Justin Watson

Plasma Transfusion: History, Current Realities, and Novel Improvements

ABSTRACT Traumatic hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death after trauma. Early transfusion of plasma and balanced transfusion have been shown to optimize survival, mitigate the acute coagulopathy of trauma, and restore the endothelial glycocalyx. There are a myriad of plasma formulations available worldwide, including fresh frozen plasma, thawed plasma, liquid plasma, plasma frozen within 24 h, and lyophilized plasma (LP). Significant equipoise exists in the literature regarding the optimal plasma formulation. LP is a freeze-dried formulation that was originally developed in the 1930s and used by the American and British military in World War II. It was subsequently discontinued due to risk of disease transmission from pooled donors. Recently, there has been a significant amount of research focusing on optimizing reconstitution of LP. Findings show that sterile water buffered with ascorbic acid results in decreased blood loss with suppression of systemic inflammation. We are now beginning to realize the creation of a plasma-derived formulation that rapidly produces the associated benefits without logistical or safety constraints. This review will highlight the history of plasma, detail the various types of plasma formulations currently available, their pathophysiological effects, impacts of storage on coagulation factors in vitro and in vivo, novel concepts, and future directions.

Damage-control resuscitation and emergency laparotomy: Findings from the PROPPR study.

BACKGROUND The Pragmatic Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) trial has demonstrated that damage-control resuscitation, a massive transfusion strategy targeting a balanced delivery of plasma–platelet–red blood cell in a ratio of 1:1:1, results in improved survival at 3 hours and a reduction in deaths caused by exsanguination in the first 24 hours compared with a 1:1:2 ratio. In light of these findings, we hypothesized that patients receiving 1:1:1 ratio would have improved survival after emergency laparotomy. METHODS Severely injured patients predicted to receive a massive transfusion admitted to 12 Level I North American trauma centers were randomized to 1:1:1 versus 1:1:2 as described in the PROPPR trial. From these patients, the subset that underwent an emergency laparotomy, defined previously in the literature as laparotomy within 90 minutes of arrival, were identified. We compared rates and timing of emergency laparotomy as well as postsurgical survival at 24 hours and 30 days. RESULTS Of the 680 enrolled patients, 613 underwent a surgical procedure, 397 underwent a laparotomy, and 346 underwent an emergency laparotomy. The percentages of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy were 51.5% (174 of 338) and 50.3% (172 of 342) for 1:1:1 and 1:1:2, respectively (p = 0.20). Median time to laparotomy was 28 minutes in both treatment groups. Among patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy, the proportions of patients surviving to 24 hours and 30 days were similar between treatment arms; 24-hour survival was 86.8% (151 of 174) for 1:1:1 and 83.1% (143 of 172) for 1:1:2 (p = 0.29), and 30-day survival was 79.3% (138 of 174) for 1:1:1 and 75.0% (129 of 172) for 1:1:2 (p = 0.30). CONCLUSION We found no evidence that resuscitation strategy affects whether a patient requires an emergency laparotomy, time to laparotomy, or subsequent survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.

The Evolution of Care Improves Outcome in Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A Western Trauma Association Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND The management of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) has evolved radically in the last decade with changes in the processes of care and the introduction of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). These changes have wrought improved outcome, but the direct effect of TEVAR on outcome remains in question as previous studies have lacked vigorous risk adjustment and long-term follow-up. To address these knowledge gaps, we compared the outcomes of TEVAR, open surgical repair, and nonoperative management for BTAI. METHODS Eight verified trauma centers recruited from the Western Trauma Association Multicenter Study Group retrospectively studied all patients with BTAI admitted between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2016. Data included demographics, comorbidities, admitting physiology, injury severity, in-hospital care, and outcome. RESULTS We studied 316 patients with BTAI; 57 (18.0%) were in extremis and died before treatment. Of the 259 treated surgically, TEVAR was performed in 176 (68.0%), open in 28 (10.8%), hybrid in 4 (1.5%), and nonoperative in 51 (19.7%). Thoracic endovascular aortic repair and open repair groups had similar Injury Severity Scale score, chest Abbreviated Injury Scale score, Trauma and Injury Severity Score, and probability of survival, but differed in median age (open: 28 [interquartile range {IQR}, 19–51]; TEVAR: 46 [IQR, 28–60]; p < 0.007), zone of aortic injury (p < 0.001), and grade of aortic injury (open: 6 [IQR, 4–6]; TEVAR: 2 [IQR, 2–4]; p < 0.001). The overall in-hospital mortality was 6.6% (TEVAR: 5.7%, open: 10.7%, nonoperative: 3.9%; p = 0.535). Of the 240 patients who survived to discharge, two died (one at 9 months and one at 8 years); both were managed with TEVAR, but the deaths were unrelated to the aortic procedure. Stent graft surveillance computed tomography scans were not obtained in 37.6%. CONCLUSIONS The mortality of BTAI continues to decrease. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair, when anatomically suitable, should be the treatment of choice. Open repair remains necessary for more proximal injuries. Process improvement in computed tomography imaging in follow-up of TEVAR is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/care management, level III.

A statewide teleradiology system reduces radiation exposure and charges in transferred trauma patients

BACKGROUND Trauma transfer patients routinely undergo repeat imaging because of inefficiencies within the radiology system. In 2009, the virtual private network (VPN) telemedicine system was adopted throughout Oregon allowing virtual image transfer between hospitals. The startup cost was a nominal

Damage control laparotomy utilization rates are highly variable among Level I trauma centers: Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios findings

3,000 per hospital. METHODS A retrospective review from 2007 to 2012 included 400 randomly selected adult trauma transfer patients based on a power analysis (200 pre/200 post). The primary outcome evaluated was reduction in repeat computed tomography (CT) scans. Secondary outcomes included cost savings, emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), and spared radiation. All data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. P less than .05 indicated significance. Spared radiation was calculated as a weighted average per body region, and savings was calculated using charges obtained from Oregon Health and Science University radiology current procedural terminology codes. RESULTS Four-hundred patients were included. Injury Severity Score, age, ED and overall LOS, mortality, trauma type, and gender were not statistically different between groups. The percentage of patients with repeat CT scans decreased after VPN implementation: CT abdomen (13.2% vs 2.8%, P < .01) and cervical spine (34.4% vs 18.2%, P < .01). Post-VPN, the total charges saved in 2012 for trauma transfer patients was

Mesenteric Ischemia for the Acute Care Surgeon

333,500, whereas the average radiation dose spared per person was 1.8 mSV. Length of stay in the ED for patients with Injury Severity Score less than 15 transferring to the ICU was decreased (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a statewide teleradiology network resulted in fewer total repeat CT scans, significant savings, decrease in radiation exposure, and decreased LOS in the ED for patients with less complex injuries. The potential for health care savings by widespread adoption of a VPN is significant.

Damage Control Resuscitation and Surgery in a Forward Combat Setting

BACKGROUND Damage control laparotomy (DCL) is intended to limit deleterious effects from trauma-induced coagulopathy. DCL has been associated with mortality reduction, but may increase complications including sepsis, abscess, respiratory failure, hernia, and gastrointestinal fistula. We hypothesized that (1) DCL incidence would vary between institutions; (2) mortality rates would vary with DCL rates; (3) standard DCL criteria of pH, international normalized ratio, temperature and major intra-abdominal vascular injury would not adequately capture all patients. METHODS Trauma patients at 12 Level 1 North American trauma centers were randomized based on transfusion ratios as described in the Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios trial. We analyzed outcomes after emergent laparotomy using a mixed-effects logistic model comparing DCL versus definitive surgical management with random effect for study site. Primary outcomes were 24-hour and 30-day mortality. RESULTS Three hundred twenty-nine patients underwent emergent laparotomy: 213 (65%) DCL and 116 (35%) definitive surgical management. DCL rates varied between institutions (33–83%), (p = 0.002). Median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was higher in the DCL group, 29 (interquartile range, 13–34) versus 21 (interquartile range, 22–41) (p < 0.001). Twenty-four-hour mortality was 19% with DCL versus 4% (p < 0.001); 30-day mortality was 28% with DCL versus 19% (p < 0.001). In a mixed-effects model, ISS and major intra-abdominal vascular injury were correlates of DCL (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.07 and OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4–5.2). DCL was not associated with 30-day mortality (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 0.97–5.60). Correlates included ISS (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09), PRBCs in 24 hours (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.18), and age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06). No significant mortality difference was detected between institutions (p = 0.63). Sepsis and VAP occurred more frequently with DCL (p < 0.05). Eighty percent (135/213) of DCL patients met standard criteria. CONCLUSION Although DCL utilization varied significantly between institutions, there was no significant mortality difference between centers. This finding suggests tempering DCL use may not decrease mortality, but could decrease related complications. Level of Evidence Therapeutic study, level III.

Assessment of three point-of-care platelet function assays in adult trauma patients

Mesenteric ischemia remains one of the most challenging diseases for the acute care surgeon to care for. Identification of the disease process and expedient progression to therapy are the key components of successful management. Depending on etiology, early treatment with revascularization, anticoagulation, resuscitation, antibiotics, and early surgical intervention remain paramount to improve outcomes and prevent disease progression. The mainstays of therapeutic advancement in the recent era have focused on evolution of endovascular techniques. Despite these advancements over the past 30 years, mesenteric ischemia remains a devastating disease with high mortality rates. This chapter describes a multidisciplinary approach to caring for these challenging patients, reviewing classical and novel therapeutic methodologies.

Wernicke Encephalopathy after Restrictive Bariatric Surgery.

Purpose of ReviewSurgical management of the severely injured trauma patient is a balance between managing abnormal physiology and performing definitive repair of injuries. When hemodynamic impairment is present immediate care consistent with Advance Trauma Life Support (ATLSTM) guidelines is required. However, associated vascular and/or visceral compromise carry significant morbidity and mortality that must be addressed.Recent FindingsThis equilibrium, now manifest in the principles of damage control resuscitation, is the standard approach in trauma surgery. In the setting of combat, a remote and resource-limited environment, several other concerns affect management decisions.SummaryCombat casualty care must take into consideration pre-hospital interventions, location, triage, supply, personnel, transportation, security, and operational conditions specific to theaters of conflict. Ultimately damage control is one of many forms of triage within the greater scope of trauma care.