A more aggressive approach to platelet transfusions may reduce mortality in trauma patients with severe hemorrhage.
In a retrospective study of 657 patients requiring massive blood transfusion, better survival rates were found in patients with higher platelet to packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion ratios. The mortality was significantly lower for patients who received the highest apheresis platelet to PRBC ratio (≥1:6) compared to those with the lowest ratio (<1:18), after controlling for such factors as injury severity, initial blood pressure, and transfusion of other blood products.
For injured patients requiring a massive transfusion, as the apheresis platelet-to-red cell ratio increased, a stepwise improvement in survival was seen. Prospective evaluation of the role of platelet transfusion in massively transfused patients is warranted.
Source:
In a retrospective study of 657 patients requiring massive blood transfusion, better survival rates were found in patients with higher platelet to packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion ratios. The mortality was significantly lower for patients who received the highest apheresis platelet to PRBC ratio (≥1:6) compared to those with the lowest ratio (<1:18), after controlling for such factors as injury severity, initial blood pressure, and transfusion of other blood products.
For injured patients requiring a massive transfusion, as the apheresis platelet-to-red cell ratio increased, a stepwise improvement in survival was seen. Prospective evaluation of the role of platelet transfusion in massively transfused patients is warranted.
Source:
Inaba K, Lustenberger T, Rhee P, et al. The impact of platelet transfusion in massively transfused trauma patients. J Am Coll Surg 2010; 211:573.