Total Blood Product Research Articles

Perioperative Management of Pediatric Combined Heart and Liver Transplantation: A 17 year single center experience.

An increasing number of centers are undertaking combined heart and liver transplantation in adult and pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. The primary aim of this study was to describe the perioperative management of a single center cohort, identifying challenges and potential solutions. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing combined heart and liver transplantation at Stanford Children's Hospital from 2006 to 2022. Preoperative information included cardiac diagnosis, hemodynamics, and severity of liver disease. Intraoperative data included length of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and blood products transfused. Postoperative data included blood products transfused in the intensive care unit, time to extubation, length of intensive care unit stay, survival outcomes and 30-day adverse events. Eighteen patients underwent en bloc combined heart and liver transplantation at Stanford Children's Hospital from 2006 to 2022, and the majority 15 (83%) were transplanted for failing Fontan circulation with Fontan Associated Liver Disease. Median surgical procedure time was 13.4 [11.5, 14.5] h with a cardiopulmonary bypass time of 4.3 [3.9, 5.8] h. Median total blood products transfused in the operating room post cardiopulmonary bypass was 89.4 [63.9, 127.0] mLs/kg. Nine patients (50%) had vasoplegia during cardiopulmonary bypass. Activated prothrombin complex concentrates were used post cardiopulmonary bypass in 15 (83%) patients with a 30-day thromboembolism rate of 22%. Median time to extubation was 4.0 [2.8, 6.5] days, median intensive care unit length of stay 20.0 [7.8, 48.3] days and median hospital length of stay 54.0 [30.5, 68.3] days. Incidence of renal replacement therapy was 11%; however, none required renal replacement therapy by the time of hospital discharge. Neurological events within 30 days were 17% and the 30 day and 1 year survival was 89%. Perioperative challenges include major perioperative bleeding, unstable hemodynamics, and end organ injury including acute kidney injury and neurological events. Successful outcomes for en bloc combined heart and liver transplantation are possible with careful multidisciplinary planning, communication, patient selection, and integrated peri-operative management.

Intraoperative Factors Affecting Pain Management and Postoperative Narcotic Use in Cranial Vault Remodeling: A Retrospective Review

Perioperative pain control in open cranial vault reconstruction (CVR) poses significant challenges. Narcotic use may confound signs of neurological deterioration and cause medication-induced complications. Previous studies have shown improved health outcomes in CVR with reduced narcotic use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between modifiable intraoperative factors on postoperative narcotic use. A retrospective cohort study was performed on 237 patients with craniosynostosis who presented to a tertiary pediatric hospital over a 10-year period for open CVR. There was a statistically significant relationship between total fluid volume infused intraoperatively (mL/kg) and total morphine equivalents (MEs, mL/kg) given throughout hospitalization (P< 0.001). Longer operative times were associated with greater total hospitalization ME (P ≤ 0.006) and total intraoperative blood products transfused (P ≤ 0.001). Patients who received drains were given significantly higher total hospitalization ME compared with those who did not (P< 0.001). Patients who received postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs required significantly fewer total ME compared with children who did not (P< 0.005) and patients who received intraoperative tranexamic acid were less likely to require postoperative blood transfusion (P< 0.001). Postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with decreased narcotic requirements during the immediate postoperative period whereas increased fluid requirements intraoperatively, longer operative durations, and drain placement are associated with higher narcotic use. Modifying intraoperative factors like these may lead to decreased postoperative pain, thus limiting narcotic use for patients, and improving overall outcomes.

Bloodless lung transplantation: Comparison between 2 central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation anticoagulation strategies and their impact on lung transplant outcomes

ObjectiveTo report differences between 2 anticoagulation protocols during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) intraoperative support and their effects on outcomes after lung transplantation. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing double-lung transplantation with intraoperative VA-ECMO from January 1, 2016, to December 30, 2023. Two distinct anticoagulation protocols were in place during this period. One included targeted activated clotting time >180 seconds at all times with protamine reversal after decannulation. The second included 75 units per kilogram of heparin at the time of cannulation with no redosing plus a tranexamic acid infusion after ECMO initiation. ResultsA total of 116 patients (46 low heparin, 70 standard) were included in the analysis. Cannulation strategies and ECMO circuit were equivalent between the groups. The low-dose heparin protocol group had a shorter surgical time (7.28 hours vs 8.53 hours, P < .001) and required significantly less intraoperative packed red blood cells (median 0 vs 4.37 units, P < .001), fresh-frozen plasma (median 0 vs 2 units, P < .001), platelets (median 0 vs 1 units, P < .001), cryoprecipitate (median 0 vs 0 units, P < .001), and total blood products (median 0 vs 9 units, P < .001) compared with the standard group. There were no differences in rates of deep vein thrombosis (P = .13), airway dehiscence (P > .99), pneumonia (P = .38), or acute kidney injury requiring renal-replacement therapy (P = .59). There was no difference in rates of severe grade 3 primary graft dysfunction at 72 hours after transplant (P = .42). ConclusionsOur low-dose heparin VA-ECMO protocol for intraoperative support during lung transplantation led to a significant reduction of blood product use. Although this did not translate to a reduced rates of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction, the low-dose heparin protocol was associated with similar postoperative outcomes.

Perioperative Fluid Management in Paediatric Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

Perioperative fluid management remains a challenging aspect of paediatric liver transplantation (LT) because of the risk of postoperative complications and haemodynamic instability. Limited research has specifically investigated the impact of fluid management and transfusion on mortality and morbidity in pediatric LT patients. This systematic review summarizes the evidence regarding perioperative fluid management and its clinical outcomes in paediatric LT patients. All primary studies published in English evaluating perioperative fluid management in paediatric LT patients were eligible. PubMed, EBSCOHost, Embase, Proquest, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to December 19, 2023. Risks of bias were assessed using the Joanna-Briggs Institute checklist. The results were synthesized narratively. Five retrospective cohort studies of good-excellent quality were included in this review. Two studies evaluated intraoperative fluid administration, one study compared postoperative fluid balance (FB) with outcomes, and two studies compared massive versus non-massive transfusion. A higher mortality rate was associated with intravenous lactated ringer's (LR) than with normal saline, but not with massive transfusion (MT). Longer hospital stays were correlated with MT, >20% positive FB in the first 72 hours, and greater total intraoperative blood product administration. Higher intraoperative fluid administration was associated with a greater thrombotic risk. Additionally, intraoperative MT and lR infusion were associated with an increased risk of 30-day graft loss and graft dysfunction, respectively. Fluid management may impact the outcomes of paediatric LT recipients. These findings underscore the need for more studies to explore the best fluid management and evaluation strategies for children undergoing LT.

Impact of emergency department boarding on patients outcomes in hip fractures

BackgroundBoarding time in the Emergency Department (ED) is an area of concern for all patients and potentially more problematic for the hip fracture population. Identifying patient outcomes impacted by ED boarding and improving emergent care to reduce surgical delay for this patient population is a recognized opportunity. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of ED boarding in relation to patient outcomes in the surgical hip fracture population. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of hip fracture patients who presented at the ED of a Level 1 trauma center between January 2020 and December 2021. Patients were categorized into four quartiles based on boarding time. Study outcomes—hospital length of stay, time to surgery, visit to ICU post-operative, total blood products, in-hospital complications, discharge disposition, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day readmission—were compared among these four quartiles. ResultsThe outcome endpoints were comparable among the four quartiles except for time to surgery. Time to surgery significantly differed among the quartiles, increasing from 20.39 to 29.03 h (p < 0.001) from the first to fourth quartile. ConclusionIn contrast to the existing literature, ED boarding in our study was not associated with adverse outcomes except for time to surgery. By expediting the time to surgery in accordance with established guidelines, adverse outcomes were mitigated even when our patients boarded for a longer duration. System processes including a 24/7 trauma nurse practitioner model, availability of in-house orthopedic surgeons, and timely cardiac evaluation need to be considered in relation to time to surgery, in turn impacting ED boarding and patient outcomes.

Whole blood: Total blood product ratio impacts survival in injured children.

Some studies in both children and adults have shown a mortality benefit for the use of low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) compared with component therapy for traumatic resuscitation. Although LTOWB is not widely available at pediatric trauma centers, its use is increasing. We hypothesized that in children who received whole blood after injury, the proportion of whole blood in relation to the total blood product resuscitation volume would impact survival. The trauma database from a single academic pediatric Level I trauma center was queried for pediatric (age <18 years) recipients of LTOWB after injury (years 2015-2022). Weight-based blood product (LTOWB, red blood cells, plasma, and platelet) transfusion volumes during the first 24 hours of admission were recorded. The ratio of LTOWB to total transfusion volume was calculated. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for the following variables: age, sex, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, shock index, and Glasgow Coma Scale score. Adjusted odds ratio representing the change in the odds of mortality by a 10% increase in the LTOWB/total transfusion volume ratio was reported. There were 95 pediatric LTOWB recipients included in the analysis, with median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 10 years (5-14 years), 58% male, median (IQR) Injury Severity Score of 26 (17-35), 25% penetrating mechanism. The median (IQR) volume of LTOWB transfused was 17 mL/kg (15-35 mL/kg). Low titer group O whole blood comprised a median (IQR) of 59% (33-100%) of the total blood product resuscitation. Among patients who received LTOWB, there was a 38% decrease in in-hospital mortality for each 10% increase in the proportion of WB within total transfusion volume ( p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, shock index, and Glasgow Coma Scale score. Increased proportions of LTOWB within the total blood product resuscitation was independently associated with survival in injured children. Based on existing data that suggests safety and improved outcomes with whole blood, consideration may be given to increasing the use of LTOWB over CT resuscitation in pediatric trauma resuscitation. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Impact of hypocalcemia on mortality in pediatric trauma patients who require transfusion.

Admission hypocalcemia has been associated with poor outcomes in injured adults. The impact of hypocalcemia on mortality has not been widely studied in pediatric trauma. A pediatric trauma center database was queried retrospectively (2013-2022) for children younger than 18 years who received blood transfusion within 24 hours of injury and had ionized calcium (iCal) level on admission. Children who received massive transfusion (>40 mL/kg) prior to hospital arrival or calcium prior to laboratory testing were excluded. Hypocalcemia was defined by the laboratory lower limit (iCal <1.00). Main outcomes were in-hospital mortality and 24-hour blood product requirements. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for Injury Severity Score (ISS), admission shock index, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and weight-adjusted total transfusion volume. In total, 331 children with median (IQR) age of 7 years (2-3 years) and median (IQR) ISS 25 (14-33) were included, 32 (10%) of whom were hypocalcemic on arrival to the hospital. The hypocalcemic cohort had higher ISS (median (IQR) 30(24-36) vs. 22 (13-30)) and lower admission GCS score (median (IQR) 3 (3-12) vs. 8 (3-15)). Age, sex, race, and mechanism were not significantly different between groups. On univariate analysis, hypocalcemia was associated with increased in-hospital (56% vs. 18%; p < 0.001) and 24-hour (28% vs. 5%; p < 0.001) mortality. Children who were hypocalcemic received a median (IQR) of 22 mL/kg (7-38) more in total weight-adjusted 24-hour blood product transfusion following admission compared to the normocalcemic cohort ( p = 0.005). After adjusting for ISS, shock index, GCS score, and total transfusion volume, hypocalcemia remained independently associated with increased 24-hour (odds ratio, 4.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-13.77; p = 0.002) and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-9.51; p = 0.019). Hypocalcemia is independently associated with mortality and receipt of greater weight-adjusted volumes of blood product transfusion after injury in children. The benefit of timely calcium administration in pediatric trauma needs further exploration. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Higher Doses of Calcium Associated With Survival in Trauma Patients

IntroductionCalcium is required for coagulation, cardiac output, and peripheral vascular resistance. Between 85% and 94% of trauma patients treated with massive blood transfusion develop hypocalcemia.1 The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between increased intravenous calcium administration during massive transfusion and improved survival of trauma patients. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of trauma patients who received massive transfusion over a 2-y period. Doses of elemental calcium administered per unit of blood product transfused were calculated by calcium to blood product ratio (CBR). Chi-square test evaluated association between coagulopathy and 30-d mortality. Two-sample t-test evaluated association between CBR and coagulopathy. Bivariate regression analysis evaluated association between CBR and blood products transfused per patient. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, sex, coagulopathy, and Injury Severity Score evaluated the association between CBR and mortality. ResultsThe study included 77 patients. Coagulopathy was associated with increased 30-d mortality (P < 0.05). Patients who survived had higher CBR than those who died (P < 0.05). CBR was associated with a significant reduction in total blood products transfused per patient (P < 0.05). CBR was not associated with coagulopathy (P = 0.24). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Injury Severity Score ≥16, coagulopathy and decreased CBR were significant predictors of mortality (P < 0.05). CBR above 50 mg was a predictor of survival (P < 0.05). ConclusionsHigher doses of calcium given per blood product transfused were associated with improved 30-d survival and decreased blood product transfusions.

Correlation Between Shock Index and Mortality in the Prehospital and Level 1 Rural Trauma Center Emergency Department Settings

Background: The shock index is a valid tool used to detect impending circulatory collapse in the pre-hospital setting. As validation of the shock index requires high sample sizes, the majority of retrospective studies have been performed at urban level 1 trauma centers. We hypothesized that the shock index would accurately predict mortality in a rural level 1 trauma center. Objective - Determine if the shock index continues to be a reliable predictive value in trauma patients for morbidity and mortality. Setting - This retrospective study was performed at a state-designated level 1 trauma center in Johnson City, Tennessee. Patients were excluded from the study if they were under the age of 18, not immediately transported to the trauma center or if insufficient data was available. The shock index was calculated as heart rate/systolic blood pressure. Both the prehospital and emergency department shock indexes were calculated, with the emergency department vital signs being the first upon arrival. Patients were divided into three categories: SI ≤ 0.7, 0.71-0.89, and ≥ 0.9. We assessed the relationship between SI, blood product usage, and outcome variables using Pearson correlation coefficients and logistic regression. Chi-square analysis was used to show the difference in mortality between the groups. Results - A higher shock index score after arrival to the emergency department experienced longer hospital, intensive care unit, and mechanical ventilation days, injury severity scores, packed red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and total blood product usage. Mortality was higher in the groups with an SI of ≥ 0.9 at the scene and arrival to the emergency department. Conclusion - Patients with a shock index &gt; 0.71-0.89 in both prehospital and emergency departments had higher mortality rates and need for transfusion. The shock index continues to be a reliable predictive value in trauma patients for morbidity and mortality.

A Randomized Comparison of Two Doses of Tranexamic Acid in High-Risk Open-Heart Surgery

Background and aims: Tranexamic acid is commonly used in cardiac surgery to minimize perioperative bleeding. There are wide variations in dose of this drug. This study aims to find out the minimal effective dose of tranexamic acid. Methods: Patients were randomized into low dose group receiving 10 mg/kg and high dose group receiving 30 mg/kg bolus of tranexamic acid each followed by an infusion of 1mg/kg/hr until the end of surgery. Primary objective was to compare blood loss during the first postoperative day. Secondary objectives were to compare total blood products transfused during 24 hours post-operative period, to compare the incidence of re-explorations and to compare the adverse drug reactions between the groups. Results: There were sixty patients in each group. There was a signifcant difference in blood loss (435.17± 299.91 ml vs 528.64 ±254.04 ml) between the low dose group and dose group (p=0.010). Transfusion of packed red blood cell, re-exploration and adverse drug reactions were higher in high dose group however these were not statistically signifcant. Conclusion: Higher dose of tranexamic acid is not effective in reducing blood loss in open heart surgery in first postoperative day.

Outcomes of trauma patients on chronic antithrombotic therapies in a trauma center in a rural state

ObjectiveThe number of trauma patients presenting with chronic antithrombotic therapy is on the rise. The risk of hemorrhage, the leading cause of death in trauma patients, increases for those on such therapy. This study sought to compare the clinical outcomes of patients on warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), or antiplatelet agents. MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on adult patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center with pre-admission antithrombotic therapy. Patients were divided into those on warfarin, DOACs, and antiplatelet agents. The primary outcomes measured were hospital mortality, total blood products received, hospital length of stay (LOS), and ICU LOS. Results738 patients were included in the study: 191 (26 %) warfarin, 260 (35 %) DOACs, and 287 (39 %) antiplatelet. There were no differences in the demographic variables between study groups. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was similar across the three groups as well as blood product usage, reversal agent usage, and mean hospital stay. Multivariable regression showed patients with pre-admission antiplatelet usage were more likely to have a shorter ICU LOS than those on warfarin (p = 0.048). ConclusionBlood product and reversal agent use was similar between patients on warfarin, DOACs, or antiplatelet agents. Patients on antiplatelet agents had a shorter ICU stay than the warfarin group, the only significant difference observed. Our results indicate similar safety profiles of antithrombotic medications in a generic trauma population, likely due to institutional protocols to increase responsiveness and immediate availability of resources when the patient has known anticoagulation.

Doing more with less: low-titer group O whole blood resulted in less total transfusions and an independent association with survival in adults with severe traumatic hemorrhage

BackgroundLow-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) or component therapy (CT) may be used to resuscitate hemorrhaging trauma patients. LTOWB may have clinical and logistical benefits and may improve survival. ObjectivesWe hypothesized LTOWB would improve 24-hour survival in hemorrhaging patients and would be safe and equally efficacious in non–group O compared with group O patients. MethodsAdult trauma patients with massive transfusion protocol activations were enrolled in this observational study. The primary outcome was 24-hour mortality. Secondary outcomes included 72-hour total blood product use. A Cox regression determined the independent associations with 24-hour mortality. ResultsIn total, 348 patients were included (CT, n = 180; LTOWB, n = 168). Demographics were similar between cohorts. Unadjusted 24-hour mortality was reduced in LTOWB vs CT: 8% vs 19% (P = .003), but 6-hour and 28-day mortality were similar. In an adjusted analysis with multivariable Cox regression, LTOWB was independently associated with reduced 24-hour mortality (hazard ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.67; P = .004). LTOWB patients received significantly less 72-hour total blood products (80.9 [41.6-139.3] mL/kg vs 48.9 [25.9-106.9] mL/kg; P < .001). In stratified 24-hour survival analyses, LTOWB was associated with improved survival for patients in shock or with coagulopathy. LTOWB use in non–group O patients was not associated with increased mortality, organ injury, or adverse events. ConclusionIn this hypothesis-generating study, LTOWB use was independently associated with improved 24-hour survival, predominantly in patients with shock or coagulopathy. LTOWB also resulted in a 40% reduction in blood product use which equates to a median 2.4 L reduction in transfused products.

Implementation of a Bleeding Management Algorithm in Liver Transplantation: A Pilot Study

Objectives: The aims of the study were to compare the consumption of blood products before and after the implementation of a bleeding management algorithm in patients undergoing liver transplantation and to determine the feasibility of a multicentre, randomized study. Background: Liver transplantation remains the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, but it carries a high risk of surgical bleeding. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of patients treated before (group 1) and after (group 2) implementation of a haemostatic algorithm guided by viscoelastic testing, including use of lyophilized coagulation factor concentrates (prothrombin complex and fibrinogen concentrates). Primary outcome was the number of units of blood products transfused in 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, mortality, and cost. Results: Data from 30 consecutive patients was analysed; 14 in group 1 and 16 in group 2. Baseline data were similar between groups. Median total blood product consumption 24 h after surgery was 33 U (IQR: 11–57) in group 1 and 1.5 (0–23.5) in group 2 (p = 0.028). Significantly fewer units of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate were transfused in group 2 versus group 1. There was no significant difference in complications, hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality between groups. The cost of haemostatic therapy was non-significantly lower in group 2 versus group 1 (7,400 vs. 15,500 USD; p = 0.454). Conclusion: The haemostatic management algorithm was associated with a significant reduction in blood product use during 24 h after liver transplantation. This study demonstrated the feasibility and provided a sample size calculation for a larger, randomized study.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate vs Factor VII for Refractory Bleeding in Cardiac Surgery

BackgroundPerioperative bleeding remains an important complication of cardiac surgery. Current guidelines support goal-directed use of coagulation factor concentrates in refractory bleeding, but the optimal strategy is unclear. Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) has theoretical advantages over recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) because of expanded mechanistic targets and lower rates of adverse events, but comparative data are limited. MethodsWe pursued a retrospective cohort study assessing the implementation of an institutional treatment algorithm for refractory bleeding in cardiac surgery that mediated a practice change in preferred factor product from rFVIIa to 4F-PCC. All cardiac surgery patients at 2 large community hospitals who received 4F-PCC or rFVIIa during 2019-2020 were assessed for inclusion. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. ResultsA total of 42 patients met study criteria. Mortality was nonsignificantly lower in the 4F-PCC group (7.1% vs 28.6%; P = .16), as were median total blood products transfused (15 vs 25.5 units; P = .11), although median units of cryoprecipitate were significantly lower (0.5 vs 2 units; P = .01). Average factor product medication charge per patient was significantly lower in the 4F-PCC group ($9772 vs $50,293; P < .001). ConclusionsA 4F-PCC–based strategy for refractory bleeding in cardiac surgery was associated with reduced cryoprecipitate transfusion and medication costs without significant differences in inpatient mortality or total transfusion exposure. Trends toward decreased mortality and transfusions observed in this quality improvement study should be explored in larger prospective trials.

Finding the bleeding edge: 24-hour mortality by unit of blood product transfused in combat casualties from 2002-2020.

Transfusion studies in civilian trauma patients have tried to identify a general futility threshold. We hypothesized that in combat settings there is no general threshold where blood product transfusion becomes unbeneficial to survival in hemorrhaging patients. We sought to assess the relationship between the number of units of blood products transfused and 24-hour mortality in combat casualties. A retrospective analysis of the Department of Defense Trauma Registry supplemented with data from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner. Combat casualties who received at least one unit of blood product at US military medical treatment facilities (MTFs) in combat settings (2002-2020) were included. The main intervention was the total units of any blood product transfused, which was measured from the point of injury until 24 hours after admission from the first deployed MTF. The primary outcome was discharge status (alive, dead) at 24 hours from time of injury. Of 11,746 patients included, the median age was 24 years, and most patients were male (94.2%) with penetrating injury (84.7%). The median injury severity score was 17 and 783 (6.7%) patients died by 24 hours. Median units of blood products transfused was 8. Most blood products transfused were red blood cells (50.2%), followed by plasma (41.1%), platelets (5.5%), and whole blood (3.2%). Among the 10 patients who received the most units of blood product (164 units to 290 units), 7 survived to 24 hours. The maximum amount of total blood products transfused to a patient who survived was 276 units. Of the 58 patients who received over 100 units of blood product, 20.7% died by 24 hours. While civilian trauma studies suggest the possibility of futility with ultra-massive transfusion, we report that the majority (79.3%) of combat casualties who received transfusions greater than 100 units survived to 24 hours. These results do not support a threshold for futility of blood product transfusion. Further analysis as to predictors for mortality will help in situations of blood product and resource constraints. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

The impact of thromboelastography on patients with penetrating abdominal trauma requiring intensive care.

Trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is a complex multifaceted process which contributes to higher mortality rates in severely injured trauma patients. Thromboelastography (TEG) is effective in detecting TIC which assists in instituting goal-directed therapy as part of damage control resuscitation. This retrospective study included all adult patients over a 36-month period with penetrating abdominal trauma who required a laparotomy, blood products and admission for critical care. Analysis included demographics, admission data, 24-hour interventions, TEG parameters and 30-day outcomes. Eighty-four patients with a median age of 28 years were included. The majority (93%; 78/84) suffered from a gunshot injury, with 75% (63/84) receiving a damage control laparotomy. Forty-eight patients (57%) had a TEG. Injury severity score and total fluid and blood product administered in the first 24 hours were all significantly higher in patients who had a TEG (p < 0.05). TEG profiles were: 42% (20/48) normal, 42% (20/48) hypocoagulable, 12% (6/48) hypercoagulable and 4% (2/48) mixed parameters. Fibrinolysis profiles were: 48% (23/48) normal, 44% (21/48) fibrinolysis shutdown and 8% (4/48) hyperfibrinolysis. Mortality rate was 5% (4/84) at 24 hours and 26% (22/84) at 30 days, with no difference between the two groups. High-grade complication rates, days on a ventilator and intensive care unit length of stay were all significantly higher in patients who did not have a TEG. TIC is common in severely injured penetrating trauma patients. The usage of a thromboelastogram did not impact on 24-hour or 30-day mortality but did result in a decreased intensive care stay and a decreased high-grade complication rate.

The Effect of Implementation of a Standardized Multidisciplinary Placenta Accreta Spectrum Team: A Quality Improvement Initiative [ID: 1377806

INTRODUCTION: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary team and standardized protocol for identified PAS cases were created to provide a clear preoperative plan for mitigation of intraoperative blood loss, and surgical and postoperative complications. METHODS: This is an ongoing quality improvement study. The PAS team was implemented January 2021. All cases of PAS resulting in cesarean hysterectomy from January 2018 through August 2022 at a single regional perinatal center were included. Estimated blood loss (EBL), number of blood products (packed red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma), whether surgical complication was incurred, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS were compared. T tests and χ2 were used to calculate significance. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases were reviewed, 18 cases before implementation of the PAS team, 20 after. Average EBL was 3,800 mL pre-team, 3,191 mL post-team (P=.522). Pre-team average units of packed red cells were 4.67, 3.55 post-team (P=.199); platelets 1.72 versus 1.35 units (P=.424); fresh frozen plasma 0.67 versus 0.55 units (P=.581). Average ICU LOS and hospital LOS pre-team were 0.67 and 3.56 days, 0.30 (P=.121) and 3.35 (P=.434) days, respectively, post-team. CONCLUSION: Estimated blood loss, total blood products, occurrence of surgical complication, ICU LOS, and hospital LOS were decreased after implementation of a PAS multidisciplinary team. Statistical insignificance in all parameters was attributable to small sample size necessitating further future analysis with additional cases. A standardized multidisciplinary approach to PAS may demonstrate morbidity reduction.

The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated: An evaluation of futility cut points in massive transfusion.

Following COVID and the subsequent blood shortage, several investigators evaluated futility cut points in massive transfusion. We hypothesized that early aggressive use of damage-control resuscitation, including whole blood (WB), would demonstrate that these cut points of futility were significantly underestimating potential survival among patients receiving >50 U of blood in the first 4 hours. Adult trauma patients admitted from November 2017 to October 2021 who received emergency-release blood products in prehospital or emergency department setting were included. Deaths within 30 minutes of arrival were excluded. Total blood products were defined as total red blood cell, plasma, and WB in the field and in the first 4 hours after arrival. Patients were first divided into those receiving ≤50 or >50 U of blood in the first 4 hours. We then evaluated patients by whether they received any WB or received only component therapy. Thirty-day survival was evaluated for all included patients. A total of 2,299 patients met the inclusion criteria (2,043 in ≤50 U, 256 in >50 U groups). While there were no differences in age or sex, the >50 U group was more likely to sustain penetrating injury (47% vs. 30%, p < 0.05). Patients receiving >50 U of blood had lower field and arrival blood pressure and larger prehospital and emergency department resuscitation volumes ( p < 0.05). Patients in the >50 U group had lower survival than those in the ≤50 cohort (31% vs. 79%; p < 0.05). Patients who received WB (n = 1,291) had 43% increased odds of survival compared with those who received only component therapy (n = 1,008) (1.09-1.87, p = 0.009) and higher 30-day survival at transfusion volumes >50 U. Patient survival rates in patients receiving >50 U of blood in the first 4 hours of care are as high as 50% to 60%, with survival still at 15% to 25% after 100 U. While responsible blood stewardship is critical, futility should not be declared based on high transfusion volumes alone. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Effect of Race and Insurance on Outcomes in Women With Placenta Accreta Spectrum [ID: 1374697

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated whether maternal race and insurance status affect outcomes in pregnancies diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). METHODS: This was an IRB-approved retrospective cohort study including women diagnosed with PAS from January 2013 to December 2021 at a single academic institution. Women were grouped based on race and insurance status. Primary outcome was intraoperative complications including PPH, uterine rupture, cystotomy, and ureteral injury. Secondary outcomes included total blood products, length of stay, and postdischarge complications (readmission, infection, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and venous thromboembolism). Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 tests, Student t tests, and logistic regression modeling, with statistical significance defined as P&lt;.05. RESULTS: A total of 72 pregnancies with PAS were included. The majority of patients were Caucasian (69.0%), followed by Hispanic (14.1%), African American (11.3%), Asian/Pacific Islander (2.8%), and other (2.8%). 27 women (37.5%) had government-assisted insurance. There was no association between race and preoperative multidisciplinary planning (P=.223), planned hysterectomy (P=.926), or composite of any intraoperative complications (P=.141). Race did not predict receiving greater than five blood products (P=.623), ICU admission (P=.447), or composite of any postdischarge complication (P=.103). Similarly, there was no association with the above outcomes based on insurance status. Government-assisted insurance did predict length of stay greater than 7 days (85.7% versus 14.3%, P=.010). CONCLUSION: At our institution, maternal race and health insurance status did not affect preoperative planning, perioperative resuscitation, and delivery outcomes in women with PAS.

An Analysis of the Unused Blood Components Return at the Teaching Hospital in North Eastern Malaysia

Introduction: All blood components should be returned to the blood bank immediately if a decision of not to transfuse is made for reissuance or proper disposal. Improper handling of returned blood components lead to blood components wastage and may jeopardized the next recepients safety.&#x0D; Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and reasons of unused blood components return and its quality indicator for the useful information of blood inventory plan in our centre.&#x0D; Methods: This was a cross sectional study done from August 2020 to February 2021 at Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital USM. Each of blood components return was examined for the type and number of units, return reasons and the quality indicator (duration of stay outside the blood bank, temperature and physical appearance changes).&#x0D; Results: The totals of 620 (3.1%) units of blood components were returned from 20120 units supplied and 80.8% units of them did not fit for reissuance resulted in 2.5% wastage from the total blood products. The highest rate of returned blood component was packed red cell (4.6%). The reasons of return mostly were inappropriate where majority due to ‘standby’ purpose (47.4%) followed by patient death (15.6%), adequate hemoglobin level (7.6%) and a few other unacceptable reasons.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although the number of returned blood component is small but it can affect the blood supply. The proper system for assurance of returned acceptable blood components for reissuance must be applied and continuously monitored for transfusion safety and minimize wastage of this precious resource.