Shock : molecular, cellular, and systemic pathobiological aspects and therapeutic approaches : the official journal the Shock Society, the European Shock Society, the Brazilian Shock Society, the International Federation of Shock Societies
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Comparative Study
Hemostatic function of apheresis platelets stored at 4 °C and 22 °C.
Platelet refrigeration decreases the risk of bacterial contamination and may preserve function better than standard-of-care room temperature (RT) storage. Benefits could include lower transfusion-related complications, decreased costs, improved hemostasis in acutely bleeding patients, and extended shelf life. In this study, we compared the effects of 22°C and 4°C storage on the functional and activation status of apheresis platelets. ⋯ Apheresis platelets stored at 4°C maintain more viable metabolic characteristics, are hemostatically more effective, and release fewer proinflammatory mediators than apheresis platelets stored at RT over 5 days. Given the superior bacteriologic safety of refrigerated products, these data suggest that cold-stored platelets may improve outcomes for acutely bleeding patients.
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Crystalloids and colloids are used in prehospital fluid resuscitation to replace blood loss and preserve tissue perfusion until definite surgical control of bleeding can be achieved. However, large volumes of fluids will increase bleeding by elevating blood pressure, dislodging blood clots, and diluting coagulation factors and platelets. Hypotensive fluid resuscitation strategies are used to avoid worsening of uncontrolled bleeding. ⋯ The most important advantage of using colloids is logistical because less volume and weight are needed. In conclusion, prehospital fluid resuscitation is considered the standard of care, but there is little clinical evidence supporting the use of either crystalloids or colloids in remote damage control resuscitation. Alternative resuscitation fluids are needed.
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Toward the end of World War I and during World War II, whole-blood transfusions were the primary agent in the treatment of military traumatic hemorrhage. However, after World War II, the fractionation of whole blood into its components became widely accepted and replaced whole-blood transfusion to better accommodate specific blood deficiencies, logistics, and financial reasons. This transition occurred with very few clinical trials to determine which patient populations or scenarios would or would not benefit from the change. ⋯ In addition, several recent military studies suggest a survival advantage of early use of whole blood, but the safety concerns have limited is widespread civilian use. Based on extensive military experience as well as recent published literature, low-titer leukocyte reduced cold-store type O whole blood carries low adverse risks and maintains its hemostatic properties for up to 21 days. A prospective randomized trial comparing whole blood versus ratio balanced component therapy is proposed with rationale provided.
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This year, the Trauma Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research Network had its third annual conference from June 17 to 19 at the Solstrand Hotel, near Bergen, Norway. It was sponsored and organized by the Norwegian Naval Special Operation Commando together with the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation. The Trauma Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research Network is composed of more than 150 members from 16 countries who all have a common interest in the prevention and treatment of traumatic hemorrhagic shock. The network is multidisciplinary to include members from both the military and civilian medical community representing areas of surgery, critical care, emergency medicine, transfusion medicine, anesthesiology, hematology, and basic science.
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The Trauma Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research Network held its third annual Remote Damage Control Resuscitation Symposium in June 2013 in Bergen, Norway. The Trauma Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research Network is a multidisciplinary group of investigators with a common interest in improving outcomes and safety in patients with severe traumatic injury. The network's mission is to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality from traumatic hemorrhagic shock, in the prehospital phase of resuscitation through research, education, and training. ⋯ The prehospital phase of resuscitation is critical in these patients. If shock and coagulopathy can be rapidly identified and minimized before hospital admission, this will very likely reduce morbidity and mortality. This position statement begins to standardize the terms used, provides an acceptable range of therapeutic options, and identifies the major knowledge gaps in the field.