Transfusion medicine
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The aim of this article was to review recent developments in the resuscitation of both trauma and non-trauma patients in haemorrhagic shock. Strategies for the resuscitation of massively haemorrhaging patients and the use of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) have been a major focus of the trauma literature over the past several years. The application of haemostatic resuscitation practices and MTPs to non-trauma populations has long been in practice, but has only recently been the subject of active research. ⋯ There was also interest in re-evaluating the clinical relevance of the current MT definition and identifying new foci for MT. These recent developments reflect efforts to better understand and manage non-traumatic haemorrhage and to address prior limitations in the trauma literature. Inevitably, new questions have been raised, which will likely direct ongoing and future research in MT.
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Transfusion medicine · Jun 2014
Changes in blood transfusion practices in the UK role 3 medical treatment facility in Afghanistan, 2008-2011.
To document blood component usage in the UK medical treatment facility, Afghanistan, over a period of 4 years; and to examine the relationship with transfusion capability, injury pattern and survival. ⋯ The number of blood components transfused to individual combat casualties increased during the 4-year period, despite no change in injury severity or injury pattern. Survival also increased. Combat casualties requiring massive transfusion have a significantly higher chance of survival than civilian patients. Survival is the product of the entire system of care. However, we propose that the changes in military transfusion practice and capability have contributed to increased combat trauma survival.
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Transfusion medicine · Dec 2013
Clinical TrialThromboelastometric detection of clotting Factor XIII deficiency in cardiac surgery patients.
In this article, we aimed to investigate plasma Factor XIII levels after extracorporeal circulation in cardiac surgery by thromboelastometric detection, as extracorporeal circulation causes various coagulation disorders due to the exposure of blood to artificial surfaces, inflammatory induction and mechanical destruction of platelets and coagulation factors, which may particularly affect factors with long half-lives, such as Factor XIII. ⋯ In summary, 'teenTEM' test does not seem to detect Factor XIII deficient patients in cardiac surgery. Furthermore, post-operative blood loss could not be predicted neither by ROTEM nor by laboratory analysis of Factor XIII. In vitro administration of Factor XIII appears to improve laboratory measures of haemostasis.
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Transfusion medicine · Aug 2013
Association of age and packed red blood cell transfusion to 1-year survival--an observational study of ICU patients.
To compare the 1-year survival for different age strata of intensive care unit (ICU) patients after receipt of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. ⋯ We found no significant interaction between receipt of red cell transfusion and age, as variables, and survival at 1 year as an outcome.