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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

Transfusion therapy in paediatric trauma patients: a review of the literature

Authors: Kristin Brønnum Nystrup, Jakob Stensballe, Morten Bøttger, Pär I Johansson, Sisse R Ostrowski

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Haemorrhage is a leading cause of death in paediatric trauma patients. Predefined massive transfusion protocols (MTP) have the potential to significantly reduce mortality by treating haemorrhagic shock and coagulopathy, in adhering to the principles of haemostatic resuscitation with rapid administration of balanced ratios of packed red blood cells (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets (PLT).
Because of their substantial physiological reserve, initial vital signs may not be good predictors of early haemorrhage in paediatric patients. Determining the triggers for MTP activation in paediatric trauma patients is challenging, and the optimal blood product ratio that will increase survival in massively bleeding paediatric trauma patients has yet to be determined. To date, only a few small descriptive studies and case reports have investigated the use of predefined MTP in paediatric trauma patients.
MTP with increased FFP or PLT to RBC ratios combined with viscoelastic haemostatic assay (VHA) guided haemostatic resuscitation have not yet been tested in paediatric populations but based on results from adult trauma patients, this therapeutic approach seems promising.
Considering the high prevalence of early coagulopathy in paediatric trauma patients, immediate identification and implementation of VHA-directed treatment of traumatic coagulopathy could ensure faster haemostasis and thereby, potentially, reduce bleeding as well as the total transfusion requirements and further improve outcome in paediatric trauma patients. Prospective randomized trials investigating this therapeutic approach in paediatric trauma patients are highly warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Transfusion therapy in paediatric trauma patients: a review of the literature
Authors
Kristin Brønnum Nystrup
Jakob Stensballe
Morten Bøttger
Pär I Johansson
Sisse R Ostrowski
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-015-0097-z

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