Individualized and targeted coagulation management in bleeding trauma patients
Nikolaus Hofmann, Herbert Schöchl, Johannes GratzPurpose of review
This review aims to summarize current evidence on hemostatic management of bleeding trauma patients, with a focus on resuscitation strategies using either coagulation factor concentrates or fixed-ratio transfusion concepts. It discusses the potential benefits and limitations of both approaches.
Recent findings
Recent studies have shown that coagulopathy caused by massive traumatic hemorrhage often cannot be reversed by empiric treatment. During initial resuscitation, a fixed-ratio transfusion approach uses the allogeneic blood products red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to mimic ‘reconstituted whole blood’. However, this one-size-fits-all strategy risks both overtransfusion and undertransfusion in trauma patients. Many European trauma centers have shifted toward individualized hemostatic therapy based on point-of-care diagnostics, particularly using viscoelastic tests. These tests provide rapid insight into the patient’s hemostatic deficiencies, enabling a more targeted and personalized treatment approach.
Summary
Individualized, goal-directed hemostatic management offers several advantages over fixed-ratio transfusion therapy for trauma patients. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the direct comparison of these two approaches.