Transfusion of Whole Blood in Acute Bleeding

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Whole blood transfusion: Transfusion of whole blood in a situation with acute bleeding according to routine practice.

Study summary

Blood collected from blood donors is routinely divided into its different components, red blood cells, plasma and platelets. These components are stored under different storage conditions and their maximum storage time before transfusion is different. Platelets are stored at a maximum of 7 days and at a temperature of 22°C to best preserve their function.

Research has been conduction on blood stored and transfused as whole blood (without separation into the various components), particularly in situations of acute trauma. Region Örebro län will therefore start transfusion of whole blood in such situations. The whole blood units will be stored at 4°C for a maximum of 14 days. This means that the platelets will be stored at a lower temperature than standard and for a longer time period. The research on how this will affect platelet function is limited.

This project aims to determine how the patients are affected regarding coagulation, hemolysis, renal function, immunisation, transfusion reactions and the effect of substances released from the blood cells in the whole blood units during the storage period and if there is an impact on mortality.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Mortality — 30 day mortality
  Death within 30 days following the transfusion of whole blood
• Effect of the whole blood transfusion on coagulation — All transfusions occuring within 24 hours post transfusion of the whole blood unit
  Requirement for other transfusions
• Bleeding — All transfusions occuring within 24 hours post transfusion of the whole blood unit
  Bleeding following transfusion of the whole blood unit

Trial sites (1)

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