Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Correlation between coagulation profile findings and bleeding complications after ultrasound-guided biopsies: 434 cases (1993-1996).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Bigge, L A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the medical records of 434 dogs and cats that had ultrasound-guided biopsies, which are procedures to take tissue samples, between 1993 and 1996. About 22% of these pets had minor bleeding issues, while 6% experienced more serious bleeding problems. The study found that pets with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) were more likely to have complications, and dogs with a certain blood test result (prolonged one-stage prothrombin time) and cats with another specific result (prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time) also faced higher risks. Interestingly, biopsies of the liver had fewer complications compared to those of the kidney. Overall, while ultrasound-guided biopsies are generally safe and effective, it’s important to consider delaying the procedure if a pet has low platelet counts.
Abstract
Medical records of 434 consecutive dogs (n=310) and cats (n=124) that received coagulation studies prior to ultrasound-guided biopsy procedures between January 1993 and June 1996 were reviewed for bleeding complications. Minor complications occurred in 21.9% of cases. Major complications occurred in 6% of the cases. Significant bleeding complications were observed in thrombocytopenic cases (P=0.0001). Dogs with a prolonged one-stage prothrombin time (OSPT) (P=0.031) and cats with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (P=0.024) were more likely to have complications than patients with normal values. Adequate tissue for histopathological diagnosis was obtained in 96.3% of cases. The likelihood of complication was smaller when the liver was biopsied than when the kidney was biopsied (n=259; P=0.0327). Ultrasound-guided biopsy of intracavitary structures is an effective and relatively safe procedure, but delay of the procedure should be considered when thrombocytopenia is present in the patient.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11361113/