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Shock index as predictor of massive transfusion and mortality in patients with trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Carsetti, A., Antolini, R., Casarotta, E., Damiani, E., Gasparri, F., Marini, B., Adrario, E., Donati, A.
Critical Care (London, England). 2023;27(1):85
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of bleeding trauma patients is still a difficult challenge. Massive transfusion (MT) requires resources to ensure the safety and timely delivery of blood products. Early prediction of MT need may be useful to shorten the time process of blood product preparation. The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of shock index to predict the need for MT in adult patients with trauma. For the same population, we also assessed the accuracy of SI to predict mortality. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to March 2022. Studies were included if they reported MT or mortality with SI recorded at arrival in the field or the emergency department. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2. RESULTS Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, for a total of 670,728 patients. For MT the overall sensibility was 0.68 [0.57; 0.76], the overall specificity was 0.84 [0.79; 0.88] and the AUC was 0.85 [0.81; 0.88]. Positive and Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR+; LR-) were 4.24 [3.18-5.65] and 0.39 [0.29-0.52], respectively. For mortality the overall sensibility was 0.358 [0.238; 0.498] the overall specificity 0.742 [0.656; 0.813] and the AUC 0.553 (confidence region for sensitivity given specificity: [0.4014; 0.6759]; confidence region for specificity given sensitivity: [0.4799; 0.6332]). LR+ and LR- were 1.39 [1.36-1.42] and 0.87 [0.85-0.89], respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that SI may have a limited role as the sole tool to predict the need for MT in adult trauma patients. SI is not accurate to predict mortality but may have a role to identify patients with a low risk of mortality.
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Transfusion Guidelines in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Currently Available Evidence
Montgomery EY, Barrie U, Kenfack YJ, Edukugho D, Caruso JP, Rail B, Hicks WH, Oduguwa E, Pernik MN, Tao J, et al
Neurotrauma reports. 2022;3(1):554-568
Abstract
Our study aims to provide a synthesis of the best available evidence on the hemoglobin (hgb) red blood cell (RBC) transfusion thresholds in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, as well as describing the risk factors and outcomes associated with RBC transfusion in this population. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science electronic databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to assess articles discussing RBC transfusion thresholds and describe complications secondary to transfusion in adult TBI patients in the perioperative period. Fifteen articles met search criteria and were reviewed for analysis. Compared to non-transfused, TBI patients who received transfusion tended to be primarily male patients with worse Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Glasgow Coma Scale. Further, the meta-analysis corroborated that transfused TBI patients are older (p = 0.04), have worse ISS scores (p = 0.001), receive more units of RBCs (p = 0.02), and have both higher mortality (p < 0.001) and complication rates (p < 0.0001). There were no differences identified in rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and Abbreviated Injury Scale scores. Additionally, whereas many studies support restrictive (hgb <7 g/dL) transfusion thresholds over liberal (hgb <10 g/dL), our meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in mortality between those thresholds (p = 0.79). Current Class B/C level III evidence predominantly recommends against a liberal transfusion threshold of 10 g/dL for TBI patients (Class B/C level III), but our meta-analysis found no difference in survival between groups. There is evidence suggesting that an intermediate threshold between 7 and 9 g/dL, reflecting the physiological oxygen needs of cerebral tissue, may be worth exploring.
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Systematic review of the efficacy of a hybrid operating theatre in the management of severe trauma
Khoo CY, Liew TYS, Mathur S
World journal of emergency surgery : WJES. 2021;16(1):43
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hybrid operating theatres (OT) allow for simultaneous interventional radiology and operative procedures, serving as a one-stop facility for the treatment of severely injured patients. Several countries have adopted the use of the hybrid OT however their clinical impact in improving efficiency and quality of care remains unclear. This study systematically reviews the clinical impact of the hybrid OT for treatment of the severely injured. METHODS A literature review of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify all published articles in English, from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2020, reporting on the impact of a hybrid OT for severe trauma. Articles were also reviewed for references of interest. RESULTS Five studies reporting the clinical impact of the hybrid OT, in a total of 951 patients, were shortlisted. All were cohort studies that compared patient outcomes in the hybrid OT versus a conventional group. Out of 3 studies that assessed timeliness to intervention, one reported shorter time associated with the hybrid OT, while the other two reported no difference. Mortality outcomes were reported in 4 studies and showed no significant difference associated with treatment in the hybrid OT. Two studies revealed shorter total procedure times associated with the hybrid OT. Two out of 3 studies that evaluated blood transfusion requirements reported decreased transfusion rates in the hybrid OT group. Only 1 study examined complication rates and demonstrated morbidity benefits associated with the hybrid OT. CONCLUSION Establishment of a hybrid OT requires a significant capital investment as well as a highly functioning multi-disciplinary team. The cost-benefit ratio remains unclear. Future studies, preferably in the form of clinical trials, are required to evaluate its usefulness in improving timeliness to definitive haemorrhage control and outcomes in severe trauma.
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Hemoglobin levels as a transfusion criterion in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Florez-Perdomo WA, García-Ballestas E, Martinez-Perez R, Agrawal A, Deora H, Joaquim AF, Quiñones-Ossa GA, Moscote-Salazar LR
British journal of neurosurgery. 2021;:1-7
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several factors can influence the outcome of severe head injuries including the patient's hemoglobin levels. There has often been a dilemma regarding levels of hemoglobin at which red cell blood transfusion (RCBT) should be performed. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature to determine the usefulness of management protocols that have hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL vs <7 g/dL as an RCBT criterion. METHODS Following the PRISMA statement, the search was constructed using terms and descriptors of the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), combined with Boolean operators. Full text of these articles was studied, and outcome measures at 3-6 months were considered for patients who were given a RCBT at <10 g/dL or at 7 g/dL hemoglobin levels. RESULTS A total of 4 articles were found suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis. RCBT below 7 g/dL was not associated with an increased risk of mortality as compared to RCBT using the value of less than 10 g/dL. RCBT at lower levels of hemoglobin was also not associated with a poor neurological outcome (GOS 4-5) but rather RCBT at lower levels lead to better outcomes (GOS 1-3) and the association was significant. CONCLUSION Allogenic RCBT was associated with poorer neurological outcomes, within a wide range of reported differences in the hemoglobin threshold to decide for RCBT in TBI patients. Restrictive RCBT strategy may be useful in moderate to severe TBI cases although the risk of anemia-induced cerebral injury needs further investigation regarding the risks and complications inherent to RCBT.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with traumatic brain injury (4 studies, n= 607).
Intervention
Liberal red cell blood transfusion (RCBT) criterion protocol of haemoglobin level <10 g/dL.
Comparison
Restrictive RCBT criterion protocol of haemoglobin level <7 g/dL.
Outcome
RCBT below 7 g/dL was not associated with an increased risk of mortality as compared to RCBT using the value of less than 10 g/dL. RCBT at lower levels of haemoglobin was also not associated with a poor neurological outcome (GOS 4-5) but rather RCBT at lower levels lead to better outcomes (GOS 1-3) and the association was significant.
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Evaluation of blood product transfusion therapies in acute injury care in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Yang L, Slate-Romano J, Marques CG, Uwamahoro C, Twagirumukiza FR, Naganathan S, Moretti K, Jing L, Levine AC, Stephen A, et al
Injury. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, injuries account for approximately five million mortalities annually, with 90% occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although guidelines characterizing data for blood product transfusion in injury resuscitation have been established for high-income countries (HICs), no such information on use of blood products in LMICs exists. This systematic review evaluated the available literature on the use and associated outcomes of blood product transfusion therapies in LMICs for acute care of patients with injuries. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL and Cochrane databases through November 2018 was performed by a health sciences medical librarian. Prospective and cross-sectional reports of injured patients from LMICs involving data on blood product transfusion therapies were included. Two reviewers identified eligible records (kappa=0.92); quality was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Report elements, patient characteristics, injury information, blood transfusion therapies provided and mortality outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Of 3411 records, 150 full-text reports were reviewed and 17 met inclusion criteria. Identified reports came from the World Health Organization regions of Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia. A total of 6535 patients were studied, with the majority from exclusively inpatient hospital settings (52.9%). Data on transfusion therapies demonstrated that packed red blood cells were given to 27.0% of patients, fresh frozen plasma to 13.8%, and unspecified product types to 50.1%. Among patients with blunt and penetrating injuries, 5.8% and 15.7% were treated with blood product transfusions, respectively. Four reports provided data on comparative mortality outcomes, of which two found higher mortality in blood transfusion-treated patients than in untreated patients at 17.4% and 30.4%. The overall quality of evidence was either low (52.9%) or very low (41.2%), with one report of moderate quality by GRADE criteria. CONCLUSION There is a paucity of high-quality data to inform appropriate use of blood transfusion therapies in LMIC injury care. Studies were geographically limited and did not include sufficient data on types of therapies and specific injury patterns treated. Future research in more diverse LMIC settings with improved data collection methods is needed to inform injury care globally.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with injuries requiring acute care in low and middle income countries (17 studies, n=6535).
Intervention
Systematic review on the use of blood product transfusion therapies.
Comparison
Outcome
Packed red blood cells were given to 27.0% of patients, fresh frozen plasma to 13.8%, and unspecified product types to 50.1%. Among patients with blunt and penetrating injuries, 5.8% and 15.7% were treated with blood product transfusions, respectively. Four reports provided data on comparative mortality outcomes, of which two found higher mortality in blood transfusion-treated patients than in untreated patients at 17.4% and 30.4%.
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Massive Transfusion Protocols in Pediatric Trauma Population: A Systematic Review
Kinslow K, McKenney M, Boneva D, Elkbuli A
Transfus Med. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our main objective was to review the literature to answer the following questions regarding pediatric massive transfusion (PMT) protocols: 1) How is PMT defined? 2) Which blood product ratios have been investigated and what is their effect on outcomes? 3) What evidence exists regarding PMT outcomes? METHODS The PRISMA guidelines were used. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, and Ovid. Articles were screened for inclusion based on relevance to PMT. Articles were assessed for study design, presence of established/tested PMT, PMT definition, PMT activation criteria, and Transfusion Ratios, for final determination of article inclusion. RESULTS Our search produced 3213 articles with 33 included for final review. Existing definitions of PMT are based on volume administered/kg but vary in timeframe criteria (over 4 hr vs 24 hr). Some studies have investigated "high" balanced transfusion ratios as seen in adults (1:1 FFP:pRBC) with a few showing statistically significant improvement in pediatric mortality vs lower ratios. PMT protocol implementation has not been shown to consistently reduce pediatric trauma mortality across multiple centers. However, other operational aspects such as reduced time to first transfusion are apparent benefits. CONCLUSIONS There is poor consensus over the definition of PMT. Definitions that involve early recognition have the most promise for practice and future studies. Evidence supporting an optimal blood product ratio in PMT is also lacking but trends towards supporting balanced approaches. Implementation of PMT protocols have been limited in showing significant improvement of overall pediatric trauma mortality but may reduce associated morbidity.
PICO Summary
Population
Paediatric trauma patients undergoing massive transfusions (33 studies).
Intervention
Systematic review to define paediatric massive transfusion (PMT) protocols, and to review the evidence on PMT outcomes.
Comparison
Outcome
Existing definitions of PMT are based on volume administered/kg but vary in timeframe criteria (over 4 hr vs. 24 hr). Some studies have investigated "high" balanced transfusion ratios as seen in adults (1:1 FFP:pRBC) with a few showing statistically significant improvement in paediatric mortality vs. lower ratios. PMT protocol implementation has not been shown to consistently reduce paediatric trauma mortality across multiple centers. However, other operational aspects such as reduced time to first transfusion are apparent benefits.
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The use of whole blood in traumatic bleeding: a systematic review
Cruciani M, Franchini M, Mengoli C, Marano G, Pati I, Masiello F, Veropalumbo E, Pupella S, Vaglio S, Agostini V, et al
Internal and emergency medicine. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Hemostatic resuscitation is currently considered a standard of care for the management of life-threatening hemorrhage, but in some critical settings the access to high quantities of blood components is problematic. Whole blood (WB) transfusion has been proposed as an alternative modality for hemostatic resuscitation of traumatic major bleeding. To assess the efficacy and safety of WB in trauma-associated massive bleeding, we performed a systematic review of the literature. We selected studies comparing WB transfusions to transfusion of blood components (COMP) in massive trauma bleeding; both randomized clinical trial (RCT) and observational studies were considered. The outcomes were mortality (30-day/in-hospital and 24-h mortality) and adverse events/transfusion reactions. The effect sizes were crude odds ratio (OR), adjusted OR and hazard ratio (HR). The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs, and the ROBIN-1 tool for observational studies. The overall quality of the available evidence was assessed with the GRADE system. One RCT (2 reports) and 6 cohort studies were included (3642 adult patients; 675 receiving WB, 2967 receiving COMP). Three studies were conducted in military setting, and 4 in civilian setting. In the overall analysis, 30-day/in-hospital and 24-h mortality did not differ significantly between groups (very low quality of the evidence due to high risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency). After adjustment for baseline covariates in three cohort studies, the OR for mortality was significantly lower in WB recipients compared to COMP (OR 0.22; 95% CIs 0.10/0.45) (moderate grade of evidence). Adverse events and transfusion reactions were overlooked and not consistently reported. The available evidence does not allow to draw definite conclusions on the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of WB transfusion compared to COMP transfusion. Further well designed research is needed.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with massive trauma bleeding (7 studies, n= 3642).
Intervention
Whole blood (WB) transfusion (n= 675).
Comparison
Blood components (COMP), (n= 2967).
Outcome
In the overall analysis, 30-day/in-hospital and 24-h mortality did not differ significantly between groups. After adjustment for baseline covariates in three cohort studies, the odds ratio for mortality was significantly lower in WB recipients compared to COMP. Adverse events and transfusion reactions were overlooked and not consistently reported.
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Whole blood transfusion versus component therapy in trauma resuscitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Crowe E, DeSantis SM, Bonnette A, Jansen JO, Yamal JM, Holcomb JB, Pedroza C, Harvin JA, Marques MB, Avritscher EBC, et al
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open. 2020;1(4):633-641
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hemorrhagic shock from trauma often require balanced blood product transfusion with red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Resuscitation with whole blood resuscitation is becoming a common practice. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing whole blood transfusion with balanced component therapy in patients suffering from traumatic hemorrhagic shock. METHODS We searched MEDLINE Ovid, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for human studies comparing whole blood with component blood therapy published from January 2007 to June 2019. We included studies from both civilian and military settings and that reported 24-hour, in-hospital, or 30-day mortality. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, assessing study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity. We used meta-analytic models to determine the associations (odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) between whole blood transfusion and (1) 24-hour mortality, and (2) in-hospital or 30-day mortality. RESULTS A total of 1759 identified studies, 12 (reporting on n = 8431 patients) met inclusion criteria. There was heterogeneity in the design, setting, interventions, and outcomes of the studies. On meta-analysis, whole blood transfusion was not associated with 24-hour mortality (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.56-1.24) or in-hospital/30-day mortality (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.48-1.31). CONCLUSION In this systematic review and meta-analysis, compared with conventional component transfusion, whole blood was not associated with 24-hour or in-hospital mortality. However, there were important limitations with and heterogeneity among the primary studies. Additional study is needed to determine the effectiveness of whole blood.
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Fresh whole blood from walking blood banks for patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Naumann DN, Boulton AJ, Sandhu A, Campbell K, Charlton W, Gurney JM, Martin MJ, Scorer T, Doughty H
J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole blood (WB) is optimal for resuscitation of traumatic haemorrhage. Walking Blood Banks (WBB) provide fresh whole blood (FWB) where conventional blood components or stored, tested WB are not readily available. There is an increasing interest in this as an emergency resilience measure for isolated communities and during crises including the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence to inform practice. METHODS Standard systematic review methodology was used to obtain studies that reported the delivery of FWB (PROSPERO registry CRD42019153849). Studies that only reported WB from conventional blood banking were excluded. For outcomes, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects modelling due to high risk of heterogeneity. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. RESULTS 27 studies published from 2006 - 2020 reported >10,000 units of FWB for >3000 patients (precise values not available for all studies). Evidence for studies was "low" or "very low" except for one study which was "moderate" in quality. FWB patients were more severely injured than non-FWB patients. Overall, survival was equivalent between FWB and non-FWB groups for 8 studies that compared these (OR 1.00 (95% CI 0.65, 1.55); p=0.61). However, the highest quality study (matched groups for physiological and injury characteristics) reported an adjusted OR of 0.27 (95% CI 0.13-0.58) for mortality for the FWB group; p<0.01. CONCLUSIONS Thousands of units of FWB from WBBs have been transfused in patients following life-threatening haemorrhage. Survival is equivalent for FWB resuscitation when compared to non-FWB, even when patients were more severely injured. Evidence is scarce and of relative low quality and may underestimate potential adverse events. Whereas WBB may be an attractive resilience measure, caution is still advised. WBBs should be subject to prospective evaluation to optimise care and inform policy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, level 3.
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Empirical transfusion strategies for major hemorrhage in trauma patients: A systematic review
Ritchie DT, Philbrook FGA, Leadbitter S, Kokwe KN, Meehan E, McGeady M, Beaton M
J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020;88(6):855-865
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major hemorrhage is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. There is currently no consensus on the best empirical transfusion strategy. The current National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest a ratio of 1:1 of red blood cells and plasma. The aim of this study is to compare this to alternative strategies identified through review of the available literature with the objective of identifying the best protocol for mortality outcomes and complication rates. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted using four databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to produce a suitable list of randomized control trials for review. Critical appraisal of each article was then performed, using a Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network-approved checklist, in duplicate and was subject to further independent scrutiny when required. RESULTS Evidence suggests that early administration of cryoprecipitate within the standard practiced major hemorrhage protocol is associated with a lower risk of mortality. Other strategies suggested a negative impact. Complications including incidence of thromboembolic events, multiple organ failure and sepsis as well as length of stay in hospital following activation of the different protocols and overall transfusion requirements were assessed. No clear optimal protocol was identified from our analysis. CONCLUSION This project demonstrates that there is no significant clarity regarding morbidity and mortality. As a preliminary recommendation, cryoprecipitate supplementation suggests more favorable mortality over the current protocol. Due to the limited sample populations, we recommend the inclusion of retrospective/prospective cohort studies to bolster the statistical power of any future reviews until randomized control trials of sufficient power are available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review, Level III.
