[Massive transfusion with the Rapid Infusion System. Its effect on core body temperature]

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Critical Care Medicine
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Extensive blood loss necessitates rapid volume replacement.
• Infusing large volumes at high rates often leads to inadequate warming, causing hypothermia.
• Hypothermia during transfusion can result in hemodynamic instability and coagulopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of the Rapid Infusion System (RIS) in maintaining normothermia during massive transfusions.
• To evaluate the RIS's ability to deliver high infusion rates while ensuring adequate fluid warming.
• To assess the impact of RIS-facilitated normothermia on patient outcomes in massive transfusion scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 43 consecutive patients requiring massive transfusion.
• Utilized the Rapid Infusion System (RIS) for blood product administration.
• Monitored body core temperature and transfusion volumes throughout the procedure.

Main Results:

• The RIS facilitated high infusion rates (up to 1.5 l/min) with an average patient transfusion volume of 31.7 L.
• Despite high transfusion volumes, the average body core temperature was maintained at 35.85°C.
• Mortality was 28%, a reduction compared to previous studies with lower transfusion volumes.

Conclusions:

• The Rapid Infusion System effectively maintains normothermia during massive transfusions.
• Maintaining normothermia and normovolemia with RIS may contribute to improved patient outcomes.
• RIS is a valuable tool for managing patients with extensive blood loss requiring high-volume, rapid fluid replacement.