Evidence Based Reviews in Surgery: a critical appraisal of whole blood resuscitation in injured patients.

Abstract

SummaryAlthough blood transfusion as a clinical practice dates back several centuries, the optimal approach remains controversial. In the last decade there has been renewed interest in whole blood transfusion over component therapy for trauma patients. A recent multicentre prospective study assessed the impact of whole blood resuscitation on survival among injured patients in hemorrhagic shock presenting to trauma centres in the United States. We have undertaken an Evidence Based Review in Surgery of that study to appraise how its authors tackled an important clinical question with increasing relevance in modern trauma practice: What is the role of whole blood in trauma resuscitation?