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The Use of Whole Blood Transfusion in Trauma
Mary Hanna1, Justin Knittel2, Jason Gillihan2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, CA K1S5W1 Canada.
Purpose Of Review:
This review illustrates the current benefits, limitations, ongoing research, and future paths for Low Titer O Whole Blood compared to Component Therapy in massive transfusion for trauma patients.
Recent Findings:
Many studies show that compared to Component Therapy, Low Titer O Whole Blood transfusion is associated with better patient outcomes and simplified transfusion logistics among others. There are, however, issues with cost, supply/demand and handling of Whole Blood that limit its use, but experience in the military setting has shown that these limitations can be easily overcome.
Summary:
The use of Whole Blood has increased in the civilian trauma population and there is a growing body of evidence to support its current use. More research looking at Whole Blood in females of child-bearing age, pediatric populations, and cold-stored platelets is underway.
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