Incidence Of Massive Transfusion Research Articles

Tranexamic Acid and Pulmonary Complications: A Secondary Analysis of an EAST Multicenter Trial.

Anti-inflammatory effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing trauma endotheliopathy may protect from acute lung injury. Clinical data showing this benefit in trauma patients is lacking. We hypothesized that TXA administration mitigates pulmonary complications in penetrating trauma patients. This is a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study of adults (18+ years) with penetrating torso and/or proximal extremity injury presenting at 25 urban trauma centers. Tranexamic acid administration in the prehospital setting or within three hours of admission was examined. Participants were propensity matched to compare similarly injured patients. The primary outcome was development of pulmonary complication (ARDS and/or pneumonia). A total of 2382 patients were included, and 206 (8.6%) received TXA. Of the 206, 93 (45%) received TXA prehospital and 113 (55%) received it within three hours of hospital admission. Age, sex, and incidence of massive transfusion did not differ. The TXA group was more severely injured, more frequently presented in shock (SBP < 90 mmHg), developed more pulmonary complications, and had lower survival (P < 0.01 for all). After propensity matching, 410 patients remained (205 in each cohort) with no difference in age, sex, or rate of shock. On logistic regression, increased emergency department heart rate was associated with pulmonary complications. Tranexamic acid was not associated with different rate of pulmonary complications or survival on logistic regression. Survival was not different between the groups on logistic regression or propensity score-matched analysis. Tranexamic acid administration is not protective against pulmonary complications in penetrating trauma patients.

Trends in massive transfusion practice for trauma in Japan from 2011 to 2020: a nationwide inpatient database study

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported conflicting results regarding fresh frozen plasma (FFP)-to-red blood cell (RBC) ratio and platelet-to-RBC ratio on outcomes for massive transfusion for trauma. Moreover, nationwide data on massive transfusion practices for trauma in the real-world clinical setting are scarce. This study aimed to examine the nationwide practice patterns and trends in massive transfusion for trauma in Japan using a national administrative, inpatient database.MethodWe identified patients who underwent emergency hospitalization for trauma and received massive transfusion, defined as administration of at least 20 units of RBC within the first 2 days of admission, using the nationwide inpatient database, which covers approximately 90% of all tertiary emergency hospitals in Japan, between 2011 and 2020. Trends in the incidence and practice patterns of massive transfusion were described by calendar year. The association of practice patterns with mortality or adverse events was tested.ResultsA total of 3,530,846 trauma hospitalizations were identified, of which 5247 (0.15%) received massive transfusion. A significant declining trend was observed in the incidence of massive transfusion in trauma hospitalizations from 0.24% in 2011 to 0.10% in 2020 (P for trend < 0.001). The FFP-to-RBC ratio rose significantly from 0.77 in 2011 to 1.08 in 2020 (P for trend < 0.001), while the platelet-to-RBC ratio remained virtually unchanged from 0.71 in 2011 to 0.78 in 2020 (P for trend 0.060). Massive transfusion with lower FFP-to-RBC (< 0.75) and platelets-to-RBC ratio (< 1.00) were associated with increased in-hospital mortality compared with those ≥ 1.00, while there were linear increases in adverse events with increasing FFP and platelets ratios.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a declining trend in the incidence and a rise in higher FFP-to-RBC ratios in massive transfusion in association with patient outcomes for trauma from 2011 to 2020 in Japan.

Epidemiology of Massive Transfusion - A Common Intervention in Need of a Definition.

While massive transfusion (MT) recipients account for a small proportion of all transfused patients, they account for approximately 10% of blood products issued. Furthermore, MT events pose organizational and logistical challenges for health care providers, laboratory and transfusion services. Overall, the majority of MT events are to support major bleeding in surgical patients, trauma and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The clinical context in which the bleeding event occurred, the number of blood products required, patient age and comorbidities are the most important predictors of outcomes for short- and long-term survival. These data are important to inform blood services, clinicians and health care providers in order to improve care and outcomes for patients with major bleeding. There is no standard accepted definition of MT, with most definitions based on number of blood components administered within a certain time-period or activation of MT protocol. The type of definition used has implications for the clinical characteristics of MT recipients included in epidemiological and interventional studies. In order to understand trends in incidence of MT, variation in blood utilization and patient outcomes, and to harmonize research outcomes, a standard and universally accepted definition of MT is urgently required.

Impact of Clopidogrel Stop Interval on Major Adverse Bleeding Events in Cardiac Surgery

BackgroundMajor societal guidelines recommend a 5-day stop interval before cardiac surgery for patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving clopidogrel. Yet, many such patients present with high acuity, generating surgeon inclination toward use of shorter stop intervals. Thus, this study aimed to determine the impact of the duration and timing of the interval of clopidogrel cessation on adverse bleeding events. MethodsPatients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2009 and 2016 at a tertiary-care centre were included in this retrospective cohort study. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for clopidogrel stop interval, age, urgency of procedure, and procedure type were used to quantify the effect of clinically relevant baseline demographic characteristics on incidence of massive transfusion as well as hemorrhagic complication outcomes. ResultsA total of 5748 patients underwent cardiac surgery. In this cohort, 1743 patients (30.3%) received clopidogrel preoperatively, and 884 (50.7%) of these patients discontinued clopidogrel 5 days before presenting to the operating room. The administration of clopidogrel 1-2 days before surgery (odds ratio 1.97; 95% confidence interval: 1.18 to 3.29) was an independent predictor for massive transfusions and hemorrhagic complications (odds ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 3.37). The 3-4 day group did not have an increased risk of major bleeding complications. The risk for both massive transfusions and hemorrhagic complications also increased with the urgency and complexity of surgery. ConclusionA clopidogrel stop interval of 3-4 days preoperatively was not associated with an increased risk for major bleeding complications.

Prehospital whole blood reduces early mortality in patients with hemorrhagic shock.

Low titer O+ whole blood (LTOWB) is being increasingly used for resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock in military and civilian settings. The objective of this study was to identify the impact of prehospital LTOWB on survival for patients in shock receiving prehospital LTOWB transfusion. A single institutional trauma registry was queried for patients undergoing prehospital transfusion between 2015 and 2019. Patients were stratified based on prehospital LTOWB transfusion (PHT) or no prehospital transfusion (NT). Outcomes measured included emergency department (ED), 6-h and hospital mortality, change in shock index (SI), and incidence of massive transfusion. Statistical analyses were performed. A total of 538 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients undergoing PHT had worse shock physiology (median SI 1.25 vs. 0.95, p < .001) with greater reversal of shock upon arrival (-0.28 vs. -0.002, p < .001). In a propensity-matched group of 214 patients with prehospital shock, 58 patients underwent PHT and 156 did not. Demographics were similar between the groups. Mean improvement in SI between scene and ED was greatest for patients in the PHT group with a lower trauma bay mortality (0% vs. 7%, p=.04). No survival benefit for patients in prehospital cardiac arrest receiving LTOWB was found (p > .05). This study demonstrated that trauma patients who received prehospital LTOWB transfusion had a greater improvement in SI and a reduction in early mortality. Patient with prehospital cardiac arrest did not have an improvement in survival. These findings support LTOWB use in the prehospital setting. Further multi-institutional prospective studies are needed.

Major obstetric haemorrhage in Metro East, Cape Town, South Africa: a population-based cohort study using the maternal near-miss approach

BackgroundMajor obstetric haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and accounts for one-third of maternal deaths in of Africa. This study aimed to assess the population-based incidence, causes, management and outcomes of major obstetric haemorrhage and risk factors associated with poor maternal outcome.MethodsWomen with major obstetric haemorrhage who met the WHO maternal near-miss criteria or died in the Metro East region, Cape Town, South Africa, were evaluated from November 2014–November 2015. Major obstetric haemorrhage was defined as haemorrhage in pregnancies of at least 20 weeks’ gestation or occurring up to 42 days after birth, and leading to hysterectomy, hypovolaemic shock or blood transfusion of ≥5 units of Packed Red Blood Cells. A logistic regression model was used to analyse associations with poor outcome, defined as major obstetric haemorrhage leading to massive transfusion of ≥8 units of packed red blood cells, hysterectomy or death.ResultsThe incidence of major obstetric haemorrhage was 3/1000 births, and the incidence of massive transfusion was 4/10.000 births in the Metro East region (32.862 births occurred during the studied time period). Leading causes of haemorrhage were placental abruption 45/119 (37.8%), complications of caesarean section 29/119 (24.4%) and uterine atony 13/119 (10.9%). Therapeutic oxytocin was administered in 98/119 (82.4%) women and hysterectomy performed in 33/119 (27.7%). The median numbers of packed red blood cells and units of Fresh Frozen Plasma transfused were 6 (interquartile range 4–7) and 3 (interquartile range 2–4), ratio 1.7:1. Caesarean section was independently associated with poor maternal outcome: adjusted OR 4.01 [95% CI 1.58, 10.14].ConclusionsAssessment of major obstetric haemorrhage using the Maternal Near Miss approach revealed that placental abruption and complications of caesarean section were the major causes of major obstetric haemorrhage. Caesarean section was associated with poor outcome.

Incidence of Massive Transfusion and Overall Transfusion Requirements During Lung Transplantation Over a 25-Year Period

To establish the incidence of massive transfusion and overall transfusion requirements during lung transplantation, changes over time, and association with outcome in relation to patient complexity. Retrospective cohort study. University hospital. All 514 adult patients who underwent transplantation from 1990 until 2015. None. Patient records and transfusion data, divided into 5-year intervals, were analyzed. The incidence of massive transfusion (>10 units of red blood cells [RBCs] in 24 h) was 27% and did not change over time, whereas the median (interquartile range) transfusion requirement in the whole cohort decreased from 8 (5-12) to 3 (0-10) RBCs (p < 0.001). In patients transplanted from the intensive care unit, the incidence of massive transfusion increased over time from 25% to 54% (p = 0.04) and median transfusion requirements from 4.5 (3-8.5) units to 14.5 (5-26) units of RBCs (p = 0.03). Multivariable analysis showed that circulatory support, pulmonary hypertension, re-transplantation, cystic fibrosis, Eisenmenger syndrome, bilateral transplantation, and low body mass index were associated with massive transfusion. Patients with massive transfusion had more primary graft dysfunction grade III at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours (p < 0.001), higher 30-day mortality (13% v 4%; p < 0.001), and lower 5-year survival (hazard ratio 3.67 [95% confidence interval 1.72-7.85]; p < 0.001). The incidence of massive transfusion did not change over time, whereas transfusion requirements in the whole cohort decreased. In patients transplanted from the intensive care unit, massive transfusion and transfusion requirements increased. Massive transfusion was associated with poor outcome.

Use of prothrombin complex concentrate for management of coagulopathy after cardiac surgery: a propensity score matched comparison to plasma

BackgroundAn important cause of coagulopathy in cardiac surgery is impaired thrombin generation. While plasma is often used to correct this element of the coagulopathy, studies in vitro suggest that prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) might be more effective. Comparative data, however, are scant. MethodsWe compared the outcomes of those who received only plasma with those who received PCCs (with or without plasma) for management of coagulopathy in patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at a single institution from 2012 to 2016. Propensity score matching was used to obtain between-group balance. Primary outcome was avoidance of perioperative red cell transfusions. Other outcomes were incidence of massive transfusion (more than nine red cell units), refractory bleeding (requiring factor VIIa), and adverse events. ResultsOf 6362 patients, 1151 (18.2%) received plasma without any PCCs, and 204 (3.2%) received PCCs, either with (n=125) or without plasma (n=79). Overall, patient risk-profile was higher in the PCCs group. In a well-balanced propensity score match that included 117 patients per group, the odds ratio (OR) for red cell avoidance was 2.4-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–4.8] higher in the PCCs group. Massive transfusion (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.33–1.0) and refractory bleeding (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.24–1.03) incidences were almost significantly lower in the PCCs group. The adverse event profiles were similar. ConclusionsOur exploratory study suggests that the use of PCCs as part of a multifaceted coagulation management strategy may have blood-sparing effects. Their incorporation into clinical practice, however, must await determination of their risk-benefit profile via multicentre randomised trials.

Aetiology and outcome of massive transfusion in two large London teaching hospitals over a 3‐year period (2012–2014)

The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) the incidence of massive transfusion (MT) (defined as transfusion of ≥5 red-blood-cell (RBC) units within 4 h, and/or ≥10 RBC units within 24 h of bleeding) over a 3-year period; (ii) the cause, and mortality rate of patients who received MT (from any cause); and (iii) the risk factors for death. MT can occur in different clinical settings, yet little is known about its epidemiology/clinical outcomes. Data was extracted using transfusion laboratory information management system (LIMS) and patients' electronic databases. We identified 701 episodes (incidence 1.7 per 1000 admissions [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-1.9], belonging to 678 patients (225 females and 453 males, median age 61). Main causes of MT were cardiac surgery (35%), trauma (28%), medical (10%) and vascular surgery (9%). The overall mortality was 32%, and the median number of days spent in hospital was 14 and 2 for those who survived and those who died, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that cardiac surgery was associated with 56% (95% CI: 9-78%) lower odds of death compared to other surgery, and transfusion of 10-14 RBC and >15 RBC units (compared with 5-9 RBC units) were associated with 2.1 (95% CI: 1.4-3.3) and 9.9 (95% CI: 4.6-21.1) times higher odds of dying, respectively. In-hospital morbidity and mortality of MT is high. Future research should focus on unifying the definition of MT, and early identification of the MT markers in order to improve outcomes.

Epidemiology of Massive Transfusion: A Binational Study From Sweden and Denmark.

There is an increasing focus on massive transfusion, but there is a paucity of comprehensive descriptions of the massively transfused patients and their outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe the incidence rate of massive transfusion, patient characteristics, and the mortality of massively transfused patients. Descriptive cohort study. Nationwide study with data from Sweden and Denmark. The study was based on the Scandinavian Donations and Transfusions database, including all patients receiving 10 or more red cell concentrate transfusions in Sweden from 1987 and in Denmark from 1996. A total of 92,057 patients were included. Patients were followed until the end of 2012. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patients and indications. Post transfusion mortality was expressed as crude 30-day mortality and as long-term mortality using the Kaplan-Meier method and using standardized mortality ratios. The incidence of massive transfusion was higher in Denmark (4.5 per 10,000) than in Sweden (2.5 per 10,000). The most common indication for massive transfusion was major surgery (61.2%) followed by trauma (15.4%). Massive transfusion due to obstetrical bleeding constituted only 1.8%. The overall 5-year mortality was very high (54.6%), however with large differences between indication groups, ranging from 91.1% among those transfused for a malignant disease without surgery to 1.7% among patients transfused for obstetrical bleeding. The early standardized mortality ratios were high and decreased thereafter, but remained elevated throughout the time period. This large-scale study based on nationwide data from Sweden and Denmark describes the complete range of massive transfusion. We report a nonnegligible incidence and both a high absolute mortality and high standardized mortality ratio. The general pattern was similar for Sweden and Denmark, and we believe that similar patterns may be found in other high-resource countries. The study provides a relevant background for clinicians and researchers for designing future studies in this field.

The epidemiology and outcomes of women with postpartum haemorrhage requiring massive transfusion with eight or more units of red cells: a national cross-sectional study.

To ascertain the incidence of massive transfusion (MT) in obstetrics in the UK, and describe its management and clinical outcomes. A population-based cross-sectional study conducted through the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS). All UK hospitals with consultant-led maternity units. Any pregnant woman at ≥20 weeks of gestation receiving ≥8 units of red blood cells within 24 hours of giving birth, from July 2012 to June 2013. Prospective case identification through the monthly mailing of UKOSS. We identified 181 women who had undergone MT, making the estimated incidence of MT associated with postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) 23 per 100 000 maternities (95% confidence interval 19-26) per year. The median estimated blood loss was 6 l (interquartile range 4.5-8.0 l). The majority of women presented outside working hours (63%), 40% had had previous caesarean sections and 3% had normal vaginal births without risk factors. The main cause for MT was uterine atony (40%) and the main mode of birth was caesarean section (69%). Of the 181 women, 15 received >20 units of red blood cells. In total, 45% of women underwent hysterectomy, and among all causes of PPH, placenta accreta had the highest hysterectomy rate. Two women died, 82% were admitted to intensive care/high-dependency units, and 28% developed major morbidities. Massive transfusion due to PPH is associated with high rates of morbidity and hysterectomy. Clinical and research efforts should focus on approaches to recognise and optimise timely resuscitation and management of these severe cases. Massive transfusion due to postpartum haemorrhage is associated with high rates of morbidity and hysterectomy.

First-Line Therapy With Coagulation Factor Concentrates Combined With Point-of-Care Coagulation Testing is Associated With Decreased Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Cardiovascular Surgery

INTRODUCTION Blood transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We developed and implemented an algorithm for coagulation management in cardiovascular surgery based on first-line administration of coagulation factor concentrates combined with point-of-care thromboelastometry/impedance aggregometry. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study including 3,865 patients, we analyzed the incidence of intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusions (primary endpoints) before and after algorithm implementation. RESULTS Following algorithm implementation, the incidence of any allogeneic blood transfusion (52.5 vs. 42.2%; P < 0.0001), packed red blood cells (49.7 vs. 40.4%; P < 0.0001), and fresh frozen plasma (19.4 vs. 1.1%; P < 0.0001) decreased, whereas platelet transfusion increased (10.1 vs. 13.0%; P = 0.0041). Yearly transfusion of packed red blood cells (3,276 vs. 2,959 units; P < 0.0001) and fresh frozen plasma (1986 vs. 102 units; P < 0.0001) decreased, as did the median number of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma per patient. The incidence of fibrinogen concentrate (3.73 vs. 10.01%; P < 0.0001) and prothrombin complex concentrate administration (4.42 vs. 8.9%; P < 0.0001) increased, as did their amount administered per year (179 vs. 702 g; P = 0.0008 and 162 × 10³ U vs. 388 × 10³ U; P = 0.0184, respectively). Despite a switch from aprotinin to tranexamic acid, an increase in use of dual antiplatelet therapy (2.7 vs. 13.7%; P < 0.0001), patients' age, proportion of females, emergency cases, and more complex surgery, the incidence of massive transfusion [(≥10 units packed red blood cells), (2.5 vs. 1.26%; P = 0.0057)] and unplanned reexploration (4.19 vs. 2.24%; P = 0.0007) decreased. Composite thrombotic/thromboembolic events (3.19 vs. 1.77%; P = 0.0115) decreased, but in-hospital mortality did not change (5.24 vs. 5.22%; P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS First-line administration of coagulation factor concentrates combined with point-of-care testing was associated with decreased incidence of blood transfusion and thrombotic/thromboembolic events.

First-line Therapy with Coagulation Factor Concentrates Combined with Point-of-Care Coagulation Testing Is Associated with Decreased Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Cardiovascular Surgery

Blood transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We developed and implemented an algorithm for coagulation management in cardiovascular surgery based on first-line administration of coagulation factor concentrates combined with point-of-care thromboelastometry/impedance aggregometry. In a retrospective cohort study including 3,865 patients, we analyzed the incidence of intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusions (primary endpoints) before and after algorithm implementation. Following algorithm implementation, the incidence of any allogeneic blood transfusion (52.5 vs. 42.2%; P < 0.0001), packed red blood cells (49.7 vs. 40.4%; P < 0.0001), and fresh frozen plasma (19.4 vs. 1.1%; P < 0.0001) decreased, whereas platelet transfusion increased (10.1 vs. 13.0%; P = 0.0041). Yearly transfusion of packed red blood cells (3,276 vs. 2,959 units; P < 0.0001) and fresh frozen plasma (1986 vs. 102 units; P < 0.0001) decreased, as did the median number of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma per patient. The incidence of fibrinogen concentrate (3.73 vs. 10.01%; P < 0.0001) and prothrombin complex concentrate administration (4.42 vs. 8.9%; P < 0.0001) increased, as did their amount administered per year (179 vs. 702 g; P = 0.0008 and 162 × 10³ U vs. 388 × 10³ U; P = 0.0184, respectively). Despite a switch from aprotinin to tranexamic acid, an increase in use of dual antiplatelet therapy (2.7 vs. 13.7%; P < 0.0001), patients' age, proportion of females, emergency cases, and more complex surgery, the incidence of massive transfusion [(≥10 units packed red blood cells), (2.5 vs. 1.26%; P = 0.0057)] and unplanned reexploration (4.19 vs. 2.24%; P = 0.0007) decreased. Composite thrombotic/thromboembolic events (3.19 vs. 1.77%; P = 0.0115) decreased, but in-hospital mortality did not change (5.24 vs. 5.22%; P = 0.98). First-line administration of coagulation factor concentrates combined with point-of-care testing was associated with decreased incidence of blood transfusion and thrombotic/thromboembolic events.

Early risk stratification of patients with major trauma requiring massive blood transfusion

Background There is limited evidence to guide the recognition of patients with massive, uncontrolled hemorrhage who require initiation of a massive transfusion (MT) protocol. Objective To risk stratify patients with major trauma and to predict need for MT. Designs Retrospective analysis of an administrative trauma database of major trauma patients. A regional trauma Centre A regional trauma centres in Hong Kong. Patients Patients with Injury Severity Score ≥9 and age ≥12 years were included. Burn patients, patients with known severe anemia and renal failure, or died within 24 h were excluded. Main outcome measures Delivery of ≥10 units of packed red blood cells (RBC) within 24 h. Results Between 01/01/2001 and 30/06/2009, 1891 patients met the inclusion criteria. 92 patients required ≥10 units RBC within 24 h. Seven variables which were easy to be measured in the ED and significantly predicted the need for MT are heart rate ≥120/min; systolic blood pressure ≤90 mmHg; Glasgow coma scale ≤8; displaced pelvic fracture; CT scan or FAST positive for fluid; base deficit >5 mmol/L; hemoglobin ≤7 g/dL; and hemoglobin 7.1–10 g/dL. At a cut off of ≥6, the overall correct classification for predicting need for MT was 96.9%, with a sensitivity of 31.5% and specificity of 99.7%, and an incidence of MT of 82.9%. The area under the curve was 0.889. Conclusion A prediction rule for determining an increased likelihood for the need for massive transfusion has been derived. This needs validation in an independent data set.

Association of Shock, Coagulopathy, and Initial Vital Signs With Massive Transfusion in Combat Casualties

Timely initiation of a massive transfusion (MT) protocol is associated with improved survival and reduced transfusion for patients requiring MT; however, a priori identification of this population is difficult. The objective of this study was to compare the results of an MT prediction model and actual MT incidence in combat casualties. We performed a retrospective review of the Joint Theater Trauma Registry transfusion database for all US service personnel injured in combat during overseas contingency operations who received at least 1 unit of blood. Systolic blood pressure at the time of admission, heart rate, hemoglobin, international normalized ratio, and base deficit were used in a previously developed prediction model for MT. Casualties (n = 1124) were identified who had received at least 1 unit of blood and had all data points. Of these patients, 420 patients (37%) received an MT. Subjects presenting with any two of four possible variables (heart rate >110, systolic blood pressure <110 mm Hg, base deficit < or = -6, and hemoglobin <11) had a 54% incidence of MT with a model sensitivity of 69%. Patients predicted but not observed to receive an MT had earlier time of death and an increased incidence of head injuries compared with those predicted and observed to receive an MT. Patients not predicted but observed to receive an MT had increased chest, abdominal, and extremity injuries than those neither predicted nor observed to receive an MT. The decision to implement an MT seems to rely heavily on clinical evaluation of severity of abdominal and extremity injury rather than physiologic derangement. Using a model based on the physiologic parameters--a more objective measure--may decrease mortality in combat casualties.

Incidencia y mortalidad de la transfusión masiva en un hospital universitario: estudio del período 2001-2005

There are few epidemiological studies on massive transfusion (MT), although they may be important to evaluate possible strategies to reduce the number of transfused units, as well as transfusion side-effects. We, therefore, retrospectively assessed the incidence of MT at our institution (a 700-bed university hospital) during a 5-year period. Local blood bank records were searched for MT episodes occurred from January 2001 to December 2005. MT was defined as the transfusion of 8 or more packed red cell (PRC) units within 24 h. Patient's clinical data were exclusively gathered from the blood requesting form. Overall, 304 episodes of MT were identified in 288 patients (one episode per week), who received 4,845 PCR units (3,515 units within the first 24 h), because of ruptured aortic aneurism (n = 62), poly-trauma (n = 57), upper digestive bleeding (n = 51), cardiac surgery (n = 41), elective surgery (n = 36), emergency surgery (n = 30), and oncology surgery (n = 27). Mortality rate was 48%, and multivariate analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR] =1.023; 95% confidence interval [CI]. 1.006-1.040) and number of PRC transfused within the first 24 h (OR = 1.094; 95% CI, 1.0032-1.160) as weak but significant independent predictors of mortality, whereas poly-trauma diagnosis was a protective factor (OR = 0.325; 95% CI, 0.112 - 0,940). Overall, the mortality rate among patients receiving MT was very high, and was influenced by the number of transfused units, patient's age, and admitting diagnose. As the majority of the MT episodes occurred within the surgical or polytrauma context, possible strategies to reduce the volume of MT are discussed.