Implementation of a management protocol for massive bleeding reduces mortality in non-trauma patients: Results from a single centre audit

Abstract Objective To audit the impact upon mortality of a massive bleeding management protocol (MBP) implemented in our center since 2007. Design A retrospective, single-center study was carried out. Patients transfused after MBP implementation (2007–2012, Group 2) were compared with a historical cohort (2005–2006, Group 1). Background Massive bleeding is associated to high mortality rates. Available MBPs are designed for trauma patients, whereas specific recommendations in the medical/surgical settings are scarce. Patients After excluding patients who died shortly ( n  = 20), a total of 304 were included in the data analysis (68% males, 87% surgical). Interventions Our MBP featured goal-directed transfusion with early use of adjuvant hemostatic medications. Variables of interest Primary endpoints were 24-h and 30-day mortality. Fresh frozen plasma-to-red blood cells (FFP:RBC) and platelet-to-RBC (PLT:RBC) transfusion ratios, time to first FFP unit and the proactive MBP triggering rate were secondary endpoints. Results After MBP implementation (Group 2; n  = 222), RBC use remained stable, whereas FFP and hemostatic agents increased, when compared with Group 1 ( n  = 82). Increased FFP:RBC ratio ( p  = 0.053) and earlier administration of FFP ( p  = 0.001) were also observed, especially with proactive MBP triggering. Group 2 patients presented lower rates of 24-h (0.5% vs. 7.3%; p  = 0.002) and 30-day mortality (15.9% vs. 30.2%; p  = 0.018) – the greatest reduction corresponding to non-surgical patients. Logistic regression showed an independent protective effect of MBP implementation upon 30-day mortality (OR = 0.3; 95% CI 0.15–0.61). Conclusions These data suggest that the implementation of a goal-directed MBP for prompt and aggressive management of non-trauma, massive bleeding patients is associated to reduced 24-h and 30-day mortality rates.