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Orthopaedic Trauma and Anemia: Conservative versus Liberal Transfusion Strategy: A Prospective Randomized Study
Mullis, B. H., Mullis, L. S., Kempton, L. B., Virkus, W., Slaven, J. E., Bruggers, J.
Journal of orthopaedic trauma. 2024;38(1):18-24
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether it is safe to use a conservative packed red blood cell transfusion hemoglobin (Hgb) threshold (5.5 g/dL) compared with a liberal transfusion threshold (7.0 g/dL) for asymptomatic musculoskeletal injured trauma patients who are no longer in the initial resuscitative period. METHODS Design: Prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. SETTING Three level 1 trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA Patients aged 18-50 with an associated musculoskeletal injury with Hgb less than 9 g/dL or expected drop below 9 g/dL with planned surgery who were stable and no longer being actively resuscitated were randomized once their Hgb dropped below 7 g/dL to a conservative transfusion threshold of 5.5 g/dL versus a liberal threshold of 7.0 g/dL. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS Postoperative infection, other post-operative complications and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment scores obtained at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year were compared for liberal and conservative transfusion thresholds. RESULTS Sixty-five patients completed 1 year follow-up. There was a significant association between a liberal transfusion strategy and higher rate of infection (P = 0.01), with no difference in functional outcomes at 6 months or 1 year. This study was adequately powered at 92% to detect a difference in superficial infection (7% for liberal group, 0% for conservative, P < 0.01) but underpowered to detect a difference for deep infection (14% for liberal group, 6% for conservative group, P = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS A conservative transfusion threshold of 5.5 g/dL in an asymptomatic young trauma patient with associated musculoskeletal injuries leads to a lower infection rate without an increase in adverse outcomes and no difference in functional outcomes at 6 months or 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
PICO Summary
Population
Musculoskeletal trauma patients with planned surgery (n= 99).
Intervention
Liberal transfusion threshold of 7.0 g/dL (n= 49).
Comparison
Conservative transfusion threshold of 5.5 g/dL (n= 50).
Outcome
Overall, 46/49 (93.9%) of the liberal group had a transfusion versus 23/50 (46.0%) of the conservative group had a transfusion after resuscitation and after enrollment in this study. Following resuscitation and enrollment in the study, patients in the liberal group received a median of 1 unit of blood transfused (range 0–12) and patients in the conservative group received a median of 0 units of blood (range 0–14). Sixty-five patients completed 1- year follow-up. There was a significant association between a liberal transfusion strategy and higher rate of infection, with no difference in functional outcomes at 6 months or 1 year.
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Missingness matters: a secondary analysis of thromboelastography measurements from a recent prehospital randomized tranexamic acid clinical trial
Donohue, J. K., Iyanna, N., Lorence, J. M., Brown, J. B., Guyette, F. X., Eastridge, B. J., Nirula, R., Vercruysse, G. A., O'Keeffe, T., Joseph, B., et al
Trauma surgery & acute care open. 2024;9(1):e001346
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been hypothesized to mitigate coagulopathy in patients after traumatic injury. Despite previous prehospital clinical trials demonstrating a TXA survival benefit, none have demonstrated correlated changes in thromboelastography (TEG) parameters. We sought to analyze if missing TEG data contributed to this paucity of findings. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of the Study of Tranexamic Acid During Air Medical and Ground Prehospital Transport Trial. We compared patients that received TEG (YES-TEG) and patients unable to be sampled (NO-TEG) to analyze subgroups in which to investigate TEG differences. TEG parameter differences across TXA intervention arms were assessed within subgroups disproportionately present in the NO-TEG relative to the YES-TEG cohort. Generalized linear models controlling for potential confounders were applied to findings with p<0.10 on univariate analysis. RESULTS NO-TEG patients had lower prehospital systolic blood pressure (SBP) (100 (78, 140) vs 125 (88, 147), p<0.01), lower prehospital Glascow Coma Score (14 (3, 15) vs 15 (12, 15), p<0.01), greater rates of prehospital intubation (39.4% vs 24.4%, p<0.01) and greater mortality at 30 days (36.4% vs 6.8%, p<0.01). NO-TEG patients had a greater international normalized ratio relative to the YES-TEG subgroup (1.2 (1.1, 1.5) vs 1.1 (1.0, 1.2), p=0.04). Within a severe prehospital shock cohort (SBP<70), TXA was associated with a significant decrease in clot lysis at 30 min on multivariate analysis (β=-27.6, 95% CI (-51.3 to -3.9), p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Missing data, due to the logistical challenges of sampling certain severely injured patients, may be associated with a lack of TEG parameter changes on TXA administration in the primary analysis. Previous demonstration of TXA's survival benefit in patients with severe prehospital shock in tandem with the current findings supports the notion that TXA acts at least partially by improving clot integrity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients at risk for haemorrhage receiving tranexamic acid before hospitalization, enrolled in the Study of Tranexamic Acid During Air Medical and Ground Prehospital Transport (STAAMP) Trial (n= 903).
Intervention
Prehospital tranexamic acid (TXA) (n= 447).
Comparison
Placebo (n= 456).
Outcome
This study was a secondary analysis of the STAAMP trial, comparing patients that received thromboelastography (TEG) (YES-TEG, n= 837) and patients unable to be sampled (NO-TEG, n= 66) to analyze subgroups in which to investigate TEG differences. NO-TEG patients had lower prehospital systolic blood pressure (SBP) (100 (78, 140) vs. 125 (88, 147)), lower prehospital Glascow Coma Score (14 (3, 15) vs. 15 (12, 15)), greater rates of prehospital intubation (39.4% vs. 24.4%) and greater mortality at 30 days (36.4% vs. 6.8%). NO-TEG patients had a greater international normalized ratio relative to the YES-TEG subgroup (1.2 (1.1, 1.5) vs. 1.1 (1.0, 1.2)). Within a severe prehospital shock cohort (SBP< 70), TXA was associated with a significant decrease in clot lysis at 30 min on multivariate analysis (β= -27.6; 95% CI [-51.3, -3.9].
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Prehospital Tranexamic Acid for Severe Trauma
Gruen, R. L., Mitra, B., Bernard, S. A., McArthur, C. J., Burns, B., Gantner, D. C., Maegele, M., Cameron, P. A., Dicker, B., Forbes, A. B., et al
The New England journal of medicine. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether prehospital administration of tranexamic acid increases the likelihood of survival with a favorable functional outcome among patients with major trauma and suspected trauma-induced coagulopathy who are being treated in advanced trauma systems is uncertain. METHODS We randomly assigned adults with major trauma who were at risk for trauma-induced coagulopathy to receive tranexamic acid (administered intravenously as a bolus dose of 1 g before hospital admission, followed by a 1-g infusion over a period of 8 hours after arrival at the hospital) or matched placebo. The primary outcome was survival with a favorable functional outcome at 6 months after injury, as assessed with the use of the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E). Levels on the GOS-E range from 1 (death) to 8 ("upper good recovery" [no injury-related problems]). We defined survival with a favorable functional outcome as a GOS-E level of 5 ("lower moderate disability") or higher. Secondary outcomes included death from any cause within 28 days and within 6 months after injury. RESULTS A total of 1310 patients were recruited by 15 emergency medical services in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. Of these patients, 661 were assigned to receive tranexamic acid, and 646 were assigned to receive placebo; the trial-group assignment was unknown for 3 patients. Survival with a favorable functional outcome at 6 months occurred in 307 of 572 patients (53.7%) in the tranexamic acid group and in 299 of 559 (53.5%) in the placebo group (risk ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 1.12; P = 0.95). At 28 days after injury, 113 of 653 patients (17.3%) in the tranexamic acid group and 139 of 637 (21.8%) in the placebo group had died (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.99). By 6 months, 123 of 648 patients (19.0%) in the tranexamic acid group and 144 of 629 (22.9%) in the placebo group had died (risk ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.03). The number of serious adverse events, including vascular occlusive events, did not differ meaningfully between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Among adults with major trauma and suspected trauma-induced coagulopathy who were being treated in advanced trauma systems, prehospital administration of tranexamic acid followed by an infusion over 8 hours did not result in a greater number of patients surviving with a favorable functional outcome at 6 months than placebo. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and others; PATCH-Trauma ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02187120.).
PICO Summary
Population
Adult patients with severe trauma and at risk for trauma induced coagulopathy, enrolled in the PATCH-Trauma trial in 15 emergency medical services in Australia, New Zealand, and Germany (n= 1,310).
Intervention
Tranexamic acid (n= 661).
Comparison
Placebo (n= 646).
Outcome
Survival with a favorable functional outcome at 6 months occurred in 307 of 572 patients (53.7%) in the tranexamic acid group and in 299 of 559 (53.5%) in the placebo group (risk ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), [0.90, 1.12]. At 28 days after injury, 113 of 653 patients (17.3%) in the tranexamic acid group and 139 of 637 (21.8%) in the placebo group had died (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% CI [0.63, 0.99]. By 6 months, 123 of 648 patients (19.0%) in the tranexamic acid group and 144 of 629 (22.9%) in the placebo group had died (risk ratio, 0.83; 95% CI [0.67, 1.03]. The number of serious adverse events, including vascular occlusive events, did not differ meaningfully between the groups.
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Prehospital tranexamic acid is associated with a dose-dependent decrease in syndecan-1 after trauma: A secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial
Gruen DS, Brown JB, Guyette FX, Johansson PI, Stensballe J, Li SR, Leeper CM, Eastridge BJ, Nirula R, Vercruysse GA, et al
The journal of trauma and acute care surgery. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Study of Tranexamic Acid During Air and Ground Prehospital Transport (STAAMP) Trial, prehospital tranexamic acid (TXA) was associated with lower mortality in specific patient subgroups. The underlying mechanisms responsible for a TXA benefit remain incompletely characterized. We hypothesized that TXA may mitigate endothelial injury and sought to assess whether TXA was associated with decreased endothelial or tissue damage markers among all patients enrolled in the STAAMP Trial. METHODS We collected blood samples from STAAMP Trial patients and measured markers of endothelial function and tissue damage including syndecan-1, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) at hospital admission (0 hours) and 12, 24, and 72 hours after admission. We compared these marker values for patients in each treatment group during the first 72 hours, and modeled the relationship between TXA and marker concentration using regression analysis to control for potential confounding factors. RESULTS We analyzed samples from 766 patients: 383 placebo, 130 abbreviated dosing, 119 standard dosing, and 130 repeat dosing. Lower levels of syndecan-1, TM, and PECAM measured within the first 72 hours of hospital admission were associated with survival at 30 days (P < 0.001). At hospital admission, syndecan-1 was lower in the TXA group (28.30 [20.05, 42.75] vs. 33.50 [23.00, 54.00] P = 0.001) even after controlling for patient, injury, and prehospital factors (P = 0.001). For every 1 g increase in TXA administered over the first 8 hours of prehospital transport and hospital admission, there was a 4 ng/mL decrease in syndecan-1 at 12 hours controlling for patient, injury, and treatment factors (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Prehospital TXA was associated with decreased syndecan-1 at hospital admission. Syndecan-1 measured 12 hours after admission was inversely related to the dose of TXA received. Early pre- and in-hospital TXA may decrease endothelial glycocalyx damage or upregulate vascular repair mechanisms in a dose-dependent fashion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II, Secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial.
PICO Summary
Population
Injured patients who received prehospital tranexamic acid (TXA) and were at risk for haemorrhage enrolled in the STAAMP randomised controlled trial (n= 766).
Intervention
Abbreviated dose: 1g of TXA (n= 130). Standard dose: 2g of TXA (n= 119). Repeat dose: 3g of TXA (n= 130).
Comparison
Placebo (saline), (n= 383).
Outcome
Blood samples were collected to measure markers of endothelial function and tissue damage including syndecan-1, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) at hospital admission and 12, 24, and 72 hours after admission. Lower levels of syndecan-1, TM, and PECAM measured within the first 72 hours of hospital admission were associated with survival at 30 days. At hospital admission (mean ng/mL [IQR]), syndecan-1 was lower in the TXA group than the placebo group (28.30 [20.05, 42.75] vs. 33.50 [23.00, 54.00]) even after controlling for patient, injury, and prehospital factors. For every 1g increase in TXA administered over the first 8 hours of prehospital transport and hospital admission, there was a 4 ng/mL decrease in syndecan-1 at 12 hours controlling for patient, injury, and treatment factors.
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Early and Empirical High-Dose Cryoprecipitate for Hemorrhage After Traumatic Injury: The CRYOSTAT-2 Randomized Clinical Trial
Davenport, R., Curry, N., Fox, E. E., Thomas, H., Lucas, J., Evans, A., Shanmugaranjan, S., Sharma, R., Deary, A., Edwards, A., et al
Jama. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Critical bleeding is associated with a high mortality rate in patients with trauma. Hemorrhage is exacerbated by a complex derangement of coagulation, including an acute fibrinogen deficiency. Management is fibrinogen replacement with cryoprecipitate transfusions or fibrinogen concentrate, usually administered relatively late during hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE To assess whether survival could be improved by administering an early and empirical high dose of cryoprecipitate to all patients with trauma and bleeding that required activation of a major hemorrhage protocol. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS CRYOSTAT-2 was an interventional, randomized, open-label, parallel-group controlled, international, multicenter study. Patients were enrolled at 26 UK and US major trauma centers from August 2017 to November 2021. Eligible patients were injured adults requiring activation of the hospital's major hemorrhage protocol with evidence of active hemorrhage, systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg at any time, and receiving at least 1 U of a blood component transfusion. INTERVENTION Patients were randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) to receive standard care, which was the local major hemorrhage protocol (reviewed for guideline adherence), or cryoprecipitate, in which 3 pools of cryoprecipitate (6-g fibrinogen equivalent) were to be administered in addition to standard care within 90 minutes of randomization and 3 hours of injury. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days in the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS Among 1604 eligible patients, 799 were randomized to the cryoprecipitate group and 805 to the standard care group. Missing primary outcome data occurred in 73 patients (principally due to withdrawal of consent) and 1531 (95%) were included in the primary analysis population. The median (IQR) age of participants was 39 (26-55) years, 1251 (79%) were men, median (IQR) Injury Severity Score was 29 (18-43), 36% had penetrating injury, and 33% had systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg at hospital arrival. All-cause 28-day mortality in the intention-to-treat population was 26.1% in the standard care group vs 25.3% in the cryoprecipitate group (odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.75-1.23]; P = .74). There was no difference in safety outcomes or incidence of thrombotic events in the standard care vs cryoprecipitate group (12.9% vs 12.7%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with trauma and bleeding who required activation of a major hemorrhage protocol, the addition of early and empirical high-dose cryoprecipitate to standard care did not improve all cause 28-day mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04704869; ISRCTN Identifier: ISRCTN14998314.
PICO Summary
Population
Bleeding patients with trauma enrolled in the CRYOSTAT-2 trial, at 26 UK and US major trauma centers (n= 1,604).
Intervention
Usual care plus 3 early pools of cryoprecipitate (n= 799).
Comparison
Standard care (n= 805).
Outcome
The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days in the intention-to-treat population. Data from 1,531 (95%) patients were included in the primary analysis population. All-cause 28-day mortality in the intention-to-treat population was 26.1% in the standard care group vs. 25.3% in the cryoprecipitate group (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI [0.75, 1.23]). There was no difference in safety outcomes or incidence of thrombotic events in the standard care vs. cryoprecipitate group (12.9% vs. 12.7%).
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Efficacy and Safety of Early Administration of 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Patients With Trauma at Risk of Massive Transfusion: The PROCOAG Randomized Clinical Trial
Bouzat P, Charbit J, Abback PS, Huet-Garrigue D, Delhaye N, Leone M, Marcotte G, David JS, Levrat A, Asehnoune K, et al
Jama. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Optimal transfusion strategies in traumatic hemorrhage are unknown. Reports suggest a beneficial effect of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) on blood product consumption. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of 4F-PCC administration in patients at risk of massive transfusion. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled superiority trial in 12 French designated level I trauma centers from December 29, 2017, to August 31, 2021, involving consecutive patients with trauma at risk of massive transfusion. Follow-up was completed on August 31, 2021. INTERVENTIONS Intravenous administration of 1 mL/kg of 4F-PCC (25 IU of factor IX/kg) vs 1 mL/kg of saline solution (placebo). Patients, investigators, and data analysts were blinded to treatment assignment. All patients received early ratio-based transfusion (packed red blood cells:fresh frozen plasma ratio of 1:1 to 2:1) and were treated according to European traumatic hemorrhage guidelines. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was 24-hour all blood product consumption (efficacy); arterial or venous thromboembolic events were a secondary outcome (safety). RESULTS Of 4313 patients with the highest trauma level activation, 350 were eligible for emergency inclusion, 327 were randomized, and 324 were analyzed (164 in the 4F-PCC group and 160 in the placebo group). The median (IQR) age of participants was 39 (27-56) years, Injury Severity Score was 36 (26-50 [major trauma]), and admission blood lactate level was 4.6 (2.8-7.4) mmol/L; prehospital arterial systolic blood pressure was less than 90 mm Hg in 179 of 324 patients (59%), 233 patients (73%) were men, and 226 (69%) required expedient hemorrhage control. There was no statistically or clinically significant between-group difference in median (IQR) total 24-hour blood product consumption (12 [5-19] U in the 4F-PCC group vs 11 [6-19] U in the placebo group; absolute difference, 0.2 U [95% CI, -2.99 to 3.33]; P = .72). In the 4F-PCC group, 56 patients (35%) presented with at least 1 thromboembolic event vs 37 patients (24%) in the placebo group (absolute difference, 11% [95% CI, 1%-21%]; relative risk, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.04-2.10]; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with trauma at risk of massive transfusion, there was no significant reduction of 24-hour blood product consumption after administration of 4F-PCC, but thromboembolic events were more common. These findings do not support systematic use of 4F-PCC in patients at risk of massive transfusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03218722.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with trauma at risk of massive transfusion enrolled in the PROCOAG trial, in 12 level I trauma centers in France (n= 327).
Intervention
Intravenous administration of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC group, n= 164).
Comparison
Saline solution (placebo group, n= 160).
Outcome
The primary outcome was the total number of all blood product units (RBC, FFP, and platelet concentrate) consumed within the first 24 hours after arrival in the trauma bay. The secondary outcomes were arterial or venous thromboembolic events. There was no statistically or clinically significant between-group difference in median (IQR) total 24-hour blood product consumption (12 [5-19] U in the 4F-PCC group vs. 11 [6-19] U in the placebo group; absolute difference, 0.2 U, 95% CI [-2.99, 3.33]). In the 4F-PCC group, 56 patients (35%) presented with at least 1 thromboembolic event vs. 37 patients (24%) in the placebo group (absolute difference, 11%, 95% CI [1%, 21%]; relative risk, 1.48, 95% CI [1.04, 2.10]).
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and mortality after trauma are associated with increased circulation of syndecan-1, soluble thrombomodulin, and receptor for advanced glycation end products
Dixon, A., Kenny, J. E., Buzzard, L., Holcomb, J., Bulger, E., Wade, C., Fabian, T., Schreiber, M.
The journal of trauma and acute care surgery. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of the vascular endothelium and endothelial glycocalyx (EG) has been described after severe trauma. Plasma has been suggested to restore microvascular integrity by preservation and repair of the EG. We sought to evaluate whether plasma administered in a 1:1:1 ratio was associated with less endothelial marker circulation than a 1:1:2 ratio. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of the PROPPR trial which investigated post-traumatic resuscitation with platelets, plasma, and red blood cells in a 1:1:1 ratio compared with a 1:1:2 ratio. Syndecan-1, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were quantified for each treatment group on admission and at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Patients were excluded if they did not survive longer than 3 hours or had data from fewer than two time points. RESULTS 308 patients in the 1:1:1 group and 291 in the 1:1:2 group were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in syndecan-1, sTM, or RAGE between treatment groups at any time point (p > 0.05). Patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and death had significantly elevated biomarker expression at most time points when compared to patients who did not develop these sequelae (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Administration of FFP in a 1:1:1 ratio does not consistently affect circulation of endothelial biomarkers following significant trauma when compared to a 1:1:2 ratio. The development of post-traumatic ARDS, AKI, and death was associated with increased endothelial biomarker circulation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Secondary analysis of Level I evidence.
PICO Summary
Population
Trauma patients 15 years of age or older, enrolled in the Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) trial, in 12 Level I trauma centers across North America (n= 629).
Intervention
Plasma, platelets, and red blood cells administered in a 1:1:1 ratio (n= 321).
Comparison
Plasma, platelets, and red blood cells administered in a 1:1:2 ratio (n= 308).
Outcome
This is a secondary analysis of the PROPPR trial. Syndecan-1, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were quantified for each treatment group on admission and at 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Patients were excluded if they did not survive longer than 3 hours or had data from fewer than two time points. Three hundred eight patients in the 1:1:1 group and 291 in the 1:1:2 group were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in syndecan-1, sTM, or RAGE between treatment groups at any time point. Patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and death had significantly elevated biomarker expression at most time points when compared with patients who did not develop these sequelae.
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Pre-hospital freeze-dried plasma for critical bleeding after trauma: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Mitra B, Meadley B, Bernard S, Maegele M, Gruen RL, Bradley O, Wood EM, McQuilten ZK, Fitzgerald M, St Clair T, et al
Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transfusion of a high ratio of plasma to packed red blood cells (PRBC), to treat or prevent acute traumatic coagulopathy, has been associated with survival after major trauma. However, the effect of pre-hospital plasma on patient outcomes has been inconsistent. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility of transfusing freeze-dried plasma with red blood cells (RBC) using a randomized controlled design in an Australian aeromedical pre-hospital setting. METHODS Patients attended by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) paramedics with suspected critical bleeding after trauma managed with pre-hospital RBC were randomized to receive two units of freeze-dried plasma (Lyoplas N-w) or standard care (no plasma). The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients enrolled and provided the intervention. Secondary outcomes included preliminary data on effectiveness, including mortality censored at 24 hours and at hospital discharge, and adverse events. RESULTS During the study period of 01 June to 31 October 2022, there were 25 eligible patients, of whom 20 (80%) were enrolled in the trial and 19 (76%) received the allocated intervention. Median time from randomization to hospital arrival was 92.5 mins (IQR 68-101.5). Mortality may have been lower in the freeze-dried plasma group at 24h (RR 0.24; 95%CI: 0.03 - 1.73) and at hospital discharge (RR 0.73; 95%CI: 0.24 - 2.27). No serious adverse events related to the trial interventions were reported. CONCLUSIONS This first reported experience of freeze-dried plasma use in Australia suggests pre-hospital administration is feasible. Given longer prehospital times typically associated with HEMS attendance, there is potential clinical benefit from this intervention and rationale for a definitive trial.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients attended by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) paramedics with suspected critical bleeding after trauma (n= 20).
Intervention
Two units of freeze-dried plasma (Lyoplas N-w), (n= 9).
Comparison
Standard care (no plasma), (n= 11).
Outcome
The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible patients enrolled and provided the intervention. Secondary outcomes included preliminary data on effectiveness, including mortality censored at 24 hours and at hospital discharge, and adverse events. Nineteen patients (76%) received the allocated intervention. Median time from randomization to hospital arrival was 92.5 mins (IQR 68-101.5). Mortality may have been lower in the freeze-dried plasma group at 24h (RR 0.24; 95% CI [0.03, 1.73]) and at hospital discharge (RR 0.73; 95% CI [0.24, 2.27]. No serious adverse events related to the trial interventions were reported.
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The Restrictive Red Blood Cell Transfusion Strategy for Critically Injured Patients (RESTRIC) trial: a cluster-randomized, crossover, non-inferiority multicenter trial of restrictive transfusion in trauma
Hayakawa, M., Tagami, T., Kudo, D., Ono, K., Aoki, M., Endo, A., Yumoto, T., Matsumura, Y., Irino, S., Sekine, K., et al
Journal of intensive care. 2023;11(1):34
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacies of fresh frozen plasma and coagulation factor transfusion have been widely evaluated in trauma-induced coagulopathy management during the acute post-injury phase. However, the efficacy of red blood cell transfusion has not been adequately investigated in patients with severe trauma, and the optimal hemoglobin target level during the acute post-injury and resuscitation phases remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether a restrictive transfusion strategy was clinically non-inferior to a liberal transfusion strategy during the acute post-injury phase. METHODS This cluster-randomized, crossover, non-inferiority multicenter trial was conducted at 22 tertiary emergency medical institutions in Japan and included adult patients with severe trauma at risk of major bleeding. The institutions were allocated a restrictive or liberal transfusion strategy (target hemoglobin levels: 7-9 or 10-12 g/dL, respectively). The strategies were applied to patients immediately after arrival at the emergency department. The primary outcome was 28-day survival after arrival at the emergency department. Secondary outcomes included transfusion volume, complication rates, and event-free days. The non-inferiority margin was set at 3%. RESULTS The 28-day survival rates of patients in the restrictive (n = 216) and liberal (n = 195) strategy groups were 92.1% and 91.3%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for 28-day survival in the restrictive versus liberal strategy group was 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-2.13). Significant non-inferiority was not observed. Transfusion volumes and hemoglobin levels were lower in the restrictive strategy group than in the liberal strategy group. No between-group differences were noted in complication rates or event-free days. CONCLUSIONS Although non-inferiority of the restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategy for 28-day survival was not statistically significant, the mortality and complication rates were similar between the groups. The restrictive transfusion strategy results in a lower transfusion volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER umin.ac.jp/ctr: UMIN000034405, registration date: 8 October 2018.
PICO Summary
Population
Adult patients with severe trauma at risk of major bleeding, enrolled in the RESTRIC cluster-randomized, crossover trial at 22 tertiary emergency medical institutions in Japan (n= 422).
Intervention
Restrictive transfusion strategy (n= 222).
Comparison
Liberal transfusion strategy (n= 200).
Outcome
The restrictive and liberal red blood cell strategy groups included 216 and 195 patients in the intention-to-treat analysis, respectively. The primary outcome was 28-day survival after arrival at the emergency department. Secondary outcomes included transfusion volume, complication rates, and event-free days. The non-inferiority margin was set at 3%. The 28-day survival rates of patients in the restrictive (n= 216) and liberal (n= 195) strategy groups were 92.1% and 91.3%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for 28-day survival in the restrictive versus liberal strategy group was 1.02; 95% confidence interval [0.49, 2.13]. Significant non-inferiority was not observed. Transfusion volumes and haemoglobin levels were lower in the restrictive strategy group than in the liberal strategy group. No between-group differences were noted in complication rates or event-free days.
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Prehospital plasma is associated with survival principally in patients transferred from the scene of injury: A secondary analysis of the PAMPer trial
Lewis RE, Muluk SL, Reitz KM, Guyette FX, Brown JB, Miller RS, Harbrecht BG, Claridge JA, Phelan HA, Yazer MH, et al
Surgery. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to characterize if prehospital transfer origin from the scene of injury (SCENE) or from a referral emergency department (REF) alters the survival benefit attributable to prehospital plasma resuscitation in patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of data from a recently completed prehospital plasma clinical trial. All of the enrolled patients from either the SCENE or REF groups were included. The demographics, injury characteristics, shock severity and resuscitation needs were compared. The primary outcome was a 30-day mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox-hazard regression were used to characterize the independent survival benefits of prehospital plasma for transport origin groups. RESULTS Of the 501 enrolled patients, the REF group patients (n = 111) accounted for 22% with the remaining (n = 390) originating from the scene. The SCENE group patients had higher injury severity and were more likely intubated prehospital. The REF group patients had longer prehospital times and received greater prehospital crystalloid and blood products. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant 30-day survival benefit associated with prehospital plasma in the SCENE group (P < .01) with no difference found in the REF group patients (P = .36). The Cox-regression verified after controlling for relevant confounders that prehospital plasma was independently associated with a 30-day survival in the SCENE group patients (hazard ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.89; P = .01) with no significant relationship found in the REF group patients (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.4-3.0). CONCLUSION Important differences across the SCENE and REF cohorts exist that are essential to understand when planning prehospital studies. Prehospital plasma is associated with a survival benefit primarily in SCENE group patients. The results are exploratory but suggest transfer origin may be an important determinant of prehospital plasma benefit.
PICO Summary
Population
Severely injured trauma patients enrolled in the PAMPer trial (n= 501).
Intervention
Thawed plasma (n= 230).
Comparison
Standard pre-hospital air medical care (n= 271).
Outcome
For this secondary analysis of the PAMPer trial, the study population was composed of 390 (78%) patients with an air medical transfer origin from the scene of injury (SCENE) and 111 (22%) patients transferred from an outside referral emergency department (REF). Randomization to plasma or standard of care was equally distributed across each transfer origin group. The SCENE group had higher injury severity and were more likely intubated pre-hospital. The REF group had longer pre-hospital times and received greater pre-hospital crystalloid and blood products. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significant 30-day survival benefit associated with pre-hospital plasma in the SCENE group with no difference found in the REF group. The Cox-regression verified after controlling for relevant confounders that pre-hospital plasma was independently associated with a 30-day survival in the SCENE group with no significant relationship found in the REF group.