Potential military applications for a new freeze-dried plasma

Area of Science:

• Trauma Resuscitation
• Military Medicine
• Blood Products

Background:

• Hemorrhage is a primary cause of preventable death in trauma, necessitating rapid and effective resuscitation.
• Current military medical operations face logistical challenges in delivering blood products to the point of need due to distance and environmental factors.
• Future military scenarios anticipate longer transport times to medical facilities, increasing the demand for logistically efficient resuscitation agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of plasma in trauma resuscitation.
• To reassess the military applications of freeze-dried plasma (FDP) across diverse operational settings.
• To discuss the characteristics and recent advancements in FDP, including OctaplasLG Powder.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on plasma use in trauma.
• Analysis of military operational requirements and logistical constraints.
• Discussion of freeze-dried plasma properties and availability.

Main Results:

• Freeze-dried plasma (FDP) is shelf-stable, room temperature-compatible, and easy to use, enhancing logistical feasibility.
• FDP has been the preferred plasma product in austere and military expeditionary settings where available.
• A new FDP, OctaplasLG Powder, has received approval in multiple countries and for emergency military use.

Conclusions:

• FDP is a vital, logistically sound blood product for military medical systems operating in challenging environments.
• The increasing availability of FDP, including new formulations, is expected to significantly benefit military trauma care.
• FDP addresses the critical need for effective plasma resuscitation at the point of injury in austere settings.