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Schwietring J, Wähnert D, Scholl LS, Thies KC. [Prehospital blood transfusion : Opportunities and challenges for the German emergency medical services]. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2024:10.1007/s00101-024-01463-9. [PMID: 39356309 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-024-01463-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exsanguination is the leading cause of preventable death in severe trauma. Immediate hemorrhage control and transfusion of blood products are critical to maintain oxygen delivery and address trauma-induced coagulopathy. While prehospital blood product transfusion (PHBT) is established in neighboring countries, the fragmented configuration of Germany's emergency medical service (EMS) infrastructure has delayed the adoption of widespread PHBT programmes. This review aims to provide an updated perspective on the evolution, international practices and research needs of PHBT within the German context. METHODS This narrative review is based on a PubMed search using the search terms "prehospital" and "blood*". From an initial 4738 articles, 333 were directly related to PHBT and were subjected to further detailed examination. The literature, including referenced studies, was categorized into areas such as history, rationale, international practices, and evidence, and analyzed for quality. RESULTS The benefit of early blood transfusion in major trauma has been established since WW1, explaining the efforts to initiate this lifesaving intervention as early as possible in the care pathway, including the prehospital field. Recent randomized trials have faced design and recruitment challenges, reflecting the complexity of the research question. These trials have yielded inconclusive results regarding the survival benefits of PHBT in civilian settings. This scenario raises doubts about the capability of randomized trials to resolve questions concerning survival advantages. Despite these difficulties, there is a discernible trend indicating potential improvements in patient outcomes. In Germany, the incidence of trauma-associated shock stands at 38 per 100,000 individuals per year. It is estimated that between 300 and 1800 patients annually possibly benefit from PHBT. CONCLUSION Prehospital Blood Transfusion appears to be promising but identifying patient groups most likely to benefit as well as the most suitable blood products remain unresolved issues. In Germany PHBT programs are not yet widely established. Paradoxically, this situation, paired with the extensive German Trauma Registry, provides a prime opportunity for comprehensive prospective cohort studies, addressing the balance between PHBT benefits, logistical feasibility, and implementation strategies. Such studies are essential for establishing guidelines and integrating PHBT efficiently into German trauma care protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Schwietring
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Medizinische Fakultät, Bochum, Deutschland.
- ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH, Hansastr. 19, 80686, München, Deutschland.
| | - Dirk Wähnert
- Universität Bielefeld, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum OWL, Ev. Klinikum Bethel, Universitätsklinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Bielefeld, Deutschland
| | | | - Karl-Christian Thies
- Universität Bielefeld, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum OWL, Ev. Klinikum Bethel, Universitätsklinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin, Transfusionsmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Bielefeld, Deutschland
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Clements TW, Van Gent JM, Menon N, Roberts A, Sherwood M, Osborn L, Hartwell B, Refuerzo J, Bai Y, Cotton BA. Use of Low-Titer O-Positive Whole Blood in Female Trauma Patients: A Literature Review, Qualitative Multidisciplinary Analysis of Risk/Benefit, and Guidelines for Its Use as a Universal Product in Hemorrhagic Shock. J Am Coll Surg 2024; 238:347-357. [PMID: 37930900 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole blood transfusion is associated with benefits including improved survival, coagulopathy, and decreased transfusion requirements. The majority of whole blood transfusion is in the form of low-titer O-positive whole blood (LTOWB). Practice at many trauma centers withholds the use of LTOWB in women of childbearing potential due to concerns of alloimmunization. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence for LTOWB transfusion in female trauma patients and generate guidelines for its application. STUDY DESIGN Literature and evidence for LTOWB transfusion in hemorrhagic shock are reviewed. The rates of alloimmunization and subsequent obstetrical outcomes are compared to the reported outcomes of LTOWB vs other resuscitation media. Literature regarding patient experiences and preferences in regards to the risk of alloimmunization is compared to current trauma practices. RESULTS LTOWB has shown improved outcomes in both military and civilian settings. The overall risk of alloimmunization for Rhesus factor (Rh) - female patients in hemorrhagic shock exposed to Rh + blood is low (3% to 20%). Fetal outcomes in Rh-sensitized patients are excellent compared to historical standards, and treatment options continue to expand. The majority of female patients surveyed on the risk of alloimmunization favor receiving Rh + blood products to improve trauma outcomes. Obstetrical transfusion practices have incorporated LTOWB with excellent results. CONCLUSIONS The use of whole blood resuscitation in trauma is associated with benefits in the resuscitation of severely injured patients. The rate at which severely injured, Rh-negative patients develop anti-D antibodies is low. Treatments for alloimmunized pregnancies have advanced, with excellent results. Fears of alloimmunization in female patients are likely overstated and may not warrant the withholding of whole blood resuscitation. The benefits of whole blood resuscitation likely outweigh the risks of alloimmunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Clements
- From the Departments of Surgery (Clements, Van Gent, Cotton), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Jan-Michael Van Gent
- From the Departments of Surgery (Clements, Van Gent, Cotton), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Neethu Menon
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School (Menon, Roberts, Refuerzo), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Aaron Roberts
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School (Menon, Roberts, Refuerzo), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Lesley Osborn
- Emergency Medicine (Osborn), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Beth Hartwell
- Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Houston, Texas (Hartwell)
| | - Jerrie Refuerzo
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School (Menon, Roberts, Refuerzo), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Yu Bai
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Bai), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Bryan A Cotton
- From the Departments of Surgery (Clements, Van Gent, Cotton), McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
- Center for Translational Injury Research, Houston, Texas (Cotton)
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Hatton GE, Brill JB, Tang B, Mueck KM, McCoy CC, Kao LS, Cotton BA. Patients with both traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock benefit from resuscitation with whole blood. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 95:918-924. [PMID: 37506356 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic shock in the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI) reduces cerebral blood flow and doubles mortality. The optimal resuscitation strategy for hemorrhage in the setting of TBI is unknown. We hypothesized that, among patients presenting with concomitant hemorrhagic shock and TBI, resuscitation including whole blood (WB) is associated with decreased overall and TBI-related mortality when compared with patients receiving component (COMP) therapy alone. METHODS An a priori subgroup of prospective, observational cohort study of injured patients receiving emergency-release blood products for hemorrhagic shock is reported. Adult trauma patients presenting November 2017 to September 2020 with TBI, defined as a Head Abbreviated Injury Scale of ≥3, were included. Whole blood group patients received any cold-store low-titer Group O WB units. The COMP group received fractionated blood components alone. Overall and TBI-related 30-day mortality, favorable discharge disposition (home or rehabilitation), and 24-hour blood product utilization were assessed. Univariate and inverse probabilities of treatment-weighted multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS Of 564 eligible patients, 341 received WB. Patients who received WB had a higher injury severity score (median, 34 vs. 29), lower scene blood pressure (104 vs. 118), and higher arrival lactate (4.3 vs. 3.6, all p < 0.05). Univariate analysis noted similar overall mortality between WB and COMP; however, weighted multivariable analyses found WB was associated with decreased overall mortality and TBI-related mortality. There were no differences in discharge disposition between the WB group and COMP group. CONCLUSION In patients with concomitant hemorrhagic shock and TBI, WB transfusion was associated with decreased overall mortality and TBI-related mortality. Whole blood should be considered a first-line therapy for hemorrhage in the setting of TBI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle E Hatton
- From the Center for Translational Injury Research (G.E.H., J.B.B., B.T., K.M.M., C.C.M., L.S.K., B.A.C.), Department of Surgery (G.E.H., J.B.B., B.T., K.M.M., C.C.M., L.S.K., B.A.C.), and Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice (G.E.H., K.M.M., L.S.K.), McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
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van der Horst RA, Rijnhout TWH, Noorman F, Borger van der Burg BLS, van Waes OJF, Verhofstad MHJ, Hoencamp R. Whole blood transfusion in the treatment of acute hemorrhage, a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 95:256-266. [PMID: 37125904 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole blood (WB) transfusion received renewed interest after recent armed conflicts. The effectiveness as compared with blood component transfusion (BCT) is, however, still topic of debate. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of WB ± BCT as compared with BCT transfusion on survival in trauma patients with acute hemorrhage. METHODS Studies published up to January 16, 2023, including patients with traumatic hemorrhage comparing WB ± BCT and BCT were included in meta-analysis. Subanalyses were performed on the effectiveness of WB in the treatment of civilian or military trauma patients, patients with massive hemorrhage and on platelet (PLT)/red blood cell (RBC), plasma/RBC and WB/RBC ratios. Methodological quality of studies was interpreted using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42022296900. RESULTS Random effect pooled odds ratio (OR) for 24 hours mortality in civilian and military patients treated with WB as compared with BCT was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.97). In subanalysis of studies conducted in civilian setting (n = 20), early (4 hours, 6 hours, and emergency department) and 24 hours mortality was lower in WB groups compared with BCT groups (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.96 and OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.98). No difference in late mortality (28 days, 30 days, in-hospital) was found. In military settings (n = 7), there was no difference in early, 24 hours, or late mortality between groups. The WB groups received significant higher PLT/RBC ( p = 0.030) during early treatment and significant higher PLT/RBC and plasma/RBC ratios during 24 hours of treatment ( p = 0.031 and p = 0.007). The overall risk of bias in the majority of studies was judged as serious due to serious risk on confounding and selection bias, and unclear information regarding cointerventions. CONCLUSION Civilian trauma patients with acute traumatic hemorrhage treated with WB ± BCT as compared to BCT had lower odds on early and 24-hour mortality. In addition, WB transfusion resulted in higher PLT/RBC and plasma/RBC ratios. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A van der Horst
- From the Department of Surgery (R.A.V.D.H., T.W.H.R., B.L.S.B.V.D.B.), Alrijne Medical Center, Leiderdorp; Trauma Research Unit Department of Surgery (R.A.V.D.H., T.W.H.R., O.J.F.V.W., M.H.J.V., R.H.), Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam; Military Blood Bank (F.N.), Defense Healthcare Organization (R.H.), Ministry of Defense, Utrecht; and Department of Surgery (R.H.), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Rangrass G. Whole blood use in trauma resuscitation: targeting prehospital transfusion. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2022; 35:146-149. [PMID: 35102044 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Trauma resuscitation management has evolved over the years with a more nuanced understanding of the injured patient's physiologic state of shock. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of whole blood administration in the prehospital setting in the resuscitation of the trauma patient. RECENT FINDINGS In traumatically injured patients, whole blood administration initiated in the prehospital setting may improve early shock severity, coagulopathy, and survival when used over traditional resuscitation fluids such as crystalloid administration or component therapy. SUMMARY The timing of resuscitation and its components deserve special attention when improving outcomes for trauma patients requiring massive transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govind Rangrass
- Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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