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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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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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Hypocalcemia in trauma patients: A systematic review
Vasudeva, M., Mathew, J. K., Groombridge, C., Tee, J. W., Johnny, C. S., Maini, A., Fitzgerald, M. C.
The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2021;90(2):396-402
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Abstract
BACKGROUND During hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation, pathways reliant upon calcium such as platelet function, intrinsic and extrinsic hemostasis, and cardiac contractility are disrupted. The objective of this systematic review was to examine current literature for associations between pretransfusion, admission ionized hypocalcemia, and composite outcomes including mortality, blood transfusion requirements, and coagulopathy in adult trauma patients. METHODS This review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. We searched Ovid MEDLINE and grey literature from database inception till May 3, 2020. Case series and reports were excluded. Reference lists of appraised studies were also screened for articles that the aforementioned databases might not have captured. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. RESULTS A total of 585 abstracts were screened through database searching and alternative sources. Six unique full-text studies were reviewed, of which three were excluded. Admission ionized hypocalcemia was present in up to 56.2% of the population in studies included in this review. Admission ionized hypocalcemia was also associated with increased mortality in all three studies, with increased blood transfusion requirements in two studies, and with coagulopathy in one study. CONCLUSION Hypocalcemia is a common finding in shocked trauma patients. While an association between admission ionized hypocalcemia and mortality, blood transfusion requirements, and coagulopathy has been identified, further prospective trials are essential to corroborating this association. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review, level III.
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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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Platelet-to-red blood cell ratio and mortality in bleeding trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Kleinveld DJB, van Amstel RBE, Wirtz MR, Geeraedts LMG, Goslings JC, Hollmann MW, Juffermans NP
Transfusion. 2021;61 Suppl 1:S243-s251
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND In traumatic bleeding, transfusion practice has shifted toward higher doses of platelets and plasma transfusion. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether a higher platelet-to-red blood cell (RBC) transfusion ratio improves mortality without worsening organ failure when compared with a lower ratio of platelet-to-RBC. METHODS Pubmed, Medline, and Embase were screened for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in bleeding trauma patients (age ≥16 years) receiving platelet transfusion between 1946 until October 2020. High platelet:RBC ratio was defined as being the highest ratio within an included study. Primary outcome was 24 hour mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, thromboembolic events, organ failure, and correction of coagulopathy. RESULTS In total five RCTs (n = 1757 patients) were included. A high platelet:RBC compared with a low platelet:RBC ratio significantly improved 24 hour mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.69 [0.53-0.89]) and 30- day mortality (OR 0.78 [0.63-0.98]). There was no difference between platelet:RBC ratio groups in thromboembolic events and organ failure. Correction of coagulopathy was reported in five studies, in which platelet dose had no impact on trauma-induced coagulopathy. CONCLUSIONS In traumatic bleeding, a high platelet:RBC improves mortality as compared to low platelet:RBC ratio. The high platelet:RBC ratio does not influence thromboembolic or organ failure event rates.
PICO Summary
Population
Bleeding trauma patients receiving platelet transfusion (5 studies, n= 1,757).
Intervention
Higher platelet-to-red blood cell (RBC) transfusion ratio.
Comparison
Lower ratio of platelet-to-RBC.
Outcome
A high platelet:RBC compared with a low platelet:RBC ratio significantly improved 24 hour mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.69 (0.53-0.89)) and 30- day mortality (OR 0.78 (0.63-0.98)). There was no difference between platelet:RBC ratio groups in thromboembolic events and organ failure. Correction of coagulopathy was reported in five studies, in which platelet dose had no impact on trauma-induced coagulopathy.
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Pre-hospital transfusion of red blood cells. Part 1: A scoping review of current practice and transfusion triggers
van Turenhout, E. C., Bossers, S. M., Loer, S. A., Giannakopoulos, G. F., Schwarte, L. A., Schober, P.
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England). 2020;30(2):86-105
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this scoping review is to describe the current use of pre-hospital transfusion of red blood cells (PHTRBC) and to evaluate criteria used to initiate PHTRBC. The effects on patients' outcomes will be reviewed in Part 2. BACKGROUND Haemorrhage is a preventable cause of death in trauma patients, and transfusion of red blood cells is increasingly used by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for damage control resuscitation. However, there are no guidelines and little consensus on when to initiate PHTRBC. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science were searched through January 2019; 71 articles were included. RESULTS Transfusion triggers vary widely and involve vital signs, clinical signs of poor tissue perfusion, point of care measurements and pre-hospital ultrasound imaging. In particular, hypotension (most often defined as systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg), tachycardia (most often defined as heart rate ≥ 120/min), clinical signs of poor perfusion (eg, prolonged capillary refill time or changes in mental status) and injury type (ie, penetrating wounds) are common pre-hospital transfusion triggers. CONCLUSIONS PHTRBC is increasingly used by Emergency Medical Services, but guidelines on when to initiate transfusion are lacking. We identified the most commonly used transfusion criteria, and these findings may provide the basis for consensus-based pre-hospital transfusion protocols.
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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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The effect of massive transfusion protocol implementation on the survival of trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Consunji R, Elseed A, El-Menyar A, Sathian B, Rizoli S, Al-Thani H, Peralta R
Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Massive transfusion protocol (MTP) has been widely adopted for the care of bleeding trauma patients but its actual effectiveness is unclear. An earlier meta-analysis on the implementation of MTP for injured patients from 1990 to 2013 reported that only 2 out of 8 studies showed statistical improvement in survival. This study aimed to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of implementing an MTP on the mortality of trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google scholar databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published from 1(st) January 2008 to 30(th) September 2019 using a combination of keywords and additional manual searching of reference lists. Inclusion criteria were: original study in English, study population including trauma patients, and comparison of mortality outcomes before and after institutional implementation of an MTP. Primary outcomes were 24-hour, 30-day, and overall mortality. RESULTS Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, analysing outcomes from 3,201 trauma patients. There was a wide range of outcomes, patient populations, and process indicators utilised by the different authors. MTP significantly reduced the overall mortality for trauma patients (OR 0.71 [0.56-0.90]). No significant reduction was seen in either the 24-hour mortality (OR 0.81 [0.57-1.14]) or the 30-day mortality (OR 0.73 [0.46-1.16]). However, when mortality timing was unspecified, mortality was statistically reduced (OR 0.69 [0.55-0.86]). DISCUSSION The present study found a significant reduction in mortality following MTP implementation and thus it should be recommended to all institutions managing acutely injured patients. To better identify which elements of an MTP contribute to this effect, we encourage the use of standard nomenclature, indicators, protocols and patient populations in all future MTP studies.
PICO Summary
Population
Trauma patients (14 studies, n= 3201).
Intervention
Implementation of a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) on the mortality of trauma patients.
Comparison
Outcome
There was a wide range of outcomes, patient populations, and process indicators utilised by the different authors. MTP significantly reduced the overall mortality for trauma patients. No significant reduction was seen in either the 24-hour mortality or the 30-day mortality. However, when mortality timing was unspecified, mortality was statistically reduced.
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Does the evidence support the importance of high transfusion ratios of plasma and platelets to red blood cells in improving outcomes in severely injured patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses
da Luz LT, Shah PS, Strauss R, Mohammed AA, D'Empaire PP, Tien H, Nathens AB, Nascimento B
Transfusion. 2019
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deaths by exsanguination in trauma are preventable with hemorrhage control and resuscitation with allogeneic blood products (ABPs). The ideal transfusion ratio is unknown. We compared efficacy and safety of high transfusion ratios of FFP:RBC and PLT:RBC with low ratios in trauma. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Controlled Clinical Trials Register were searched. Observational and randomized data were included. Risk of bias was assessed using validated tools. Primary outcome was 24-h and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were exposure to ABPs and improvement of coagulopathy. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Strength and evidence quality were graded using GRADE profile RESULTS 55 studies were included (2 randomized and 53 observational), with low and moderate risk of bias, respectively, and overall low evidence quality. The two RCTs showed no mortality difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-4.59). Observational studies reported lower mortality in high FFP:RBCs ratio (OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.22-0.68] for 1:1 vs. <1:1; OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.22-0.81] for 1:1.5 vs. <1:1.5; and OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.31-0.71] for 1:2 vs. <1:2, respectively). Meta-analyses in observational studies showed no difference in exposure to ABPs. No data on coagulopathy for meta-analysis was identified. CONCLUSIONS Meta-analyses in observational studies suggest survival benefit and no difference in exposure to ABPs. No survival benefit in RCTs was identified. These conflicting results should be interpreted with caution. Studies are mostly observational, with relatively small sample sizes, nonrandom treatment allocation, and high potential for confounding. Further research is warranted.
PICO Summary
Population
Adult trauma patients (≥15 years old) with an important risk of bleeding: 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n=749 patients), and 53 observational cohort studies (n=27,228 patients).
Intervention
High fixed transfusion ratio of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets (PLTs) to red blood cells (RBCs) or FFP or PLTs to RBCs, as defined in each study.
Comparison
The control was a low fixed transfusion ratio of FFP and PLTs to RBCs or FFP or RBCs to RBCs, also defined and compared in each study.
Outcome
The two RCTs showed no mortality difference (odds ratio [OR], 1.35). Observational studies reported lower mortality in high FFP:RBCs ratio (OR, 0.38 for 1:1 vs. <1:1; OR, 0.42 for 1:1.5 vs. <1:1.5; and OR, 0.47 for 1:2 vs. <1:2, respectively). Meta‐analyses in observational studies showed no difference in exposure to ABPs. No data on coagulopathy for meta‐analysis was identified.