Volume therapy in trauma and neurotrauma

Volume therapy in trauma should be directed at the restitution of disordered physiology including volume replacement to re-establishment of tissue perfusion, correction of coagulation deficits and avoidance of fluid overload. Recent literature has emphasised the importance of damage control resuscitation, focussing on the restoration of normal coagulation through increased use of blood products including fresh frozen plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. However, once these targets have been met, and in patients not in need of damage control resuscitation, clear fluid volume replacement remains essential. Such volume therapy should include a balance of crystalloids and colloids. Pre-hospital resuscitation should be limited to that required to sustain a palpable radial artery and adequate mentation. Neurotrauma patients require special consideration in both pre-hospital and in-hospital management.