Transcatheter arterial embolization of acute bleeding as 24/7 service: predictors of outcome and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze times of occurrence and identify risk factors (RFs) for technical and clinical failure and mortality of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of acute bleeding in a major hospital.

METHODS

All TAEs performed at our hospital from 2006 to 2013 (n = 327) were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

TAEs were performed during regular weekday hours in 165 (50%) and during off-hours in 162 (50%) cases. With 40 regular and 128 off-hours/week, 3.25 times more TAEs were performed during regular hours. There was an even distribution across weekdays (Mon-Fri:16.9 ± 1.5%), while fewer TAEs were performed on weekends (Sat: 8.3%, Sun: 7.3%). Technical success of TAEs was 93.9% with a clinical success of 79.2% and a 30-day mortality of 18.4%. Shock was an RF for technical failure (p = 0.022). RFs for clinical failure were low hemoglobin (Hb) (p = 0.021) and transfusion of ≥6 units packed cells (p = 0.009). Independent RFs for mortality were clinical failure (p < 0.001), coagulopathy (p = 0.005), and shock (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results provide no evidence for a subjectively perceived increase in TAEs during off-hours but rather appear to show that most TAEs are performed during regular hours. Prompt TAE to control acute bleeding is crucial to prevent a drop in Hb with shock and the need for transfusion, which may promote coagulopathy and rebleeding, all of which are risk factors for a negative outcome.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The presented analysis provides insights of occurrences and risk factors for success of transcatheter arterial embolization in acute bleeding in a large study population.