A high ratio of plasma and platelets to packed red blood cells in the first 6 hours of massive transfusion improves outcomes in a large multicenter study

BACKGROUND: In trauma. most hemorrhagic deaths occur within the first 6 hours. This study examined the effect on survival of high ratios of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets (PLTs) to packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in the first 6 hours. METHODS: Records of 466 massive transfusion trauma patients (>= 10 U of PRBCs in 24 hours) at 16 level I trauma centers were reviewed. Transfusion ratios in the first 6 hours were correlated with outcome. RESULTS: All groups had similar baseline characteristics. Higher 6-hour ratios Of FFP:PRBCs and PLTs:PRBCs lead to improved 6-hour mortality (from 37.3 [in the lowest ratio group] to 15.7 [in the middle ratio group] to 2.0% [in the highest ratio group] and 22.8% to 19.0% to 3.2%, respectively) and in-hospital mortality (from 54.9 to 41.1 to 25.5% and 43.7% to 46.8% to 27.4%, respectively). Initial higher ratios of FFP:PRBCs and PLTs:PRBCs decreased overall PRBC transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The early administration of high ratios of FFP and platelets improves Survival and decreases overall PRBC need in massively transfused patients. The largest difference in mortality occurs during the first 6 hours after admission, suggesting that the early administration of FFP and platelets is critical. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.