Transfusion practice in major obstetric haemorrhage: lessons from trauma

The management of massive haemorrhage with blood products is changing as evidence arrives from civilian and military trauma. Rapid early replacement of coagulation factors and platelets is now becoming central to improving outcome, usually given in higher ratios with respect to red cell units than previously recommended and using empiric transfusion based on clinical rather than laboratory parameters. The management of three cases of major obstetric haemorrhage based on these principles is presented. Packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate were transfused in the ratios 5:2:2:1, 4.5:1:1:1 and 4.5:2:1:1. Each patient had acceptable full blood count and coagulation results after surgery and all made an uneventful recovery. These outcomes support the opinion that major obstetric haemorrhage can be managed in a similar fashion to blood loss in trauma. Recommendations from the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, and the UK National Patient Safety Agency should be considered during major obstetric haemorrhage.