Simplified treatment algorithm for the management of trauma-induced hemorrhage without viscoelastic testing

[Hypovolaemic and haemorrhagic shock]

Hypovolemic and hemorrhagic shock are life-threatening conditions that, if untreated, rapidly lead to multi-organ failure and death. These conditions result from significant intravascular fluid or blood loss, causing critical organ hypoperfusion. The underlying pathophysiology involves complex hemodynamic, inflammatory, and coagulation disturbances that may progress to irreversible organ dysfunction. Rapid diagnosis, early hemorrhage control, and targeted hemodynamic and hemostatic therapy are crucial to improve patient outcomes. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, and imaging or endoscopic assessments. The primary therapeutic approach focuses on addressing the underlying cause while implementing fluid resuscitation and vasopressor support. In hemorrhagic shock, coagulation management is of paramount importance. Essential treatment principles include maintaining normothermia, a pH above 7.2, and normocalcemia. If no contraindications exist, permissive hypotension should be applied to limit ongoing bleeding. Early goal directed administration of tranexamic acid and fibrinogen is recommended to stabilize coagulation. For patients experiencing severe hemorrhagic shock, transfusion strategies must be optimized. A hemoglobin target of 7-9g/dL is generally recommended, and in cases requiring massive transfusion, a ratio of red blood cells, plasma, and pooled platelets of 4:4:1 should be used. Additionally, patients receiving effective anticoagulation require specific reversal agents to restore hemostasis. In summary, the successful management of hypovolemic and hemorrhagic shock depends on early recognition, rapid hemorrhage control, and individualized goal directed resuscitation and hemostatic strategies.

Contemporary management of major haemorrhage in critical care

Haemorrhagic shock is frequent in critical care settings and responsible for a high mortality rate due to multiple organ dysfunction and coagulopathy. The management of critically ill patients with bleeding and shock is complex, and treatment of these patients must be rapid and definitive. The administration of large volumes of blood components leads to major physiological alterations which must be mitigated during and after bleeding. Early recognition of bleeding and coagulopathy, understanding the underlying pathophysiology related to specific disease states, and the development of individualised management protocols are important for optimal outcomes. This review describes the contemporary understanding of the pathophysiology of various types of coagulopathic bleeding; the diagnosis and management of critically ill bleeding patients, including major haemorrhage protocols and post-transfusion management; and finally highlights recent areas of opportunity to better understand optimal management strategies for managing bleeding in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Coagulopathy management of multiple injured patients - a comprehensive literature review of the European guideline 2019

The European guideline on the management of trauma-induced major bleeding and coagulopathy summarises the most relevant recommendations for trauma coagulopathy management. The management of trauma-induced major bleeding should interdisciplinary follow algorithms which distinguish between life-threatening and non-life-threatening bleeding. Point-of-care viscoelastic methods (VEM) assist target-controlled haemostatic treatment. Neither conventional coagulation assays nor VEM should delay treatment in life-threatening trauma-induced bleeding. Adjustments may be rational due to local circumstances, including the availability of blood products, pharmaceuticals, and employees.

Management of Coagulopathy in Bleeding Patients

Early recognition of coagulopathy is necessary for its prompt correction and successful management. Novel approaches, such as point-of-care testing (POC) and administration of coagulation factor concentrates (CFCs), aim to tailor the haemostatic therapy to each patient and thus reduce the risks of over- or under-transfusion. CFCs are an effective alternative to ratio-based transfusion therapies for the correction of different types of coagulopathies. In case of major bleeding or urgent surgery in patients treated with vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) can effectively reverse the effects of the anticoagulant drug. Evidence for PCC effectiveness in the treatment of direct oral anticoagulants-associated bleeding is also increasing and PCC is recommended in guidelines as an alternative to specific reversal agents. In trauma-induced coagulopathy, fibrinogen concentrate is the preferred first-line treatment for hypofibrinogenaemia. Goal-directed coagulation management algorithms based on POC results provide guidance on how to adjust the treatment to the needs of the patient. When POC is not available, concentrate-based management can be guided by other parameters, such as blood gas analysis, thus providing an important alternative. Overall, tailored haemostatic therapies offer a more targeted approach to increase the concentration of coagulation factors in bleeding patients than traditional transfusion protocols.