Blood Transfusion in Trauma Patients in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Introduction Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for patients between the ages of 5 and 44. Timing of intervention is important, because hemorrhagic deaths occur very early, usually within the first 6 hours of admission. Over the last 40 years, transfusion therapy evolved from use of predominately whole blood to largely component therapy. Methods A 5-year retrospective study from 2007-2011, of trauma patients who received transfusion of blood components, information was retrieved by analyzing records from files of patients, available in the blood bank database of SAQR Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Results 17% (418 patients) of 2, 459 trauma patients received blood transfusions. Indications for blood transfusion in the desending order were head injuries, followed by limb fractures, blunt injuries to abdomen, thoracic cage and spinal cord. The age range of patients was 20-40 years, with more males receiving transfusion for trauma, and the majority of patients being UAE nationals. The overall mortality in transfused patients was 10%. During the years of this study, here was a significant reduction in the mean number of PRBC units and increase in utilization of FFP mean units/patient was observed. This was more evident in the group of more severely injured and blunt trauma patients. Conclusions In patients without hemorrhagic shock, the risk of transfusion outweighs any potential benefit. However, for patients with severe traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock, the survival benefit with increased fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusion likely far exceeds the risks associated with their use. Early and increased use of FFP, platelets, and RBC, 1:1:1 improved survival traumatic injury victims.