When someone suffers a traumatic injury, administering blood products at the scene or during emergency transport can significantly enhance their chances of survival and recovery. However, the type of blood component given can impact outcomes based on the injury type.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC have found that giving plasma separated from other blood components improves outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or shock. In contrast, whole blood may be more beneficial for those with traumatic bleeding.
Pitt and UPMC have established the largest clinical trials research consortium for early trauma care in the U.S., funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. This research benefits both military personnel and civilians. Dr. Timothy Billiar, a senior author, describes this approach as "precision transfusion," aiming to provide the right blood product to the right patient at the right time, maximizing benefits and minimizing side effects.
The findings come from the SWAT multicenter study, which enrolled over 1,000 trauma patients likely needing emergency surgery. The study revealed that patients receiving a higher proportion of plasma before hospital admission showed better coagulation and reduced post-admission transfusion volumes.
The team also explored proteomics, finding that plasma recipients had distinct protein profiles aiding inflammation and clotting. Despite the similar plasma content in whole blood and separated plasma, the latter showed better patient outcomes, possibly due to differences in storage times and protein changes.
While carrying plasma in ambulances poses logistical challenges, the researchers believe overcoming these hurdles is crucial for saving lives. Dr. Jason Sperry emphasizes the importance of delivering the right blood products to the right patients at the right time.
The research team includes Hamed Moheimani, M.D., M.P.H., Xuejing Sun, M.D., Mehves Ozel, M.D., Jennifer L. Darby, M.D., Erika P. Ong, M.D., Tunde Oyebamiji, M.D., Upendra K. Kar, Ph.D., Mark H. Yazer, M.D., Matthew D. Neal, M.D., and Jishnu Das, Ph.D., all from Pitt. Other contributors are Bryan A. Cotton, M.D., M.P.H., from the University of Texas Health Science Center; Jeremy W. Cannon, M.D., from the University of Pennsylvania; Martin A. Schreiber, M.D., from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Ernest E. Moore, M.D., from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; Nicholas Namias, M.D., from the University of Miami; Joseph P. Minei, M.D., from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; and Christopher D. Barrett, M.D., from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
This study was funded by the Department of Defense under contract number W81XWH-16-D-0024, task order W81XWH-16-D-0024-0002.
Reference the original article here.