Uncrossmatched blood transfusions for trauma patients in the emergency department: incidence, outcomes and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Early transfusion of blood products for severely injured patients can improve volume depletion, acidosis, dilution and coagulopathy. There is concern that some patients are unnecessarily exposed to the risks of emergent transfusion with uncrossmatched red blood cell products (URBC) in the emergency department (ED). The goal of this study was to evaluate the transfusion practices in our ED among all patients who received URBC. METHODS: We analyzed all injured patients transfused at least 1 URBC in the ED at a level-1 trauma centre between Jan. 15, 2007, and Jan. 14, 2008. Demographics, injuries and outcomes were reported. We used standard statistical methodology. RESULTS: At least 1 URBC product was transfused into 153 patients (5% of all patients, mean 2.6 products) in the ED (median Injury Severity Score [ISS] 28; hemodynamic instability 94%). Sixty-four percent of patients proceeded to an emergent operation and 17% required massive transfusion. The overall mortality rate was 45%, which increased to 52% and 100% in patients who received 4 and 5 or more URBC products, respectively. Nonsurvivors had a higher median ISS (p=0.017), received more URBC in the ED (p=0.006) and possessed more major vascular injuries (p<0.001). Among nonsurvivors, 67% died of uncontrollable hemorrhage. Unnecessary URBC transfusions in the ED occurred in 7% of patients. CONCLUSION: Overtransfusion was minimal based on clinical acumen triggers. Early transfer of patients receiving URBC products in the ED to the operating room, intensive care unit or angiography suite for ongoing resuscitation and definitive hemorrhage control must be strongly considered.

The impact of shorter prehospital transport times on outcomes in patients with abdominal vascular injuries.

BACKGROUND: Most deaths in patients with abdominal vascular injuries (ABVI) are caused by exsanguination and irreversible shock. Therefore, time to definitive hemorrhage control is an important factor affecting survival. The study goals were: (1) document current outcomes in patients with ABVI, and (2) compare outcomes to those from the era preceding improvements in an urban prehospital system. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with ABVI at an urban level 1 trauma center was completed. Patients injured prior to prehospital transport improvements (1991-1994) were compared to those following a reduction in transport times (1995-2004). RESULTS: Of 388 patients, 70 (18%) arrived prior to prehospital improvements (1991-1994). Patient/injury demographics were similar in both groups (age, sex, penetrating mechanism; p > 0.05). The number of patients presenting with ABVI increased (23 vs. 35 per year; p < 0.05) concurrent to a reduction in transport times (27 vs. 20 minutes; p < 0.05). Patients were more frequently unstable (63% vs. 91%; p < 0.05). Regardless of the specific vessel, mortality increased (37% vs. 67%; p < 0.05) following prehospital improvements. CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in urban transport times resulted in an increase in (1) the number of patients arriving with abdominal vascular injuries, (2) the proportion presenting in physiologic extremis, and (3) overall mortality.