Thought we'd talk about some trauma stuff, specifically the resuscitation of the critically ill hemorrhagic shock patient.

There is much to discuss, so this will be a multi-episode affair.

Today, we'll concentrate on the Lethal Triad and BP Goals.

Lethal Triad

The picture says it all.

Bleeding causes acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy. Then the cycle begins as they all beget each other. If this continues for too long, it is irreversible.

We can iatrogenically make things worse by keeping our patients exposed and infusing ice cold fluids and products. By diluting their existing clotting factors and platelets with too much fluid and red cells. And by not ensuring adeqaute perfusion to counter acidosis.

BP Goals

Your goal is a MAP of 65. This is not hypotensive resus, which is still not proven. It is normotensive resuscitation; beyond 65, no additional benefts will be seen, but you do risk increased bleeding and dilutional coagulopathy.

If MAP < 65 – give fluids/products

If MAP > 65 – check perfusion

there are monitors for this such as NIRS measurement of thenar eminence, but at this stage, I recommend using the presence of a nice strong pulse and warm hands.

MAP > 65 & Good Perfusion-stand tight

MAP > 65 & Bad Perfusion-give fentanyl 20-25 mcg

why fentanyl? b/c taking away pain and fear will limit endogenous catecholamines and the pt's bp will drop slightly from vasodilation. Now give fluids/products to take the MAP to > 65.

Here are the articles

resus of crit ill trauma patients

damage_control_anesthesia

Next Time: Massive Transfusion Protocols

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Scott Weingart, MD FCCM

Editor-in-Chief, at EMCrit.org

An ED Intensivist from NY.
Professor
Chief, Division of Emergency Critical Care
Director, Resuscitation and Acute Critical Care Unit
Stony Brook Medicine
Stony Brook, NY, USA
No conflicts of interest (coi).

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