In Brief | Timing to First Whole Blood Transfusion and Survival Following Severe Hemorrhage in Trauma Patients

Originally published in JAMA Surgery

There is renewed interest in the administration of whole blood (WB) in cases of massive haemorrhage resulting from trauma. However, insufficient evidence exists regarding the importance of the timing of WB administration when administered as part of a massive transfusion protocol (MTP). Specifically, this study aimed to determine whether earlier transfusion with WB improved survival outcomes at the 24-hour mark and within 30 days of transfusion.

The retrospective cohort study included 1393 adult patients (83% male) who had profound traumatic injuries and who were treated in trauma centres in the US and Canada. The patients had a systolic BP of less than 90mmHG, a shock index of greater than 1, and had recieved whole blood within 24 hours of admission as part of an MTP. Patients with burns, prehospital cardiac arrest or who died within one hour of admission to the emergency department were excluded.

The researchers reported improved survival in those patients who were given WB transfusion within an hour of admission to the Emergency Department. The earlier the administration of WB, the more significant the improvement in survival rate at 24 hours compared to patients who received later administration. This survival benefit remained at 30 days. 

The study's findings are clinically significant, indicating that earlier WB may increase survival in actively haemorrhaging patients requiring MTP.

 

Access the original article

Torres, C. M., Kenzik, K. M., Saillant, N. N., Scantling, D. R., Sanchez, S. E., Brahmbhatt, T. S., Dechert, T. A., & Sakran, J. V. (2024). Timing to First Whole Blood Transfusion and Survival Following Severe Hemorrhage in Trauma Patients. JAMA surgery, 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.7178. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2023.7178

Back to top

Disclaimer
This article is compiled from several resources researched and compiled by the contributor. It is in no way presented as an original work.  Every effort has been made to attribute quotes and content correctly. Where possible all information has been independently verified. The Medical Education Network bears no responsibility for any inaccuracies which may occur from the use of third-party sources. If you have any queries regarding this article contact us 

Fact-checking Policy
The Medical Education Network makes every effort to review and fact-check the articles used as source material in our summaries and original material. We have strict guidelines in relation to the publications we use as our source data, favouring peer-reviewed research wherever possible. Every effort is made to ensure that the information contained here is an accurate reflection of the original material. Should you find inaccuracies, out of date content or have any additional issues with our articles, please make use of the contact us form to notify us.