Massive transfusion or massive confusion?

Massive transfusion (MT) is a life-saving therapy in situations of major hemorrhage. Objectives: To review the practices of massive transfusion in Tunisia and to propose a massive transfusion protocol.An analytical observational study based on a questionnaire was conducted.It included 124 clinicians. The majority (62%) were anesthesiologists or emergency physicians. The initial order was for the majority of participants (N=69) made of red blood cells (RGC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). The ratio of FFP to RGC was 1:2 for 51% of participants. Respectively 23.5% and 9.6% of the participants transfused platelets and fibrinogen concentrates without waiting for the results of the biological examinations. The use of tranexamic acid was routinely indicated by 60.5% of clinicians. A restrictive transfusion strategy was adopted by the majority (86.3%).The professional practices of TM in Tunisia are heterogeneous. In the absence of a clear institutionalized procedure for this therapy, a TM protocol was proposed.

Autorentext

Dr. Cheikhrouhou Mariem, Assistenzärztin an der Universitätsklinik, Labor für Hämatologie und Blutbank, CHU Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunesien.Dozentin an der medizinischen Fakultät von Tunis, Universität Tunis El Manar, Tunesien.