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OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of blood component therapy in the correction of trauma-induced coagulopathy during hemorrhage. BACKGROUND: Severe hemorrhage remains a leading cause of mortality in trauma. Damage control resuscitation strategies target trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) with the early delivery of high-dose blood components such as fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet transfusions. However, the ability of these products to correct TIC during hemorrhage and resuscitation is unknown. METHODS: This was an international prospective cohort study of bleeding trauma patients at three major trauma centers. A blood sample was drawn immediately on arrival and after 4, 8 and 12 packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. FFP, platelet and cryoprecipitate use was recorded during these intervals. Samples were analyzed for functional coagulation and procoagulant factor levels. RESULTS: One hundred six patients who received at least four PRBC units were included. Thirty-four patients (32 %) required a massive transfusion. On admission 40 % of patients were coagulopathic (ROTEM CA5 ≤ 35 mm). This increased to 58 % after four PRBCs and 81 % after eight PRBCs. On average all functional coagulation parameters and procoagulant factor concentrations deteriorated during hemorrhage. There was no clear benefit to high-dose FFP therapy in any parameter. Only combined high-dose FFP, cryoprecipitate and platelet therapy with a high total fibrinogen load appeared to produce a consistent improvement in coagulation. CONCLUSIONS: Damage control resuscitation with standard doses of blood components did not consistently correct trauma-induced coagulopathy during hemorrhage. There is an important opportunity to improve TIC management during damage control resuscitation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s00134-014-3584-1

Type

Journal article

Journal

Intensive Care Med

Publication Date

02/2015

Volume

41

Pages

239 - 247

Keywords

Adult, Blood Coagulation Disorders, Blood Component Transfusion, Cohort Studies, Female, Hemorrhage, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Resuscitation, Treatment Outcome, Wounds and Injuries, Young Adult