The American surgeon
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The American surgeon · Jul 2016
What's in the Box? The Effectiveness of a Low-Volume Massive Transfusion Protocol.
Transfusion ratios approaching 1:1:1 of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to platelet have been shown to improve outcomes in trauma. There is little data available to describe in what quantity that ratio should be delivered. We hypothesized that lowering the total volume of products delivered in each protocol round would not adversely affect outcomes in the bleeding trauma patient. ⋯ There was no significant difference in age (36.6 vs 37.2, P = 0.87), injury severity score (29.8 vs 32.3, P = 0.45), or per cent penetrating mechanism (43.9 vs 37.2%, P = 0.503) when comparing MTP to LVMTP. In addition, there was no significant difference in mortality (47.4 vs 41.9%, P = 0.584), lengths of stay (13.5 vs 17.1, P = 0.258), or vent days (6.4 vs 8.2, P = 0.236) when comparing MTP to LVMTP. A LVMTP is safe and effective for the resuscitation of the trauma patient.