Comparative observations of the hemostatic effects of bio-zeolite gauze and QuickClot Combat Gauze on massive hemorrhage with coagulopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND The presence of coagulopathy after bleeding negatively affects the hemostatic effects of gauze. In this study, we compared the hemostatic effects of bio-zeolite gauze (BZG) and QuickClot Combat Gauze (QCG) on massive hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy. Methods In 30 rabbits, diluted coagulopathy was prepared by extraction of blood at a dose of 15 mL/kg body weight following infusion with saline three times the volume of blood loss. Then, simulated blast-induced pelvic injury was initiated to produce massive hemorrhage using a custom-made machine, as previously reported. The rabbits were then randomly allocated to three groups, namely A, B, and C, in which BZG, QCG, and ordinary gauze were used to prevent bleeding, respectively. The primary outcomes, including the immediate hemostasis rate, blood loss, and survival rate, were recorded at designated time points. Additionally, blood samples were taken for laboratory examinations, including conventional coagulation, thromboelastography, full blood count, blood biochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Animal models of diluted coagulopathy and major bleeding were successfully developed with decreased concentrations of coagulation factors XII and X. The overall effects of BZG were better than those of QCG and ordinary gauze, with a higher immediate hemostatic rate, less blood loss at 10 min and 30 min after gauze application, and higher red blood cell and platelet counts, higher maximum amplitude, lower R values, lower levels of creatinine, and lower levels of alanine aminotransferase at 30 min after gauze application. Furthermore, a higher survival rate was found in group A rabbits than in group B and group C rabbits at 90 min after gauze application. Conclusions BZG demonstrated better hemostatic performance than QCG and normal gauze for massive hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy. BZG is a suitable hemostatic gauze for control of massive hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy.