Optimizing platelet transfusion thresholds based on TEG maximum clot strength (MA value) to reduce platelet usage and improve patient outcomes in liver transplantation: a cohort study

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1727144...

Published: 2026-03-23T00:00:00Z

The study examined 231 liver transplant patients between 2019 and 2023, comparing two groups: one with transfusions guided by thromboelastography (TEG) and the other with a conventional procedure based on platelet counts. The TEG group used dynamic assessment of coagulation through the Maximum Clot Strength (MA) value to determine the need for transfusions, while the conventional group administered platelets at less than 50 × 10⁹/L. The results showed that the TEG group had significantly lower platelet consumption on the first and third postoperative days (36.9% vs. 61.8% on day 1 and 51.7% vs. 19.5% on day 3). There were no significant differences between groups in red blood cell and plasma transfusions. Patients in the TEG group reported better quality of life one month after surgery, with higher scores in physical functioning, health, vitality, and social functioning. No differences in mortality or major complications were observed between the groups. The conclusion of the study suggests that TEG-guided transfusions reduce platelet consumption and improve quality of life in liver transplant patients.