Assessment and management of massive bleeding: coagulation assessment, pharmacologic strategies, and transfusion management

Abstract

This review details the current knowledge in massive hemorrhage with regard to the pathophysiology and laboratory assessment of the coagulation disturbance, the role of plasma and platelet transfusion, the role of pharmaceutical strategies, and the clinical value of having a massive transfusion protocol. The bulk of the recent medical literature on this topic stems from the study of military and civilian trauma; however, where applicable, reference to postcardiac and post-noncardiac surgery and postpartum hemorrhage will also be discussed.