The impact of blood product ratios in massively transfused pediatric trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the impact of balanced resuscitation in pediatric trauma patients requiring massive transfusions. Adult data may not be generalizable to children.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis assessed patients seen at a level I trauma center between 2003 and 2010 aged ≤18 years requiring massive packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, defined as transfusion of ≥50% total blood volume. After excluding mortalities in the first 24 hours, the impact of plasma and platelet ratios on mortality was evaluated.

RESULTS: Of 6,675 pediatric trauma patients, 105 were massively transfused (mean age, 12.4 ± 6.3 years; mean Injury Severity Score, 25.8 ± 11.4; mortality rate, 18.1%). All deceased patients sustained severe head injuries. Plasma/PRBC and platelet/PRBC ratios were not significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, higher plasma/PRBC and platelet/PRBC ratios were not associated with increased survival in children. The value of aggressive blood product transfusion for injured pediatric patients requires further prospective validation.