Massive transfusion protocol: Need of the hour – A tertiary care centre experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Massive transfusion (MT) in critically ill patients during major volume losses can lead to serious adverse outcomes. Studies have reported that rampant red cell infusion for maintaining perfusion support has had detrimental effects on patients’ short- and long-term survival rates. Evidence-based studies quote the importance of maintaining blood product ratio during massive hemorrhage and ensuring good outcomes with the least morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is an observational study to compare the ratio of usage of blood products and their role in the outcome of MT cases. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (29 females and 41 males) who received MT were included in the study. There was no fixed ratio of packed red blood cells (PRBC) to blood components for patients with massive hemorrhage. The average ratio of PRBC: fresh frozen plasma (FFP):platelet concentrate (PC) was 1:0.9:0.6. However, blood component therapy with PRBC: FFP ratio between 1 and 2 was associated with a significant rise in post-acute phase hemoglobin value (P value = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Appropriate blood component therapy during the acute bleeding phase in massively transfused patients can further decrease the transfusion demand and transfusion-related complications. There is a need to adhere to the MT protocol for the clinical areas requiring MT in the developing world too.