Managing Massive Transfusions in diverse Patient Populations in a Non-Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Massive transfusion protocols have been developed to provide the best patient outcomes by administering the correct ratio of blood components and pharmacological agents available in today's market. Adults, obstetrical, and pediatric patients all have different needs during a massive hemorrhage. Patient outcomes, utilization of resources in a cost-effective manner, and education can all impact how this is accomplished. Through a literature review, this article outlines assesses the presence (or absence) of standard massive transfusion protocols for different patient populations in non-metropolitan areas where resources such as blood components can be difficult to obtain. ABBREVIATIONS: AABB – organization formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks), RBCs - packed red blood cells, APTT - activated partial thromboplastin time, FDA - Food and Drug Administration, FFP - fresh frozen plasma, TRALI - transfusion acquired acute lung injury, TACO - transfusion associated circulatory overload, TXA - Tranexamic acid, rVIIa - Recombinant factor VIIa, PCCs - Prothrombin Complex Concentrates, PPH - postpartum hemorrhage