The complication of blood transfusion has been grouped into early complications: Hemolytic reactions (immediate and delayed), Non-hemolytic febrile reactions, Allergic reactions to proteins, IgA, Transfusion-related acute lung injury, Reactions secondary to bacterial contamination, Circulatory overload, Air embolism, Thrombophlebitis, Hyperkalemia, Citrate toxicity, Hypothermia and Clotting abnormalities (after massive transfusions) and the Late complications are: Transmission of infection Viral (hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, CMV), Bacterial (Salmonella), Parasites (malaria, toxoplasma), Graft-vs-host disease, Iron overload (after chronic transfusions), Immune sensitization (Rhesus D antigen). Being a relatively simple procedure, it could be associated with acute and delayed complications and major complications are rare. The likelihood of having a clinically signi icant embolism is dependent on the rate, volume, route (arterial or venous), and the physiological reserves of the subject to compensate for the complication. Our study suggests that transfusion of RBC, platelets and FFP in a 2:1:1 ratio could be beneficial for trauma patients. It is necessary to implement Massive Transfusion Protocols as they appear to improve outcomes. The main criteria for transfusion were analytical criteria (43.75%), and acute anaemia with shock (18.75%) and without haemodynamic impact (18.75%).Ĭlinical practice shows a ratio of red blood cells, platelets, and Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) of 2:1:1. The most transfused blood component was packet red blood cells with 93.8% of total transfusions versus 43.8% of platelets and 37.5% of fresh plasma. Demographic variables, mortality rate, hospital stay, SOFA-score and haemoglobin levels were also gathered. Transfusion programmes, the number of transfusions performed, and the blood component transfused were recorded. Distribution of frequencies was used for qualitative variables and the mean, with its 95% CI, for quantitative variables. Adult patients with moderate or severe trauma were eligible. We performed a multicenter cross-sectional study in 111 Intensive Care Units across Spain.
We aimed to describe the epidemiology of transfusion practices in severe trauma patients admitted into Spanish Intensive Care Units. Management of trauma patients is the greatest challenge in trauma emergency care, and its proper diagnosis and early management of bleeding trauma patients, including blood transfusion, are critical for patient outcomes. Uncontrolled haemorrhage is the main avoidable cause of death among severely injured individuals. Severe traumatic injury is one of the main global health issues which annually causes more than 5.8 million worldwide deaths.