Academician and Expert Forum
Life support in care of severe traumatic hemorrhage
Zhang Lianyang, Li Yang
Published 2021-05-15
Cite as Chin J Orthop Trauma, 2021, 23(5): 369-372. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115530-20210430-000212
Abstract
Hemorrhagic shock and lethal massive hemorrhage are leading causes of death in both combat and civilian trauma casualties, accounting for more than 80% of deaths in operating rooms and 70% of deaths within 24 hours after trauma. Management of such patients is the main challenge and core competence in establishment of a trauma center. Damage-control resuscitation measures in pre-hospital settings include following ABCs rules, implementing appropriate transfusion and infusion strategies based on pre-hospital transport time, maintaining blood pressure based on a specific injury, and using tranexamic acid. The core of damage-controlled resuscitation in in-hospital settings is early correction of traumatic coagulopathy by massive transfusion. Damage-control surgery in pre-hospital settings consists mainly in cervical spine protection, pelvic band fixation, thoracic drainage, direct compression hemostasis, etc. Resuscitation aortic balloon occlusion for non-compression lethal hemorrhage is the most promising life-saving means. Damage-control surgery in in-hospital settings includes damage control laparotomy, thoracotomy, orthopedic surgery and craniotomy. Only a combination of damage-control surgery and damage-controlled resuscitation in prime time can ultimately save patients with such severe trauma.
Key words:
Wounds and injuries; Hemorrhage; Life support care; Damage control
Contributor Information
Zhang Lianyang
State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Composite Injury, Center of Trauma and War injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University of PLA, Chongqing 400042, China
Li Yang
State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Composite Injury, Center of Trauma and War injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University of PLA, Chongqing 400042, China