A Paradigm Shift in Trauma Resuscitation: Evaluation of Evolving Massive Transfusion Practices

IMPORTANCE The evolution of damage control strategies has led to significant changes in the use of resuscitation after traumatic injury. OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in the administration of fluids and blood products, hypothesizing that a reduction in crystalloid volume and a reduced red blood cell (RBC) to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) ratio over the last 7 years would correlate with better resuscitation outcomes. DESIGN Observational prospective cohort study. SETTING Urban level I trauma center. PARTICIPANTS A total of 174 trauma patients receiving a massive transfusion (>10 units of RBCs in 24 hours) or requiring the activation of the institutional massive transfusion protocol from February 2005 to June 2011. EXPOSURE Patients had to either receive a massive transfusion or require the activation of the institutional massive transfusion protocol. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES In-hospital mortality. RESULTS The mean (SD) Injury Severity Score was 28.4 (16.2), the mean (SD) base deficit was −9.8 (6.3), and median international normalized ratio was 1.3 (interquartile range, 1.2-1.6); the mortality rate was 40.8%. Patients received a median of 6.1 L of crystalloid, 13 units of RBCs, 10 units of FFP, and 1 unit of platelets over 24 hours, with a mean RBC:FFP ratio of 1.58:1. The mean 24-hour crystalloid infusion volume and number of the total blood product units given in the first 24 hours decreased significantly over the study period (P