Type-O Blood Is Not Associated With Elevated Mortality After Trauma: A North American Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have presented contradictory findings on the relationship between blood type and mortality in trauma patients. Using the largest population in a study of this type to date, we hypothesized that ABO genotype and Rhesus status would influence trauma-related mortality and morbidity given the relationship between blood type and hemostasis. METHODS: Data from all trauma patients admitted to level I and level II trauma centers in one city over a five-year period was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified by ABO type. Patient demographics and outcomes were then assessed. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze categorical variables. Continuous variables were analyzed using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. Logistic regression was used to determine independent associations for 28-day mortality and complications. RESULTS: Of 5249 patients, severe injury (ISS >15) was present in 1469. Approximately one-quarter of patients with severe injury received blood products within the first 24 hours. There were no significant variations in demographics or complications between patients of different blood types. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis showed no association between blood type and mortality. However, penetrating injury, lower GCS, higher ISS, blood transfusion within 24 hours, and Asian descent were associated with higher overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous studies, we found no evidence of an association between blood type and mortality. However, our findings suggest that patients of Asian descent may be at higher risk for mortality following trauma. Further research is warranted to explore this observation.

The Novel Use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta to Explore a Retroperitoneal Hematoma in a Hemodynamically Unstable Patient.

Balloon occlusion of the aorta was first described by C.W. Hughes in 1954, when it was used as a tamponade device for three wounded soldiers during the Korean War suffering from intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Currently, the device is indicated in trauma patients as a surrogate for resuscitative thoracotomy. Brenner et al. reported a case series describing the use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in advanced hemorrhagic shock. Their conclusion was that "it is a feasible method for proximal aortic control." We describe the novel use of REBOA before retroperitoneal hematoma exploration in a hemodynamically unstable patient. Reported is a 19-year-old blunt trauma victim where REBOA was successfully deployed as a means for proximal arterial control before a Zone 1 retroperitoneal hematoma exploration. The source of the patient's hemorrhagic shock was multifactorial: grade V hepatic injury, retrohepatic inferior vena cava laceration, and right renal vein avulsion with Zone 1 retroperitoneal hematoma. Immediate return of perfusion pressure, as systolic pressures increased from 50 to 150 mm Hg. Hemodynamic improvements were accompanied by decreased transfusion and vasopressor requirements. In addition, the surgeons were able to enter the retroperitoneal hematoma under controlled conditions. REBOA is an attractive new tool to gain proximal aortic control in select patients with hemorrhagic shock. It is less morbid, possibly more efficient, and appears to be more effective than resuscitative thoracotomy. REBOA is certainly feasible for proximal aortic control before retroperitoneal exploration, and should be considered in select patients.