Safety and Efficacy of Type-O Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock Patients: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Purpose: A new unmatched type-O packed red blood cell (UORBC) storage system was established in Ajou University Hospital Trauma Center. This system was expected to deliver faster and more efficient transfusion. Methods: On March 2016, a new blood storage bank was installed in the trauma bay. Sixty patients who received UORBC from March 2016 to August 2016 were compared with 50 traumatic shock patients who received transfusions at the trauma bay in 2015. Time of transfusion, mortality, adverse transfusion reaction and change of systolic blood pressure were reviewed. Results: Transfusion time from arrival at the hospital was significantly shorter in 2016 (14.07±11.14 min vs. 34.72±15.17 min, p<0.001), but 24-hour mortality was not significantly different (13.3% vs. 20.8%, p=0.292). Systolic blood pressure significantly increased after UORBC transfusion (92.49 mmHg to 107.15 mmHg, p=0.002). Of the 60 patients who received UORBC in trauma bay, 47 (78.3%) patients had an incompatible ABO type, but no adverse transfusion reaction was notated. Conclusion: UORBC allows early blood transfusion and improved systolic blood pressure without significant adverse reactions.