Survey of pediatric massive transfusion protocol practice at United States level I trauma centers: An AABB Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Subsection study.

BACKGROUND

Trauma remains the leading cause of pediatric mortality in the United States. Although use of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) in this population is widespread, optimal pediatric resuscitation is not well established. We sought to assess contemporary pediatric MTP practice in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A web-based survey was designed by the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Subsection and distributed to select American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level I Verified pediatric trauma centers. The survey assessed current MTP policy, implementation, and recent changes in practice.

RESULTS

Response rate was 55% (22/40). Almost half of the respondents were from the South. The median RBC:plasma ratio was 1 (interquartile range 1-1.5). Protocolized fibrinogen supplementation was common while integration of antifibrinolytic therapy into MTPs was infrequent. Viscoelastic testing (VET) was available at most sites, 71% (15/21, one site did not respond), and was generally utilized on an ad-hoc basis. Roughly, a third of sites had changed their MTP in the past 3 years due to blood supply issues, and about a third reported having group O Whole Blood on-site.

CONCLUSION

MTP practice is similar throughout the United States. Though fibrinogen supplementation is common-other emerging interventions such as antifibrinolytic therapy or utilization of routine viscoelastic testing-are not widespread. Pediatric transfusion medicine experts must continue to follow practice change, as contemporary large trials begin to characterize new supportive modalities to optimize resuscitation in pediatric trauma patients.