HJNO Sep/Oct 2023

38 SEP / OCT 2023  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS   Healthcare Briefs Can a Perfume Ingredient Stop the Bleed and Save Lives? The chance of surviving massive blood loss from a traumatic injury such as a gunshot wound is around 50%. To survive, a patient needs two things to happen quickly: a large infusion of blood and coagulation at the wound to stop the bleeding. The problem is one of these solutions prevents the other. Introducing a large amount of blood to those suffering a massive hemorrhage impairs the blood’s ability to clot, a condition known as coagulopathy. Now, Tulane University researchers have uncov- ered the cause of coagulopathy in trauma victims receiving a blood infusion. They also found that a synthetic compound called dimethyl malonate — often used in perfume manufacturing — has the potential to stop coagulopathy during a massive hemorrhage. The researchers’ findings are part of a new study published in Science Advances . “Coagulopathy of trauma is a major contribu- tor to mortality, but no treatment has shown to be fully effective,” said Olan Jackson-Weaver, PhD, assistant professor of surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine and corresponding author on the study. “We were getting 60 percent mortality with our animal model. With dimethyl malonate, we got zero percent mortality, and the coagulop- athy completely went away.” Trauma is a leading cause of death in the United States, especially for children and young adults as a result gun violence. Recent studies have shown that coagulopathy during massive hemorrhage treatment is most likely caused by the shedding of the glycocalyx, a barrier of sugars that surrounds and protects cells. In blood vessels, the glycocalyx lines the vessel walls and prevents blood from clotting. However, this is the first study to identify the cellular events that cause the glycocalyx to be ripped apart. The study found that a large infusion of blood creates a spike in cellular metabolism, which causes a change in structure to the cell mem- brane. This exposes the glycocalyx, allowing it to be chewed up by enzymes and mixed into the bloodstream, where it prevents clotting. “People have been trying to figure out ways to move the needle a little bit on the death rate from massive hemorrhage for the last 20 or so years and nothing has really worked,” Jackson-Weaver said. “We’re hopeful that understanding these cellular-level events can help to develop some- thing that actually does make a big difference.” In animal models, dimethyl malonate was effec- tive at inhibiting excessive cellular metabolism, which prevented the glycocalyx from shedding and causing coagulopathy. But Jackson-Weaver said more research needs to be done to deter- mine if the compound is safe for humans or if an equivalent drug that targets cellular metabolism can be developed. “We’ve established this pathway that causes coagulopathy, so if we can target it therapeuti- cally with a pre-hospital drug or injection, we can hopefully save some lives,” Jackson-Weaver said. Louisiana Department of Health: Avoid Areas with Algal Blooms The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is raising awareness and urging residents to avoid areas with blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, due to the algal bloom observed in Lake Pon- tchartrain by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and recent sightings of algal blooms in other waterbodies. An algal bloom is the rapid growth, or "bloom," of algae on the surface of the water. These algae may appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. There may be a foam, or scum, that has formed on the water’s surface. Blue-green algae prefer warm, calm, sunny weather and water temper- atures higher than 75°F. Blooms are more likely to happen in summer or fall but can occur any time of year. While some algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. Therefore, it is cru- cial for individuals to be knowledgeable and take necessary precautions when encountering water bodies affected by algae blooms. You cannot tell if a bloom is harmful just by looking at it and not all blooms are easy to see, so it is best to use caution and stay away. If you see or smell a bloom: • Stay out of affected water: Refrain from swimming, wading, or participating in water activities like boating in areas with active algal blooms. • Keep pets away: Pets should not be allowed to swim in or drink from water suspected of experiencing an algal bloom. • Wash with soap and water: If you or your pets come into contact with algae-contam- inated water, promptly rinse off with clean water and soap. • Do not consume or cook with affected water: Do not drink, cook, or prepare food with water from areas experiencing algal blooms. • Seek medical attention if necessary: If you or someone you know experiences symp- toms such as rashes, stomach cramps, coughing, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting after contact with algae-contaminated water, call your doctor or seek medical assis- tance. Sometimes, high exposures of toxins associated with the algae can affect the liver and nervous system. More than 1,320 Attend NewCardiovascular Horizons Conference More than 1,320 attended the New Cardiovas- cular Horizons (NCVH) conference at The Roos- evelt New Orleans May 30-June 2 for a peripheral vascular disease program to improve cardiovas- cular care and outcomes in patients across the United States. The annual conference featured more than 20 live cases from across the world, 180 expert fac- ulty, 525 exhibitors, and more than 300 presen- tations. Up to 25 continuing education credits were offered. Vascular leg conditions such as peripheral artery disease and vein disease affect more than 50 mil- lion Americans. NCVH was founded by Craig M. Walker, MD, interventional cardiologist, presi- dent and founder of Cardiovascular Institute of the South. “Peripheral disease affects more than 20 million Americans, and it is imperative for phy- sicians to understand this complex, yet common condition, and how to treat it properly and effec- tively.” He added, “We must do a better job in diagnosing and treating these patients, not only to save their legs, but to reduce cardiovascular death and cost.” NCVH provides accredited education on late-breaking advancements in cardiovascular