To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Massive Transfusion Protocol Saves Lives: Presented at ACS URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22EF9A.htm Doctor's Guide October 17, 2008
By Roberta Friedman, PhD SAN FRANCISCO -- October 17, 2008 -- A transfusion protocol in place at Stanford University's Level 1 trauma centre produced a 58% reduction in mortality among trauma patients, according to a presentation here at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) 94th Annual Clinical Congress. The study was presented on October 15 by Daniel Riskin, MD, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Dr. Riskin said that the type of trauma patient that requires 10 or more units of packed red blood cells in 24 hours has a high mortality rate (30%-50%), so he and his colleagues implemented the new protocol to attempt to improve outcomes in these patients. The massive transfusion protocol (MTP), implemented in 2005, uses 10 or more units of packed red blood cells in 24 hours. The MTP pack consists of 6 units of packed red blood cells, 4 units of fresh frozen plasma, and 6 units of platelets, explained Dr. Riskin. A retrospective cohort study of patients treated in the 2 years before and 2 years after implementation of the protocol showed that 45% of 40 patients died prior to 2005 compared with 19% of 37 patients after 2005 (P < .05). In both groups, patients tended to be male, average age was in the 40s, and all had blunt trauma. "We should be using the product we make available and using it early. Working closely with the blood bank helps," Dr. Riskin said. He added that "implementing this protocol reduced waste" of blood products. "We agree the platelet ratio is a major factor" in the success of the protocol, Dr. Riskin said. [Presentation title: Reduced Mortality After Implementation of Massive Transfusion Protocol: A Single Trauma Center Experience. Session GS71] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.