Predictive Factors for Massive Transfusion in Trauma: A Novel Clinical Score from an Italian Trauma Center and German Trauma Registry

A novel scoring system for early prediction of massive transfusion requirement in trauma patients

Early resuscitation using blood products is critical for patients with severe hemorrhagic shock. We aimed to develop and validate a new scoring system, hemorrhagic shock transfusion prediction (HSTP) score, to predict the need for massive transfusion (MT) in these patients, compared to the widely used Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) score. Trauma patients admitted to Emtiaz Hospital in Iran from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively included. Patients assigned a code 1 or 2 according to the Emergency severity index (ESI) triage system have been divided into MT and non-MT groups. MT was defined as receiving ≥ 10 units of packed cells (PCs) in 24 h. Demographic information, admission vital signs, and lab results available within 15 min were compared between the groups. A new predictive score was developed using logistic regression of statistically significant parameters. Out of 1029 patients, 651 (63.3%) required MT. An arrival, diastolic blood pressure < 79.5 mm Hg, absolute lymphocyte count > 1850/μL, base excess < - 4.25, and blood glucose > 156 mg/dL were independent predictors included in the HSTP score. The sensitivity and specificity were 74.36% and 53.87% for the HSTP score, compared to 31.03% and 76.16% for the ABC score. Moreover, the positive and negative predictive values were 77.88% and 49.03% for the HSTP score, versus 74.15% and 33.66% for ABC. The new scoring system demonstrated higher sensitivity and improved positive and negative predictive values compared to the ABC score. This score can assist physicians in making accurate transfusion decisions quickly, but further prospective studies are warranted to validate its clinical utility.

Predictors of transfusion in trauma and their utility in the prehospital environment: a scoping review

Background: Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable mortality from trauma, necessitating resuscitation through blood product transfusions. Early and accurate identification of patients requiring transfusions in the prehospital setting may reduce delays in time to transfusion upon arrival to hospital, reducing mortality. The purpose of this study is to characterize existing literature on predictors of transfusion and analyze their utility in the prehospital context.Objectives: The objectives of this study are to characterize the existing quantity and quality of literature regarding predictor scores for transfusion in injured patients, and to analyse the utility of predictor scores for massive transfusions in the prehospital setting and identify prehospital predictor scores for future research.Methods: A search strategy was developed in consultation with information specialists. A literature search of OVID MEDLINE from 1946 to present was conducted for primary studies evaluating the predictive ability of scoring systems or single variables in predicting transfusion in all trauma settings.Results: Of the 5824 studies were identified, 5784 studies underwent title and abstract screening, 94 studies underwent full text review, and 72 studies were included in the final review. We identified 16 single variables and 52 scoring systems for predicting transfusion. Amongst single predictor variables, fluids administered and systolic blood pressure had the highest reported sensitivity (100%) and specificity (89%) for massive transfusion protocol (MTP) activation respectively. Amongst scoring systems for transfusion, the Shock Index and Modified Shock Index had the highest reported sensitivity (96%), while the Pre-arrival Model had the highest reported specificity (95%) for MTP activation. Overall, 20 scores were identified as being applicable to the prehospital setting, 25 scores were identified as being potentially applicable, and seven scores were identified as being not applicable.Conclusions: We identified an extensive list of predictive single variables, validated scoring systems, and derived models for massive transfusion, presented their properties, and identified those with potential utility in the prehospital setting. By further validating applicable scoring tools in the prehospital setting, we may begin to administer more timely transfusions in the trauma population.

Nine year in-hospital mortality trends in a high-flow level one trauma center in Italy

Trauma is the leading cause of death in young people with a considerable socio-economic impact worldwide. A trimodal distribution of trauma mortality was described in the past, but recently different studies underlined a progressive change in trauma mortality distribution linked to improvement in trauma care. This study aimed to analyze the mortality trends in a Level-One Trauma Center in Italy. Data on 6065 patients consecutively admitted to the Trauma Center between 2011 and 2020 were selected and retrospectively analyzed. Causes of Death (CODs) and time of death were stratified in four main groups and the patient sample was further divided into five age groups. Multivariate regression models were then performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. The most common COD in all age groups was Central Nervous System injuries. Immediate deaths (in ED) affected mostly patients over 75 years of age (34.3%). Deaths caused by massive hemorrhage occurred soon upon arrival in the ED, whereas deaths due to other causes (e.g. sepsis, MOF) after the first week. Patients' characteristics, the need for emergency procedures and high trauma severity scores were independent predictors of deaths. This study represented the first analysis on trauma mortality distribution in Italy over a nine-year period. The trimodal distribution described in the past seems to be no longer present in Italy, due to improvements in trauma systems and critical care. However, the high number of immediate and acute deaths underlies a persisting need for efforts in injury prevention and control .

Accuracy of risk tools to predict critical bleeding in major trauma: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Early detection of critical bleeding by accurate tools can help ensure rapid delivery of blood products to improve outcomes in major trauma patients. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the accuracy of risk tools to predict critical bleeding in patients with major trauma.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched up to February 2021 for studies investigating risk tools to predict critical bleeding for major trauma people in prehospital and emergency department. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy study guidelines. Two independent authors included studies, extracted data, appraised the quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 and assessed the certainty of evidence (CoE) using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Sensitivity, specificity, and the receiver operating characteristics curve for all selected triage tools.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine observational studies for adults and 12 observational studies for children met our inclusion criteria. In adults, we found 23 externally validated and 28 unvalidated tools; in children, 3 externally validated tools and 5 unvalidated. In the externally validated tools, we identified those including clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound assessments. Among tools including only a clinical assessment, the Shock Index showed high sensitivity and specificity with the CoE ranging from very low to moderate in adults, as well as Shock Index Pediatric Age adjusted with a moderate CoE. We found that tools using clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound assessments were overall more accurate than those tools without all three components.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should consider risk tools to predict critical bleeding in a time-sensitive setting like major life-threatening trauma. The Shock Index and Shock Index Pediatric Age adjusted are easy and handy tools to predict critical bleeding in the prehospital setting. In the emergency department, however, many other tools can be used, which include laboratory and ultrasound assessments, depending on staff experience and resources.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level III.

Update in combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities

Combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities are conditions in which a multidisciplinary approach is a sine qua non to ensure life initially and limb viability secondarily. Vascular injuries as part of musculoskeletal trauma are usually the result of the release of a high energy load in the wound site so that the prognosis is determined by the degree of soft-tissue damage, duration of limb ischemia, patient's medical status and presence of associated injuries. The management of these injuries is challenging and requires a specific algorithm of action, because they are usually characterized by increased morbidity, amputation rate, infection, neurological and functional deficits, and they could be life threatening. Although vascular injuries are rare and occur either isolated or in the context of major combined musculoskeletal trauma, the high index of suspicion, imaging control, and timely referral of the patient to organized trauma centers ensure the best functional outcome of the extremity in such challenging cases. Even after a successful initial treatment of a combined trauma pattern, long-term follow-up is crucial to prevent and detect early possible complications. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an update on diagnosis and treatment of combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities, from an orthopedic point of view.