What is the use of Axiostat (hemostatic agent) in controlling bleeding?

Axiostat for Controlling Bleeding

Axiostat is an effective hemostatic agent recommended for controlling venous and moderate arterial bleeding, particularly in situations where access to the bleeding site is difficult. 1

Mechanism of Action

• Axiostat is a chitosan-based hemostatic dressing that works by directly controlling bleeding through platelet activation and aggregation at the wound site 2
• Like other topical hemostatic agents, it serves as an adjunct to traditional surgical techniques to obtain hemorrhage control 1
• Chitosan-based hemostatic agents like Axiostat are particularly useful when access to the site of bleeding is challenging 1

Clinical Effectiveness

• Axiostat significantly reduces time to achieve hemostasis compared to conventional methods (4.68 ± 1.04 minutes vs. 18.56 ± 5.04 minutes with cotton gauze) 2
• Successful hemostasis is achieved in 94% of patients with Axiostat compared to 74% with conventional cotton gauze 2
• Axiostat demonstrates significant reduction in blood loss during emergency trauma situations 2
• Studies show improved wound healing and reduced postoperative pain with Axiostat compared to conventional hemostatic methods 3, 4

Clinical Applications

• Recommended for venous or moderate arterial bleeding associated with parenchymal injuries 1
• Particularly useful in emergency trauma care for controlling acute hemorrhage 2
• Effective for bleeding control in patients on antiplatelet therapy without requiring medication interruption 3, 4
• Can be used for both external and internal bleeding control 1

Advantages Over Other Hemostatic Methods

• Allows for easier removal from wound sites without leaving residue, helping to render wounds clean 2
• Does not cause tissue loss or rebleeding at time of removal 2
• Provides more rapid hemostasis compared to conventional pressure methods 2, 3
• Can be applied without specialized training, making it suitable for pre-hospital settings 2

Important Considerations

• The use of topical hemostatic agents should consider factors such as type of surgical procedure, cost, severity of bleeding, and coagulation status 1
• Some hemostatic agents should be avoided when autotransfusion is used 1
• European guidelines recommend using topical hemostatic agents in combination with other surgical measures or with packing for optimal results 1
• Axiostat can serve as a first-line intervention in controlling acute hemorrhage in emergency care 2

Comparison to Other Hemostatic Agents

• While collagen-based agents trigger platelet aggregation and are often combined with pro-coagulant substances 5
• Gelatine-based products work by swelling in contact with blood to reduce blood flow 1
• Fibrin and synthetic glues have both hemostatic and sealant properties 1
• Axiostat's chitosan-based formula provides effective hemostasis comparable to other specialized hemostatic dressings like HemCon Dental Dressing 3

Axiostat represents an important addition to the hemostatic armamentarium, particularly valuable in emergency settings where rapid control of bleeding is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality.