Blood component transfusions in mass casualty events

Area of Science:

• Disaster medicine
• Transfusion medicine
• Public health preparedness

Background:

• Effective planning of blood product transfusion is crucial for managing mass casualty events (MCEs).
• Analysis of published data on blood component utilization in MCEs can identify factors influencing usage and rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze published data on blood component usage in mass casualty events.
• To identify correlative factors and usage rates for transfusion planning in MCEs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of English-language medical literature from 1980 onwards was conducted.
• Publications detailing MCE patient admissions and transfused red blood cells (RBCs) were included, excluding natural disasters or events with <50 RBC units used.
• Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U-tests and Spearman's rank correlations.

Main Results:

• Average usage per admission was 3.06 RBC units, 2.13 plasma units, and 0.37 platelet doses.
• Five RBC units per admission would have been sufficient for 87% of analyzed events.
• Transfusion needs in bombing-related MCEs correlated significantly with patient admissions (P ≤ 0.03).

Conclusions:

• Blood component utilization in MCEs demonstrates a correlation with the number of admitted patients or those receiving massive transfusions.
• Current data require updating to accurately reflect evolving trauma care practices.
• Refinement of predictive models for transfusion needs in mass casualty events is necessary.