European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2014
The epidemic of pre-injury oral antiplatelet and anticoagulant use.
As the population ages, an increasing number of trauma patients are taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications (ACAP) prior to their injuries. These medications increase their risk of hemorrhagic complications, particularly intracerebral hemorrhage. Clopidogrel and warfarin are common and their mechanisms well understood, but optimal reversal methods continue to evolve. The novel direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors are less well described and do not have existing antidotes. ⋯ New developments in reversal of the ACAP medications are promising, particularly PCCs for warfarin and the factor Xa inhibitors. Function assays and clear antidotes are needed for the thrombin and Xa inhibitors. Research on outcomes and appropriate treatments is actively ongoing.
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Dec 2014
Modern resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock: what is on the horizon?
Mortality rates among the severely injured remain high. The successful treatment of hemorrhagic shock relies on expeditious control of bleeding through surgical ligation, packing, or endovascular techniques. An important secondary concern in hemorrhaging patients is how to respond to the lost blood volume. A single method that is able to adequately address all needs of the exsanguinating patient has not yet been agreed upon, despite a large growth of knowledge regarding the causative factors of traumatic shock. ⋯ Many different trials are currently underway to discriminate ways to improve outcomes in the severely injured and bleeding patient. This paper will review: (1) recent advances in our understanding of the effects hemorrhagic shock has on the coagulation cascade and vascular endothelium, (2) recent research findings that have changed resuscitation, and (3) resuscitation strategies that are not widely used but under active investigation.