Transfusion management in the trauma patient

Transfusion of blood products is lifesaving in the trauma ICU. Intensivists must be familiar with contemporary literature to develop the optimal transfusion strategy for each patient.

A balanced ratio of red-blood cells to plasma and platelets is associated with improved mortality and has therefore become the standard of care for resuscitation. There is a dose-dependent relationship between units of product transfused and infections. Liquid and freeze-dried plasma are alternatives to fresh frozen plasma that can be administered immediately and may improve coagulation parameters more rapidly, though higher quality research is needed. Trauma induced coagulopathy can occur despite a balanced transfusion, and administration of prothrombin complex concentrate and cryoprecipitate may have a role in preventing this. In addition to balanced ratios, viscoelastic guidance is being increasingly utilized to individualize component transfusion. Alternatively, whole blood can be used, which has become the standard in military practice and is gaining popularity at civilian centers.

Hemorrhagic shock is the leading cause of death in trauma. Improved resuscitation strategy has been one of the most important contemporary advancements in trauma care and continues to be a key area of clinical research.