Protocol for Management of Massive Transfusion
Sequence of Components
Profound hypotension should be treated speedily. Administer crystalloid or colloid infusions rather than delay fluid administration. Initial red cell replacement is in the form of packed red cells.
Laboratory Samples
At the start of resuscitation, blood should be taken for group and crossmatch, coagulation tests, full blood count and biochemistry. These must be properly labelled and identified in all situations.
Blood Bank Arrangements
Routine procedures should be followed until it becomes obvious that massive transfusion is likely. The blood bank should be informed as soon as possible that a major trauma is arriving or in the building.
For extreme emergencies group O blood should be supplied first. Rhesus D negative blood should be supplied to all women of childbearing age. Type specific (ABO Rh D matched) blood should be available in 5 minutes and the switch should be made promptly so as not to deplete stores of group O blood. Continue transfusing blood on this basis until time is available to crossmatch on the original serum sample. If an antibody screen is negative and more than one blood volume has been administered there is no point attempting compatibility tests except to exclude ABO mismatches.
Monitoring
During massive transfusion, regular monitoring of haemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time�(PTT) and fibrinogen levels should take place and be used to guide component replacement.
Components
Component replacement should occur only in the presence of active bleeding or if interventional procedures are to be undertaken.
Platelet concentrates (1 pack/10kg) are given if platelet count falls below 50. Each platelet concentrate also provides around 50ml of fresh plasma. Fresh frozen plasma (12ml/kg)is administered if PT or PTT are running higher than 1.5 times control levels. Cryoprecipitate (1-1.5 packs/10kg) is given for Fibrinogen levels < 0.8g/l. For massive uncontrolled traumative haemorrhage, maintenance of full haeostatic ability is usually unrealistic. The priority is for definitive surgical arrest of haemorrhage from major vessels. Combinations of stored whole blood, packed cells, colloids & crystalloids are given to maintain blood volume or pressure at adequate levels and haemoglobin at around 7g/dl or haematocrit at 0.25. Conserve limited supplies of fresh blood, plasma or platelets until the bleeding is controlled.
When blood loss has lessened (0.5l/hour) and major vessels have been controlled, it becomes worthwhile correcting haemostasis.