Transfusion of blood products in trauma: an update

Blood transfusion in the management of severely injured patients can be lifesaving. These patients are susceptible to developing early coagulopathy, thus perpetuating bleeding.

This article presents recent advances in both the civilian and military clinical arena to improve the treatment of trauma patients with severe hemorrhage, the use of agents to support coagulation, perspectives on restrictive transfusion strategies, and transfusion-related risks.

Massive blood transfusion is an adjunct to surgical care. The volume of blood products transfused and the ratio of blood components have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. The adverse clinical effects of transfusion and the limited supply of blood products have resulted in modern resuscitation protocols to limit the volume of blood transfused.

A restrictive blood transfusion strategy and the use of hemostatic agents may decrease morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, but insufficient data are available for their use in trauma patients. Massive transfusion should reflect an equal ratio of packed red cells and plasma to limit coagulopathy. Prospective randomized trials are needed to standardize an effective protocol.