Introduction Massive transfusion activations (MTAs) are commonly used in the care of the trauma patient. However, MTA for trauma patients constitutes only a small fraction of MpTA at our institution. The aim of this study was to characterize MTA in non-trauma patients to better understand how this strategy is employed at a larger tertiary hospital. Methods All MTA involving non-trauma patients from January 2017 to April 2019 were reviewed. Patients with unclear indications for MTA were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, reason for MTA, transfusion ratios, use of adjunctive antifibrinolytics, use of viscoelastic testing, and vasopressor administration at the time of MTA. Results There were 328 patients and 353 MTA identified over the study period. The mean age was 52.0 years and 40.9% were male. Patients were most commonly under the care of a medical service (55.2%), while 25.3% were obstetric patients and 19.5% were surgical patients. Compliance with 1:1:1 transfusion ratios was low. Concomitant vasopressor use was high (70.8%), while antifibrinolytic agents (13.0%) and viscoelastic testing (19.0%) were used less commonly. The overall mortality of the study population was 56.1%. Conclusions Massive transfusion activations are frequently used in non-trauma patients. There was a low rate of adherence to 1:1:1 transfusion ratios as well as utilization of adjuncts and tools that could allow for targeted resuscitation. Understanding practice patterns relating to MTA may allow for an opportunity for improvement.
Introduction Thromboelastography (TEG) is an assay that assesses the coagulation status. Patients with prolonged reaction time (R) require fresh frozen plasma (FFP); however, the volume required to correct the R time is unknown. We sought to quantify the volume required to correct the R time and calculate the response ratio in our surgical intensive care unit (SICU) to allow for targeted resuscitation Methods Surgical intensive care unit patients between Aug 2017 and July 2019 with a prolonged initial R time and at least two TEG tests performed within 24 hours were included. The response ratio was defined as the change in the R time divided by the number of FFP units. High responders (response ratio >5 minutes/unit) were compared to low responders (response ratio ≤5 minutes/unit). Results Forty-six patients were included. While the mean response ratio was 5 minutes/unit, there was significant variation among patients. There were 28.0 (60.9%) low responders and 18.0 (39.1%) high responders. Low responders were more likely male (64.0% vs. 33.0%, P = .04), had a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score (42.0 vs. 27.0, P = .03), and a higher mortality rate (54.0% vs. 22.0%, P = .04). Conclusions On average, one unit of FFP corrects the R time by 5 minutes; however, there was significant variation between high and low responders. Male patients with higher APACHE IV score are expected to be low responders with a higher mortality rate. These findings can guide FFP transfusion and provide additional prognostication.
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