Restrictive Versus Massive Fluid Resuscitation Strategy (REFILL study), influence on blood loss and hemostatic parameters in obstetric hemorrhage: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Postpartum Hemorrhage Management and Blood Component Therapy

This article serves to highlight both the common nature and severity of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Identification of etiologies and management of each is reviewed. In addition, the evaluation and administration of proper blood component therapies and massive transfusion are also explained to help providers become comfortable with early administration and delivery of blood component therapies.

In Vivo Effects of Balanced Crystalloid or Gelatine Infusions on Functional Parameters of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Study

Prudent administration of fluids helps restore or maintain hemodynamic stability in the setting of perioperative blood loss. However, fluids may arguably exacerbate the existing coagulopathy. We sought to investigate the influence of balanced crystalloid and synthetic gelatine infusions on coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy volunteers. This prospective randomized crossover study included 25 males aged 18–30 years. Infusions performed included 20 mL/kg of a balanced crystalloid solution (Optilyte^®) or 20 mL/kg of gelatine 26.500 Da (Geloplasma^®) in a random order over a period of 2 weeks. Laboratory analysis included conventional coagulation parameters and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) assays. We confirmed a decrease in fibrinogen concentration and the number of platelets, and prolongation of PT after infusions. Compared to baseline values, differences in the ROTEM assays’ results after infusions signified the decrease in coagulation factors and fibrinogen concentration, causing impaired fibrin polymerization and clot structure. The ROTEM indicator of clot lysis remained unaffected. In the case of both Optilyte^® and Geloplasma^®, the results suggested relevant dilution. Gelatine disrupted the process of clot formation more than balanced crystalloid. Infusions of both crystalloid and saline-free colloid solutions causing up to 30% blood dilution cause significant dilution of the coagulation factors, platelets, and fibrinogen. However, balanced crystalloid infusion provides less infusion-induced coagulopathy compared to gelatine.

Restrictive versus liberal fluid resuscitation strategy, influence on blood loss and hemostatic parameters in mild obstetric hemorrhage: An open-label randomized controlled trial. (REFILL study)

Background

Evidence for optimal hemostatic resuscitation in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is lacking. Liberal fluid administration may result in acidosis, hypothermia and coagulopathy.

Objective

We hypothesize that in early PPH a restrictive fluid administration results in less progression to moderate PPH.

Study design

In four Dutch hospitals we recruited women of 18 years and over, and more than 24 weeks pregnant. Exclusion criteria were: anticoagulant therapy, known coagulation disorders, pre-eclampsia, antenatal diagnosis of abnormally adhesive placenta, and a contraindication for liberal fluid therapy. We blindly randomized participants at 500 mL and ongoing blood loss in the third stage of labor between restrictive fluid administration (clear fluids 0.75–1.0 times the volume of blood lost) and liberal fluid administration (clear fluids 1.5–2.0 times the volume of blood lost). The primary outcome was progression to more than 1000 mL blood loss. Analyses were according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Results

From August 2014 till September 2019, 5190 women were informed of whom 1622 agreed to participate. A total of 252 women were randomized of which 130 were assigned to the restrictive group and 122 to the liberal group. In the restrictive management group 51 of the 130 patients (39.2%) progressed to more than 1000 mL blood loss versus 61 of the 119 patients (51.3%) in the liberal management group (difference, -12.0% [95%-CI -24.3% to 0.3%], p = 0.057). There was no difference in the need for blood transfusion, coagulation parameters, or in adverse events between the groups.

Conclusions

Although a restrictive fluid resuscitation in women with mild PPH could not been proven to be superior, it does not increase the need for blood transfusion, alter coagulation parameters, or cause a rise in adverse events. It can be considered as an alternative treatment option to liberal fluid resuscitation.

Trial registration

NTR3789.

Fluid resuscitation in trauma: what are the best strategies and fluids?

BACKGROUND

Traumatic injuries pose a global health problem and account for about 10% global burden of disease. Among injured patients, the major cause of potentially preventable death is uncontrolled post-traumatic hemorrhage.

MAIN BODY

This review discusses the role of prehospital trauma care in low-resource/remote settings, goals, principles and evolving strategies of fluid resuscitation, ideal resuscitation fluid, and post-resuscitation fluid management. Management of fluid resuscitation in few special groups is also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Prehospital trauma care systems reduce mortality in low-resource/remote settings. Delayed resuscitation seems a better option when transport time to definitive care is shorter whereas goal-directed resuscitation with low-volume crystalloid seems a better option if transport time is longer. Few general recommendations regarding the choice of fluid are provided. Adhering to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and local modifications based on patient population, available resources, and expertise will improve patient outcomes.

Effect of early restrictive fluid resuscitation on inflammatory and immune factors in patients with severe pelvic fracture

PURPOSE

To study the effect of early restrictive fluid resuscitation (EFR) on inflammatory and immune factors in patients with severe pelvic fracture (SPF).

METHODS

A total of 174 SPF patients in the Department of Orthopaedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College from July 2015 to June 2018 were involved in this study and divided into EFR group (n = 87) and control group (n = 87) using the random number table method. Conventional fluid resuscitation (CFR) was performed in control group, and EFR was performed in EFR group. The incidences of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during rescue, successful rescue rate, blood transfusion volume, fluid input, and resuscitation time were compared between the two groups. The parameters including prothrombin time (PT), hematocrit (HCT), platelet (PLT) and blood lactate (BL) at the 4th hour after fluid resuscitation were recorded. The levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP) and immune factors (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD4+/CD8+) were compared between the two groups before treatment and 7 days after treatment. The revised acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation system and the sequential organ failure assessment scores were adopted for evaluation before treatment and 7 days after treatment.

RESULTS

The incidences of ARDS and MODS during rescue in EFR group were significantly lower than those in control group (p=0.015 and 0.010 respectively), and the successful rescue rate in EFR group was significantly higher than that in control group (p = 0.011). The blood transfusion volume, fluid input, resuscitation time in EFR group were significantly lower than those in control group (p = 0.016, 0.002 and 0.001 respectively). At the 4th hour after fluid resuscitation, PT and BL in EFR group were significantly lower than those in control group (p = 0.021 and 0.003 respectively), while HCT and PLT in EFR group were significantly higher than those in control group (p = 0.016 and 0.021 respectively). On day 7 after treatment, TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and CD8⁺ in EFR group were significantly lower than those in control group (p = 0.003, 0.004, 0.007 and 0.003 respectively), while CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and CD4+/CD8+ in EFR group were significantly higher than those in control group (p = 0.004, 0.000, 0.007 respectively). On day 7 after treatment, the revised acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) system and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores in EFR group were significantly lower than those in control group.

CONCLUSION

EFR can effectively eliminate inflammatory factors, improve immune function, maintain the stability of blood components, reduce the incidences of ARDS and MODS, and elevate the successful rescue rate in patients with SPF.