrhage

PURPOSE

Pulmonary hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition characterized by blood leakage into lung tissues, leading to severe respiratory distress. Nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) has emerged as a promising treatment option for pulmonary hemorrhage due to its localized hemostatic effects and minimal systemic side effects. This review aims to summarize the research progress on the effectiveness and safety of nebulized TXA in pulmonary hemorrhage.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between the date of inception of each database and November 2023. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: "hemoptysis," "haemoptysis," "pulmonary hemorrhage," "tranexamic acid," "antifibrinolytic," "nebulize," and "inhale." Additional articles were identified by reviewing the references of the retrieved studies. Studies were selected based on their focus on the application of nebulized TXA for pulmonary hemorrhage. The authors and dates of publication, study type, patients, diseases, intervention and main outcomes of these papers are tabulated. This consisted of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), six case series, and nine case reports.

RESULTS

The commonly used dosage of nebulized TXA in the studies reviewed was 500 mg/5 ml, administered 3-4 times daily. Evidence suggests that nebulized TXA effectively controls bleeding in pulmonary hemorrhage with a hemostatic efficacy comparable to systemic administration, but with a lower risk of venous thrombosis. Safety data indicates that nebulized TXA is generally well-tolerated, with no significant systemic adverse reactions reported. Local reactions, such as bronchospasm, were rare and resolved with short-term bronchodilator treatment.

CONCLUSION

Nebulized TXA appears to be an innovative and minimally invasive therapy for pulmonary hemorrhage, providing targeted hemostatic effects with a favorable safety profile. However, the predominance of small-scale studies and case reports highlights the need for large-scale, high-quality research to establish standardized guidelines.

Nebulized Tranexamic Acid in the Management of Hemoptysis: An Integrative Review

OBJECTIVE

This integrative review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) in managing hemoptysis, assessing its potential as a non-invasive alternative to traditional invasive procedures.

METHODS

An integrative review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024584812). The search included databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, encompassing studies published up to August 7, 2024. The inclusion criteria focused on human studies that utilized nebulized TXA for hemoptysis, with reported outcomes on bleeding cessation, recurrence, and adverse effects. Extracted data included patient demographics, underlying conditions, TXA dosing, administration methods, clinical outcomes, and reported adverse events.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria: five original research studies, and nine case reports involving 13 patients. The majority of patients were older adults with underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and infections. Nebulized TXA demonstrated high efficacy in controlling hemoptysis across studies, with most patients experiencing rapid cessation of bleeding. In a randomized controlled trial, 96% of patients receiving TXA achieved complete resolution of hemoptysis within five days, compared to 50% in the placebo group. TXA use was also associated with shorter hospital stays and a decreased need for invasive interventions. The safety profile of nebulized TXA was favorable. However, the long-term safety of nebulized TXA, remains unexplored.

CONCLUSION

Nebulized tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and safe non-invasive treatment option for hemoptysis, particularly in non-massive cases. It provides rapid control of bleeding and may reduce the requirement for invasive procedures. However, further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings and to establish optimal dosing regimens.

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a morbid syndrome that occurs after autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in children and adults. DAH manifests most often in the first few weeks following transplantation. It presents with pneumonia-like symptoms and acute respiratory failure, often requiring high levels of oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilatory support. Hemoptysis is variably present. Chest radiographs typically feature widespread alveolar filling, sometimes with peripheral sparing and pleural effusions. The diagnosis is suspected when serial bronchoalveolar lavages return increasingly bloody fluid. DAH is differentiated from infectious causes of alveolar hemorrhage when extensive microbiological testing reveals no pulmonary pathogens. The cause is poorly understood, though preclinical and clinical studies implicate pretransplant conditioning regimens, particularly those using high doses of total-body-irradiation, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), medications used to prevent GVHD, and other factors. Treatment consists of supportive care, systemic corticosteroids, platelet transfusions, and sometimes includes antifibrinolytic drugs and topical procoagulant factors. Therapeutic blockade of tumor necrosis factor-α showed promise in observational studies, but its benefit for DAH remains uncertain after small clinical trials. Even with these treatments, mortality from progression and relapse is high. Future investigational therapies could target the vascular endothelial cell biology theorized to contribute to alveolar bleeding and pathways that contribute to susceptibility, inflammation, cellular resilience, and tissue repair. This review will help clinicians navigate through the limited evidence to diagnose and treat DAH, counsel patients and families, and plan for future research.

Epidemiology of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening pulmonary toxicity that can arise after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Risk factors and outcomes are not well understood owing to a sparsity of cases spread across multiple centers. The objectives of this epidemiologic study were to characterize the incidence, outcomes, transplantation-related risk factors and comorbid critical care diagnoses associated with post-HCT DAH. Retrospective analysis was performed in a multicenter cohort of 6995 patients age ≤21 years who underwent allogeneic HCT between 2008 and 2014 identified through the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry and cross-matched with the Virtual Pediatric Systems database to obtain critical care characteristics. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine risk factors for DAH. Logistic regression models were used to determine critical care diagnoses associated with DAH. Survival outcomes were analyzed using both a landmark approach and Cox regression, with DAH as a time-varying covariate. DAH occurred in 81 patients at a median of 54 days post-HCT (interquartile range, 23 to 160 days), with a 1-year post-transplantation cumulative incidence probability of 1.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], .81% to 1.3%) and was noted in 7.6% of all pediatric intensive care unit patients. Risk factors included receipt of transplantation for nonmalignant hematologic disease (reference: malignant hematologic disease; hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.22 to 3.22; P = .006), use of a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis (referent: CNI plus methotrexate; HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.34; P = .029), and grade III-IV acute GVHD (HR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.53-4.66; P < .001). Critical care admitted patients with DAH had significantly higher rates of systemic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial disease, renal failure, and bacterial/viral/fungal infections (P < .05) than those without DAH. From the time of DAH, median survival was 2.2 months, and 1-year overall survival was 26% (95% CI, 17% to 36%). Among all HCT recipients, the development of DAH when considered was associated with a 7-fold increase in unadjusted all-cause post-HCT mortality (HR, 6.96; 95% CI, 5.42 to 8.94; P < .001). In a landmark analysis of patients alive at 2 months post-HCT, patients who developed DAH had a 1-year overall survival of 33% (95% CI, 18% to 49%), compared to 82% (95% CI, 81% to 83%) for patients without DAH (P < .001). Although DAH is rare, it is associated with high mortality in the post-HCT setting. Our data suggest that clinicians should have a heightened index of suspicion of DAH in patients with pulmonary symptoms in the context of nonmalignant hematologic indication for HCT, use of CNI + MMF as GVHD prophylaxis, and severe acute GVHD. Further investigations and validation of modifiable risk factors are warranted given poor outcomes.

Antifibrinolytic and Adjunct Hemostatic Agents: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference

OBJECTIVES

To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding antifibrinolytic and adjunct hemostatic agents in neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE consensus conference.

DATA SOURCES

A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Use of antifibrinolytics (epsilon-aminocaproic acid [EACA] or tranexamic acid), recombinant factor VII activated (rFVIIa), or topical hemostatic agents (THAs).

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Eleven references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications in pediatric ECMO patients. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. One weak recommendation and three consensus statements are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence supporting recommendations for administration of antifibrinolytics (EACA or tranexamic acid), rFVIIa, and THAs were sparse and inconclusive. Much work remains to determine effective and safe usage strategies.

Intrapulmonary administration of recombinant activated factor VII in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult oncology and hematopoietic cell transplant patients with pulmonary hemorrhage

Introduction

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a devastating disease process with 50-100% mortality in oncology and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. High concentrations of tissue factors have been demonstrated in the alveolar wall in acute respiratory distress syndrome and DAH, along with elevated levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitors. Activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) activates the tissue factor pathway, successfully overcoming the tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) inhibition of activation of Factor X. Intrapulmonary administration (IP) of rFVIIa in DAH is described in small case series with successful hemostasis and minimal complications.

Methods

We completed a single center retrospective descriptive study of treatment with rFVIIa and outcomes in pediatric oncology and HCT patients with pulmonary hemorrhage at a quaternary hematology/oncology hospital between 2011 and 2019. We aimed to assess the safety and survival of patients with pulmonary hemorrhage who received of IP rFVIIa.

Results

We identified 31 patients with pulmonary hemorrhage requiring ICU care. Thirteen patients received intrapulmonary rFVIIa, while eighteen patients did not. Overall, 13 of 31 patients (41.9%) survived ICU discharge. ICU survival (n=6) amongst those in the IP rFVIIa group was 46.2% compared to 38.9% (n=7) in those who did not receive IP therapy (p=0.69). Hospital survival was 46.2% in the IP group and 27.8% in the non-IP group (p=0.45). There were no adverse events noted from use of IP FVIIa.

Conclusions

Intrapulmonary rFVIIa can be safely administered in pediatric oncology patients with pulmonary hemorrhage and should be considered a viable treatment option for these patients.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after hematopoietic cell transplantation- response to treatments and risk factors for mortality

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening complication of hematopoietic cellular therapy (HCT). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DAH treatments on outcomes using data from consecutive HCT patients clinically diagnosed with DAH from 3 institutions between January 2018-August 2022. Endpoints included sustained complete response (sCR) defined as bleeding cessation without recurrent bleeding, and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Forty children developed DAH at a median of 56.5 days post-HCT (range 1-760). Thirty-five (88%) had at least one concurrent endothelial disorder, including transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (n=30), sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (n=19), or acute graft versus host disease (n=10). Fifty percent had a concurrent pulmonary infection at the time of DAH. Common treatments included steroids (n=17, 25% sCR), inhaled tranexamic acid (INH TXA,n=26, 48% sCR), and inhaled recombinant activated factor VII (INH fVIIa, n=10, 73% sCR). NRM was 56% 100 days after first pulmonary bleed and 70% at 1 year. Steroid treatment was associated with increased risk of NRM (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.07-4.71, p=0.03), while treatment with INH TXA (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19- 0.96, p=0.04) and INH fVIIa (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.62, p=0.005) were associated with decreased risk of NRM. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage as a rare complication of antiphospholipid syndrome

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a rare complication of antiphospholipid syndrome. With a mortality rate of 46%, early diagnosis and management remain an ongoing challenge. Case reports are limited, and management guidelines are not yet definitive. In this case report, we present a 43-year-old male with DAH who required high-dose oral steroids, intravenous methylprednisolone cyclophosphamide and rituximab over 18 months to control life-threatening episodes of pulmonary bleeding.

Pulmonary Complications After Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant

The number of disorders that benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has increased, causing the overall number of HSCT to increase accordingly. Disorders treated by HSCT include malignancy, benign hematologic disorders, bone marrow failure syndromes, and certain genetic diagnoses. Thus, understanding the complications, diagnostic workup of complications, and subsequent treatments has become increasingly important. One such category of complications includes the pulmonary system. While the overall incidence of pulmonary complications has decreased, the morbidity and mortality of these complications remain high. Therefore, having a clear differential diagnosis and diagnostic workup is imperative. Pulmonary complications can be subdivided by time of onset and whether the complication is infectious or non-infectious. While most infectious complications have clear diagnostic criteria and treatment courses, the non-infectious complications are more varied and not always well understood. This review article discusses pulmonary complications of HSCT recipients and outlines current knowledge, gaps in knowledge, and current treatment of each complication. This article includes some adult studies, as there is a significant paucity of pediatric data.

Nebulized Tranexamic Acid for Pediatric Post-tonsillectomy Hemorrhage: A Report of Two Cases

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid (TXA) use in pediatrics to control hemorrhage has gained interest in recent years, but there is limited literature on nebulized TXA especially regarding dosing and adverse effects. Tranexamic acid has anti-fibrinolytic properties via competitive inhibition of plasminogen activation making it a logical approach to promote hemostasis in cases of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

CASE REPORT

We describe two cases of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage managed with nebulized TXA. In both cases, bleeding was stopped after TXA administration.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe the use of nebulized TXA without an adjunct pharmacotherapy. Our two cases add additional reportable data on the safety of nebulized TXA and possible effectiveness on post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Nebulized Tranexamic Acid in Secondary Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage: Case Series and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a serious postoperative complication, and its acute management can present a challenge for the emergency provider. Although various strategies have been proposed, guidance on the best approach for management of this condition in the emergency department (ED) setting remains limited. Anecdotal reports of the use of nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) for management of tonsillar bleeding have emerged over the past two years. Two recently published case reports describe the successful use of nebulized TXA for stabilization of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in an adult and a pediatric patient.

CASE SERIES

Eight patients who presented to our ED with secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage received nebulized TXA for hemostatic management. The most common TXA dose used was 500 milligrams, and all but one patient received a single dose of the medication in the ED. Hemostatic benefit was observed in six patients, with complete bleeding cessation observed in five cases. Interventions prior to nebulized TXA administration were attempted in three of the six patients and included ice water gargle, direct pressure with TXA-soaked gauze, and nebulized racemic epinephrine. All but one of the patients were taken to the operating room for definitive management after initial stabilization in the ED.

CONCLUSION

Nebulized TXA may offer a hemostatic benefit and aid in stabilization of tonsillectomy hemorrhage in the acute care setting, prior to definitive surgical intervention. Consideration of general principles of nebulization and aerosol particle size may be an important factor for drug delivery to the target tissue site.

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage control with nebulized tranexamic acid: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) as a treatment to reduce the need for an operation to control a post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH).

METHODS

Based on a successful case report of a child treated with nebulized TXA for PTH in 2018, our institution began to treat PTH patients with three doses of nebulized TXA. To evaluate the outcomes of this non-invasive management, we conducted a three-year retrospective cohort study of children presenting with PTH from 2016 to 2019. Demographics, insurance, and laboratory information were collected from all pediatric tonsillectomies with and without adenoidectomy performed during the study period. Tonsillar fossae observations of bleeding and clot were documented before and after receiving TXA.

RESULTS

The incidence of pediatric PTH at our institution during the study period was 5.4%. Fourteen out of 58 PTH patients received nebulized TXA. Receiving nebulized TXA had no adverse events and over 60% showed resolution of bleeding on exam. Receiving nebulized TXA compared to routine care decreased the need for an operation to restore hemostasis by 44%, p < 0.005. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, hemoglobin, platelet count, trainee presence, or Medicaid status between the children that received TXA and those that did not.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of PTH with nebulized TXA may be a safe first-line therapy to decrease the need for operative control of bleeding. This data suggests that a large clinical trial is needed to determine the efficacy of nebulized TXA to mitigate this common and potentially fatal post-operative complication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Use of recombinant activated factor VII for uncontrolled bleeding in a haematology/oncology paediatric ICU cohort

: Bleeding among critically ill paediatric haematology/oncology (CIPHO) patients leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has shown some benefits in previous reported off-label use when conventional therapies have failed. However, data in CIPHO are lacking. We retrospectively studied (2006-2014) the efficacy and outcomes in CIPHO patients younger than 21 years who received at least one rFVIIa dose for bleeding in the ICU. Of 39 patients, the majority had leukaemia (59%), bone marrow transplantation (77%) and a life-threatening bleed (80%) with most common site being pulmonary haemorrhage (44%). Most needed invasive mechanical ventilation (87%) or vasopressor support (59%). After rFVIIa administration, 56% had cessation or decreased bleeding. Packed red blood cell transfusion requirements decreased significantly 48-72 h after rFVIIa administration. Lower baseline prothrombin time and more rFVIIa doses were related to bleeding control. A favourable response was associated with higher survival (55% in responders versus 18% in nonresponders, P = 0.019). Overall, bleeding-related mortality was 37.5%, highest in pulmonary haemorrhage. Two patients had thromboembolic events. Use of rFVIIa for CIPHO patients appears to be well tolerated with low adverse events. Despite half of the patients having a favourable response of cessation or decrease in bleeding after rFVIIa administration, mortality was high. These findings highlight the need for prospective studies to evaluate interventions to improve outcomes in this population.

Pulmonary Manifestations of Hematologic and Oncologic Diseases in Children

Pulmonary complications are common in children with hematologic or oncologic diseases, and many experience long-term effects even after the primary disease has been cured. This article reviews pulmonary complications in children with cancer, after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and caused by sickle cell disease and discusses their management.

Treatment of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: Controlling Inflammation and Obtaining Rapid and Effective Hemostasis

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening pulmonary complication in patients with hematologic malignancies or systemic autoimmune disorders. Pathologic findings show pulmonary capillaritis, bland hemorrhage, diffuse alveolar damage, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages, but in the majority of cases, pathogenesis remains unclear. Despite the severity and high mortality, the current treatment options for DAH remain empirical. Systemic treatment to control inflammatory activity including high-dose corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab and supportive care have been applied, but largely unsuccessful in critical cases. Activated recombinant factor VII (FVIIa) can achieve rapid local hemostasis and has been administered either systemically or intrapulmonary for the treatment of DAH. However, there is no randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety, and the use of FVIIa for DAH remains open to debate. This review discusses the pathogenesis, diverse etiologies causing DAH, diagnosis, and treatments focusing on hemostasis using FVIIa. In addition, the risks and benefits of the off-label use of FVIIa in pediatric patients will be discussed in detail.

A Case Report of Nebulized Tranexamic Acid for Post-tonsillectomy Hemorrhage in an Adult

Introduction

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening, postoperative complication that is commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED).

Case Report

Herein, we describe the case of a 22-year-old male who presented to the ED with an active post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. He rapidly became hypotensive and experienced an episode of syncope. Immediate interventions included intravenous fluids, emergency release blood and nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA). After completion of the nebulized TXA, the patient’s bleeding was controlled.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case in the emergency medicine literature that describes the use of nebulized TXA in an adult to achieve hemostasis in post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage After Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Pulmonary complications are common following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and contribute significantly to its morbidity and mortality. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a devastating non-infectious complication that occurs in up to 5% of patients post-HCT. Historically, it carries a high mortality burden of 60–100%. The etiology remains ill-defined but is thought to be due to lung injury from conditioning regimens, total body irradiation, occult infections, and other comorbidities such as graft vs. host disease, thrombotic microangiopathy, and subsequent cytokine release and inflammation. Clinically, patients present with hypoxemia, dyspnea, and diffuse opacities consistent with an alveolar disease process on chest radiography. Diagnosis is most commonly confirmed with bronchoscopy findings of progressively bloodier bronchoalveolar lavage or the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages on microscopy. Treatment with glucocorticoids is common though dosing and duration of therapy remains variable. Other agents, such as aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid, and activated recombinant factor VIIa have also been tried with mixed results. We present a review of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with a focus on its pathogenesis and treatment options.

Case Report: Management Approach and Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage After Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

Introduction: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is an early pulmonary complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) associated with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is often used for respiratory failure refractory to conventional interventions; however, its use has been limited in HCT patients with DAH due to potential for worsening alveolar hemorrhage and reported high mortality. Case Presentation: We report two cases of DAH following HCT who developed refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure despite cessation of bleeding and were successfully supported with ECMO. Conclusion: DAH after HCT should not automatically preclude ECMO support; rather, these patients must be evaluated individually for ECMO within the context of their overall clinical picture.

Coagulation and Bleeding Management in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Clinical Scenarios and Review

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving procedure that requires careful coagulation management. Indications for ECMO continue to expand, leading to more complicated patients treated by ECMO teams. At our pediatric institution, we utilize a Coagulation Team to guide anticoagulation, transfusion and hemostasis management in an effort to avoid the all-to-common complications of bleeding and thrombosis. This team formulates a coagulation plan in conjunction with a multidisciplinary ECMO team after careful review of all available laboratory data as well as the patient's clinical status. Here, we present our general strategies for ECMO management in various clinical scenarios and a review of the literature pertaining to coagulation management in the pediatric ECMO setting.

Nebulized Tranexamic Acid Use for Pediatric Secondary Post-Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a frequent occurrence in the emergency department, and management of potentially life-threatening and ongoing bleeding by the emergency physician is challenging. Limited evidence-based guidelines exist, and practice patterns vary widely. We administered nebulized tranexamic acid to achieve hemostasis in a pediatric patient with associated bleeding cessation prior to definitive operative management.