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Management of non-compressible torso hemorrhage of the abdomen in civilian and military austere environments: a scoping review
Adams, D., McDonald, P. L., Holland, S., Merkle, A. B., Puglia, C., Miller, B., Allison, D. D., Moussette, C., Souza, C. J., Nunez, T., et al
Trauma surgery & acute care open. 2024;9(1):e001189
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-compressible abdominal hemorrhage (NCAH) is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths in both civilian and military austere environments, and an improvement in mortality due to this problem has not been demonstrated during the past quarter century. Several innovations have been developed to control hemorrhage closer to the point of injury. OBJECTIVE This review assessed NCAH interventions in civilian and military settings, focusing on austere environments. It identified innovations, effectiveness, and knowledge gaps for future research. METHODOLOGY The Joanna Briggs Institute for Evidence Synthesis methodology guided this scoping review to completion. Studies evaluating NCAH with human participants in civilian and military austere environments that were eligible for inclusion were limited to English language studies published between December 1990 and January 2023. The PCC (Participant, Concept, Context) framework was used for data synthesis. Deductive and inductive thematic analyses were used to assess the literature that met inclusion criteria, identify patterns/themes to address the research questions and identify common themes within the literature. A stakeholder consultation was conducted to review and provide expert perspectives and opinions on the results of the deductive and inductive thematic analyses. RESULTS The literature search identified 868 articles; 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Textual narrative analysis of the 26 articles resulted in the literature addressing four main categories: NCAH, penetrating abdominal trauma, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), and ResQFoam. The deductive thematic analysis aimed to answer three research questions. Research question 1 addressed the effectiveness of REBOA, damage control resuscitation, and damage control surgery in managing NCAH in austere environments. No effectiveness studies were found on this topic. Research question 2 identified three knowledge gaps in NCAH management in austere environments. The analysis identified early hemorrhage control, prehospital provider decision-making ability, and REBOA implementation as knowledge gaps in NCAH. Research question 3 identified five innovations that may affect the management of NCAH in the future: transport of patients, advanced resuscitative care, expert consultation, REBOA implementation, and self-expanding foam implementation. The inductive thematic analysis resulted in four recurrent themes from the literature: prehospital care, decision-making, hemorrhage control, and mortality in NCAH. During the stakeholders' consultation, the results of the deductive and inductive thematic analyses were reviewed and agreed on by the stakeholders. Special emphasis and discussion were given to prehospital management, expert opinions in the prehospital environment, decision-making in the prehospital environment, transport and resuscitation in the prehospital setting, REBOA, alternative discussion for research, and research gaps. CONCLUSION NCAH is still a significant cause of preventable death in both military and civilian austere environments, even with ongoing research and interventions aimed at extending survival in such conditions. This scoping review has identified several potential concepts that could reduce the mortality associated with a preventable cause of death due to hemorrhage in austere environments.
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The efficacy and safety of pre-hospital plasma in patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abuelazm, M., Rezq, H., Mahmoud, A., Tanashat, M., Salah, A., Saleh, O., Morsi, S., Abdelazeem, B.
European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Plasma is a critical element in hemostatic resuscitation post-injury, and its prompt administration within the prehospital setting may reduce the complications resulting from hemorrhage and shock. Our objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of prehospital plasma infusion in patients susceptible to hemorrhagic shock. METHODS We conducted our study by aggregating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sourced from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to January 29, 2023. Quality assessment was implemented using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Our study protocol is registered in PROSPERO under ID: CRD42023397325. RESULTS Three RCTs with 760 individuals were included. There was no difference between plasma infusion and standard care groups in 24-h mortality (P = 0.11), 30-day mortality (P = 0.12), and multiple organ failure incidences (P = 0.20). Plasma infusion was significantly better in the total 24-h volume of PRBC units (P = 0.03) and INR on arrival (P = 0.009). For all other secondary outcomes evaluated (total 24-h volume of packed FFP units, total 24-h volume of platelets units, massive transfusion, vasopressor need during the first 24 h, any adverse event, acute lung injury, transfusion reaction, and sepsis), no significant differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION Plasma infusion in trauma patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock does not significantly affect mortality or the incidence of multiple organ failure. However, it may lead to reduced packed red blood cell transfusions and increased INR at hospital arrival.
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Tranexamic acid in patients with traumatic brain injury: A meta-analysis
Sarhan Boshra, R. M., Abdelrahim, M. E. A., Osama, H.
Revista espanola de anestesiologia y reanimacion. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND We performed a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS We searched the literature for articles evaluating the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in TBI published between January 2012 and January 2021, and identified 8 studies with a total of 10860 patients: 5660 received TXA and 5200 served as controls. We used a dichotomous or continuous approach with a random or fixed-effect model to assess the efficacy and safety of TXA in TBI, and calculated the mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval. RESULTS In patients with TBI, early administration of TXA was associated with a greater relative benefit (MD -2.45; 95% CI = -4.78 to -0.12; p = 0.04) and less total haematoma expansion (MD - 2.52; 95% CI = -4.85 to -0.19; p = 0.03) compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (OR 0.94; 95% CI = 0.85-1.03; p = 0.18), presence of progressive haemorrhage (OR 0.75; 95% CI = 0.56-1.01; p = 0.06), need for neurosurgery (OR 1.15; 95% CI = 0.66-1.98; p = 0.63), high Disability Rating Scale score (OR 0.90; 95% CI = 0.56-1.45; p = 0.68), and incidence of ischaemic or thromboembolic complications (OR 1.34; 95% CI = 0.33-5.46; p = 0.68) between TBI patients treated with TXA and controls. CONCLUSIONS Early administration of TXA in TBI patients may have a greater relative benefit and may inhibit haematoma expansion. There were no significant differences in mortality, presence of progressive haemorrhage, need for neurosurgery, high Disability Rating Scale score, and incidence of ischaemic or thromboembolic complications between TBI patients treated with TXA and controls. Further studies are needed to validate these results.
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A systematic review of indications when and how a military walking Blood Bank could bridge blood product unavailability
Degueldre, J., Dessy, E., T'Sas, F., Deneys, V.
Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue. 2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood supply problems in remote areas are well known. To overcome this shortage, many countries have developed innovative Walking Blood Bank (WBB) protocols. However, no common standards have yet been set for their use and common actions. Given that these procedures involve a certain risk, it would be interesting to analyse the activating criteria that lead to using this unusual protocol. Thus, this review aimed to identify indications for a WBB and the common risk mitigation measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS This PRISMA-compliant review only included studies published from 1985 to 25(th) of January 2023 that describe adult male military casualties requiring blood transfused locally using a walking blood transfusion protocol. All relevant data (i.e., activation and contextual factors and risk mitigation measures) were tabulated to retrieve information from the selected military studies. RESULTS Our results indicated that activation criteria were homogeneous across the 12 reviewed studies. Whole blood was collected from a WBB when there was a shortage of blood products and when platelets were needed. In the literature reviewed, the main risks associated with such a protocol, namely hemolytic adverse events and transfusion transmitted diseases, are mitigated by the use of typing and screening measures if they are reported. However, there is less consistency in the implementation of those risk mitigation measures. DISCUSSION This unusual protocol needs to be integrated into the medical support plan until conventional transfusion support can take over, and should include on-site blood collection from a donor, whether a WBB or an emergency donor panel. The benefits of such a protocol outweigh the risks in a life-threatening situation, especially since these risks can be anticipated and minimised by planning to pre-screen all potential donors before their deployment. Finally, educating and training the staff who must implement this unusual procedure can also improve the safety and survival rate of future patients.
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Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review
Meza Monge, K., Domene, S. S., Diaz Mendoza, D. L., Vidal-Gallardo, A., Alfaro Llique, A. M., Rodriguez, M., Premchandra, P., Anwar Pandya, S., Arruarana, V. S., Aleman Paredes, K., et al
Cureus. 2024;16(1):e52111
Abstract
Tranexamic acid (TXA), a fibrinolytic agent, effectively inhibits plasminogen activation, thereby reducing fibrinolysis and hemorrhage. This study focused on its application in trauma patients undergoing emergency surgery, a critical area due to trauma's significant role in mortality. Our investigation involved a meticulous screening of randomized controlled trials from databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The findings indicate that TXA intervention is promising in enhancing outcomes for trauma patients. However, the drug's effectiveness may vary based on the specific nature of the medical condition. In summary, robust evidence suggests that TXA can diminish blood loss, lower transfusion rates, reduce complications, and improve hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in surgical patients. Consequently, TXA should be considered a crucial medication, readily available to mitigate morbidity and mortality in surgical settings. Future research should explore factors influencing TXA's effectiveness in traumatic brain injury cases and across a broad spectrum of surgical scenarios in diverse patient populations. This would further guide clinicians in refining and optimizing the use of TXA.
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Volume replacement in the resuscitation of trauma patients with acute hemorrhage: an umbrella review
Gianola, S., Castellini, G., Biffi, A., Porcu, G., Napoletano, A., Coclite, D., D'Angelo, D., Di Nitto, M., Fauci, A. J., Punzo, O., et al
International journal of emergency medicine. 2023;16(1):87
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of intravenous fluid therapy in patients with major trauma in prehospital settings is still controversial. We conducted an umbrella review to evaluate which is the best volume expansion in the resuscitation of a hemorrhagic shock to support the development of major trauma guideline recommendations. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL up to September 2022 for systematic reviews (SRs) investigating the use of volume expansion fluid on mortality and/or survival. Quality assessment was performed using AMSTAR 2 and the Certainty of the evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS We included 14 SRs investigating the effects on mortality with the comparisons: use of crystalloids, blood components, and whole blood. Most SRs were judged as critically low with slight overlapping of primary studies and high consistency of results. For crystalloids, inconsistent evidence of effectiveness in 28- to 30-day survival (primary endpoint) was found for the hypertonic saline/dextran group compared with isotonic fluid solutions with moderate certainty of evidence. Pre-hospital blood component infusion seems to reduce mortality, however, as the certainty of evidence ranges from very low to moderate, we are unable to provide evidence to support or reject its use. The blood component ratio was in favor of higher ratios among all comparisons considered with moderate to very low certainty of evidence. Results about the effects of whole blood are very uncertain due to limited and heterogeneous interventions in studies included in SRs. CONCLUSION Hypertonic crystalloid use did not result in superior 28- to 30-day survival. Increasing evidence supports the scientific rationale for early use of high-ratio blood components, but their use requires careful consideration. Preliminary evidence is very uncertain about the effects of whole blood and further high-quality studies are required.
PICO Summary
Population
Trauma patients with haemorrhagic shock (14 systematic reviews).
Intervention
Crystalloids, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, liquid plasma, lyophilized plasma, low titre 0-negative whole blood.
Comparison
A comparison or combination of the above (including different ratios).
Outcome
For crystalloids, inconsistent evidence of effectiveness in 28- to 30-day survival (primary endpoint) was found for the hypertonic saline/dextran group compared with isotonic fluid solutions with moderate certainty of evidence. Pre-hospital blood component infusion seems to reduce mortality, however, as the certainty of evidence ranges from very low to moderate, the authors are unable to provide evidence to support or reject its use. The blood component ratio was in favour of higher ratios among all comparisons considered with moderate to very low certainty of evidence. Results about the effects of whole blood are very uncertain due to limited and heterogeneous interventions in studies included in systematic reviews.
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Tranexamic Acid for Traumatic Injury in the Emergency Setting: A Systematic Review and Bias-Adjusted Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Fouche, P. F., Stein, C., Nichols, M., Meadley, B., Bendall, J. C., Smith, K., Anderson, D., Doi, S. A.
Annals of emergency medicine. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Traumatic injury causes a significant number of deaths due to bleeding. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, can reduce bleeding in traumatic injuries and potentially enhance outcomes. Previous reviews suggested potential TXA benefits but did not consider the latest trials. METHODS A systematic review and bias-adjusted meta-analysis were performed to assess TXA's effectiveness in emergency traumatic injury settings by pooling estimates from randomized controlled trials. Researchers searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials comparing TXA's effects to a placebo in emergency trauma cases. The primary endpoint was 1-month mortality. The methodological quality of the trials underwent assessment using the MASTER scale, and the meta-analysis applied the quality-effects method to adjust for methodological quality. RESULTS Seven randomized controlled trials met the set criteria. This meta-analysis indicated an 11% decrease in the death risk at 1 month after TXA use (odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84 to 0.95) with a number needed to treat of 61 to avoid 1 additional death. The meta-analysis also revealed reduced 24-hour mortality (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.88) for TXA. No compelling evidence of increased vascular occlusive events emerged (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.27). Subgroup analyses highlighted TXA's effectiveness in general trauma versus traumatic brain injury and survival advantages when administered out-of-hospital versus inhospital. CONCLUSIONS This synthesis demonstrates that TXA use for trauma in emergencies leads to a reduction in 1-month mortality, with no significant evidence of problematic vascular occlusive events. Administering TXA in the out-of-hospital setting is associated with reduced mortality compared to inhospital administration, and less mortality with TXA in systemic trauma is noted compared with traumatic brain injury specifically.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with traumatic injuries in emergency settings (7 randomised controlled trials).
Intervention
Tranexamic acid (TXA).
Comparison
Placebo.
Outcome
The primary endpoint was 1-month mortality. The meta-analysis indicated an 11% decrease in the death risk at 1 month after TXA use (odds ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.84, 0.95]) with a number needed to treat of 61 to avoid 1 additional death. The meta-analysis also revealed reduced 24-hour mortality (OR 0.76; 95% CI [0.65, 0.88]) for TXA. No compelling evidence of increased vascular occlusive events emerged (OR 0.96; 95% CI [0.73, 1.27]). Subgroup analyses highlighted TXA's effectiveness in general trauma versus traumatic brain injury and survival advantages when administered out-of-hospital versus in-hospital.
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Detection of Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy by Viscoelastic Haemostatic Assays Compared to Standard Laboratory Tests: A Systematic Review
Forster, E. K., Hendel, S., Mitra, B.
Transfusion medicine and hemotherapy : offizielles Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Transfusionsmedizin und Immunhamatologie. 2023;50(4):334-347
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether viscoelastic haemostatic assays (VHAs) offer comparative diagnostic ability of acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) compared to the standard laboratory coagulation tests (SLCT). ATC is a complication of major trauma characterized by dysfunctional blood clotting, leading to an increased bleeding risk. Additionally, we aimed to analyse the association of VHA with blood product use and health outcomes. METHODS The search protocol was pre-published and completed on December 2, 2020, assessing manuscripts from 2000 until the present. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, BIOSIS, Emcare, CINAHL, and additional online resources and referenced lists. Included were manuscripts that quantitatively reported the detection of ATC using VHAs and SLCTs. A meta-analysis was undertaken including observational studies that reported on patients with injuries to all body regions and results analysed using a random-effects model and reported using pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS There were 14 observational studies and one randomized control trial involving 2,715 participants that satisfied inclusion criteria. We observed significant heterogeneity in the definitions of ATC, study design, setting, and patient population. Among observational studies that reported on patients with injuries to all body regions, VHAs were associated with higher odds of diagnosing ATC compared to SLCT (pooled OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4-4.1). There was inadequate evidence to suggest VHAs were associated with reduced blood product usage or lower mortality. CONCLUSION VHAs detected more patients with ATC compared to SLCTs. However, the clinical significance and applicability of this finding remains unknown as translation to management was not adequately reported.
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Factors that influence the administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to trauma patients in prehospital settings: a systematic review
Nicholson, H., Scotney, N., Briscoe, S., Kirby, K., Bedson, A., Goodwin, L., Robinson, M., Taylor, H., Thompson Coon, J., Voss, S., et al
BMJ open. 2023;13(5):e073075
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the UK there are around 5400 deaths annually from injury. Tranexamic acid (TXA) prevents bleeding and has been shown to reduce trauma mortality. However, only 5% of UK major trauma patients who are at risk of haemorrhage receive prehospital TXA. This review aims to examine the evidence regarding factors influencing the prehospital administration of TXA to trauma patients. DESIGN Systematic literature review. DATA SOURCES AMED, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science, Embase and MEDLINE were searched from January 2010 to 2020; searches were updated in June 2022. CLINICALTRIALS gov and OpenGrey were also searched and forward and backwards citation chasing performed. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA All primary research reporting factors influencing TXA administration to trauma patients in the prehospital setting was included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers performed the selection process, quality assessment and data extraction. Data were tabulated, grouped by setting and influencing factor and synthesised narratively. RESULTS Twenty papers (278 249 participants in total) were included in the final synthesis; 13 papers from civilian and 7 from military settings. Thirteen studies were rated as 'moderate' using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Several common factors were identified: knowledge and skills; consequences and social influences; injury type (severity, injury site and mechanism); protocols; resources; priorities; patient age; patient sex. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights an absence of high-quality research. Preliminary evidence suggests a host of system and individual-level factors that may be important in determining whether TXA is administered to trauma patients in the prehospital setting. FUNDING AND REGISTRATION This review was supported by Research Capability Funding from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020162943.
PICO Summary
Population
Any trauma patients in prehospital settings (20 studies, n= 278,249).
Intervention
Exposure: Factors influencing the decision to administer tranexamic acid (TXA).
Comparison
Outcome
This systematic review included 13 studies from civilian settings and 7 studies from military settings. This review highlighted a lack of high-quality research addressing the factors that influence prehospital TXA administration, particularly in children or patients with isolated head injuries. Common factors identified suggested a host of system and individual-level factors including: knowledge and skills, consequences and social influences, injury type (including severity, injury site and mechanism of injury), protocols, resources, priorities, patient age, and patient sex.
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The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Traumatic Hip Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis
Bloom DA, Lin CC, Manzi JE, Mojica ES, Telgheder ZL, Chapman CB
Journal of orthopaedic trauma. 2023
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of different dosages of intravenous(IV) acid(TXA) in the treatment of traumatic hip fractures against the control group of no TXA. DATA SOURCES This study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to perform a network meta-analysis on the use of TXA for the treatment of hip fractures. The study team utilized Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to perform the search. Studies were selected that were published in English between the years 2010 and 2020. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION For inclusion in this study, selected manuscripts were required to be randomized controlled trials with at least one control group had no anti-fibrinolytic intervention to serve as a control, IV formulations of TXA were utilized as part of the treatment group. Furthermore, all study participants must have undergone surgical intervention for traumatic hip fractures. Studies that did not immediately meet criteria for inclusion were saved for review by the full investigating team and were included based on consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS All statistical analyses conducted for this study were performed using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Network meta-analyses were conducted with a frequentist approach with a random effects model using the netmeta package version 0.9-6 in R. The frequentist equivalent to surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities, termed "P-Score" was used to rank different treatments. CONCLUSION The use of TXA in the surgical management of traumatic hip fractures reduces the number of transfusions and perioperative blood loss, with minimal to no increased incidence of thrombotic events when compared to control. When comparing formulations, no route of administration is clearly superior in reducing perioperative blood loss.