II. Epidemiology
III. Pathophysiology
- Significant Blood Volume loss causes impaired Oxygen Delivery
- With Hypoxemia, cellular metabolism relies on anaerobic Glycolysis; Lactic Acid is produced with Metabolic Acidosis
- Tissue swelling and cell death result from proinflammatory mediator release, vascular endothelial cell injury
- Compensatory endogenous Catecholamines result in Tachycardia, increased Cardiac Output, and Vasoconstriction
- Compensation ultimately fails leading to cardiovascular collapse
IV. Precautions
- Recognize and definitively manage signs of shock early (see above)
- Most cases are Hemorrhagic Shock in the Trauma patient
- Paramount to locate and stop the source of bleeding (and replace losses)
- Comprehensive examination of the patient may be best evaluation tool in Hemorrhagic Shock
- Check distal extremity warmth and pulses
- Continue to assess occult bleeding sites (see causes of below)
-
Hemorrhage Classification is a documentation and coding tool (not a Hemorrhage Management tool)
- Degree of Hemorrhage is often difficult to quantify or grade until retrospect
- Do not delay definitive management before patient meets a precise classification
-
Vital Signs are a poor predictor of degree of Hemorrhage
- Shock Index (by contrast with Vital Signs) does correlate with degree of Hemorrhage
- Blood Pressure is unreliable for reassurance in a Trauma patient
- Frequently repeat Blood Pressure readings during Resuscitation
- Blood Pressure is the last hemodynamic marker to fall
- Vasoconstriction and Tachycardia are earlier compensation
- Hypotension in Trauma suggests Class III Hemorrhage or worse (>30% blood loss)
- Narrow Pulse Pressure is a better marker in shock (Vasoconstriction increased DBP)
- Narrow Pulse Pressure
- May predict circulatory collapse in Trauma with Hemorrhage
- Prehospital Narrow Pulse Pressure predicts severe Trauma and need for aggressive Resuscitation
- Interpret in combination with Trauma Evaluation and other markers (Hypotension, Shock Index)
- Schellenberg (2021) J Surg Res 268:284-90 [PubMed]
- Heart Rate may also be unreliable for reassurance in a Trauma patient
- See Delayed Tachycardia
- Patient may have lost ability to mount a tachycardic response (e.g. Beta Blocker use)
- Athletic fitness
- Autonomic Dysfunction may limit compensatory Tachycardia reflex
- Abdominal Hemorrhage may cause vagal response (Bezold-Jarisch)
- References
V. Risk Factors: Massive Hemorrhage (requiring Massive Transfusion)
- Assessment of Blood Consumption Score (ABC Hemorrhage Score) >2
- Positive Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma (FAST)
- Hypotension with Blood Pressure 90 mmHg or less
- Tachycardia with Heart Rate 120 bpm or higher
- Penetrating Injury
- Elevated serum Lactic Acid
- Low End-Tidal CO2
- End-Tidal CO2 may also be moderately reduced in Hyperventilation
- Very low End-Tidal CO2 (<15) suggests poor perfusion
- Stone (2017) Injury 48(1): 51-7 [PubMed]
VI. Causes
-
Trauma (most common)
- Blunt Trauma
- Penetrating Trauma
- Atraumatic Hemorrhage
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rupture
- Pulmonary Hemorrhage (e.g. Lung Cancer, Bronchiectasis, Tuberculosis)
- Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (e.g. Esophageal Varices, Peptic Ulcer Disease)
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding (e.g. Diverticular Hemorrhage, Angiodysplasia, Aortoenteric Fistula)
- Uterine Bleeding in Pregnancy (e.g. Ectopic Pregnancy, Placental Abruption, Placenta Previa)
VII. Causes: Hemorrhage Compartments (Mnemonic: "Blood on the floor, and 4 more")
VIII. History: Bleeding Source
IX. Symptoms
- Generalized weakness
- Syncope
- Altered Mental Status or Confusion
- Lethargy
X. Exam
- See Shock
- See Trauma Evaluation
- Complete Trauma Evaluation
- Sources of bleeding (chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, retroperineum, long bones)
- Completely expose the patient (Mnemonic: Armpits, Back and Breasts, Butt cheeks and Sac)
- Evaluate for Scalp Lacerations, Epistaxis (including posterior bleeding)
- Evaluate for flank Ecchymosis, Scrotal Swelling, pulsatile abdominal mass, unstable Pelvis
- Reassess frequently
- Young healthy patients may with little warning, precipitously decompensate into cardiovascular collapse
-
Tachycardia
- See Heart Rate for normal ranges for age
- Early warning sign of shock in most cases
- Cold and tachycardic is shock until proven otherwise
- However Heart Rate can be misleadingly normal in cases of Delayed Tachycardia (see above)
-
Urine Output
- Normal Urine Output is >0.5 ml/kg/h in adults (>1 ml/kg/h in children, >2 ml/kg/h in infants)
- Arterial Injury Findings
- Hard Signs
- Pulsatile Bleeding
- Absent distal pulses
- Expanding Hematoma
- Arterial Bruit
- Arterial thrill
- Soft Signs
- Initial pulsatile bleeding at prehospital evaluation
- Resolution of pulsatile bleeding does not exclude arterial bleeding
- Arterial spasm after injury may obscure hard arterial injury findings
- Non-expanding Hematoma
- Neurologic deficits
- Close proximity of wound to major vessels
- Initial pulsatile bleeding at prehospital evaluation
- Hard Signs
XI. Labs
- See Shock
-
Complete Blood Count with Platelet Count
- First Hemoglobin is unreliable within first 8 hours of Hemorrhage (provides baseline for trending)
-
Venous Blood Gas
- Degree of Metabolic Acidosis may help grade shock severity
- Coagulation Pathway Labs (INR, aPTT)
- Type and Crossmatch for Blood
-
Ionized Calcium
- Hypocalcemia may decrease hemodynamics and increase Coagulopathy
- Pregnancy Test (urine HCG or serum HCG)
- Other tests
- Thromboelastography (TEG/ROTEM)
- Measures viscoelastic blood properties which may help guide transfusions
- Thromboelastography (TEG/ROTEM)
XII. Diagnostics
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Other measures
- Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage (DPL)
- Largely replaced by Bedside Ultrasound in U.S. (FAST Scan)
- Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage (DPL)
XIII. Imaging
-
Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (eFAST)
- Free fluid within Abdomen or Pelvis
- Pericardial Effusion or Cardiac Tamponade
- Hemothorax
- Pneumothorax
-
Rapid Ultrasound in Shock (RUSH Exam, "Pump, Tank and Pipes")
- Pump Evaluation (Cardiac Systolic Function)
- Tank Evaluation (Vascular volume status)
- Pipes Evaluation (Large vessel integrity)
-
Chest XRay (portable)
- Hemopneumothorax
- Pelvis XRay (portable)
-
Femur or Hip XRay (or other Long Bone XRay)
- Obtain as indicated
- CT Chest AbdomenPelvis with IV contrast (if stable enough)
- Consider with CT Angiography for vascular injury
- May identify bleeding source and targets for surgical or endovascular management
- CT Spine
- Consider if Neurogenic Shock suspected
- CT Angiography
- Consider in suspected extremity arterial injury
XIV. Differential Diagnosis
- Cardiogenic Shock
-
Neurogenic Shock secondary to Spinal Cord Injury
- Neurogenic Shock does not occur in isolated intracranial injury
- Other non-Traumatic shock
- See Shock for Undifferentiated Shock approach
- Hypovolemic Shock (e.g. Dehydration)
- Septic Shock
XV. Evaluation
- Hemorrhage Classification (Class I-IV) is unreliable
-
Shock Index
- Shock Index = (Heart Rate) / (Systolic Blood Pressure)
- Shock Index >0.9 predicts need for increased transfusion requirements and early mortality risk
-
Assessment of Blood Consumption Score (ABC Hemorrhage Score)
- Four point score (Penetrating Trauma, SBP<90 mmHg, Heart Rate>120, positive FAST Exam)
- ABC Hemorrhage Score 3 or 4 predicts Massive Transfusion Protocol
-
Trauma Associated Severe Hemorrhage (TASH)
- Based on SBP, pulse, gender, Hemoglobin, FAST Exam, Base Excess and pelvic/Femur Fracture
- Yucel (2006) J Trauma 60(6):1228-36 +PMID:16766965 [PubMed]
- McLaughlin Score
- Based on pulse >105 bpm, sbP <110 mmHg, pH<7.25, Hematocrit <32%
XVI. Management: Hemorrhage Control
- Emergent Trauma surgery Consultation
- Poor response to Fluid Replacement or blood replacement indicates surgical management (or via angiography)
- Stop external bleeding immediately
- Apply direct manual pressure to external bleeding sites
- Focal, isolated manual pressure is the most important single measure for compressible Hemorrhage
- No amount of gauze can replace the directed manual pressure of a finger or hand over a external Hemorrhage site
- When controlled, pressure dressing may replace manual pressure (see below)
- Observe closely for continued bleeding after manual pressure is replaced with pressure dressing
- Reapply direct, focal manual pressure if bleeding recurrs despite pressure dressing
- Pressure dressing may replace manual pressure if it adequately controls bleeding
- Israeli Bandage is elastic wrap with gauze impregnated with clotting agent
- Sanitary napkins or pads may also be used with overlying direct pressure at wound site
- Small ball of gauze directly overlying Hemorrhage applied under pressure dressing
- Maintain direct pressure over bandage as needed to control bleeding
- Rapidly bleeding sites (e.g. Scalp Wounds) may be temporized with staples or Suture
- Consider occult Hemorrhage sources (see above)
- Bleeding refractory to manual pressure
- Notify Trauma surgery of emergent surgical intervention for rapid, uncontrolled bleeding
- Tourniquet (Pneumatic Tourniquet or Windlass Tourniquet)
- Indicated for rapid extremity bleeding not controlled with direct manual pressure
- Temporizing only until surgical intervention within 1-2 hours
- Permanent ischemic injury occurs if Tourniquet left in place >4-5 hours
- Ineffective in junctional sites (e.g. axilla, groin, adductor canal)
- Obviously unusable at neck and trunk
- Topical Hemostatic Agent (Chitosan Dressing, Zeolite Mineral Dressing, Kaolin Mineral Dressing)
- Indicated for rapid bleeding in sites where Tourniquets cannot be used (see above)
- Not widely available outside of military and large Trauma Centers as of 2013
- Risk of wound contamination with hemostatic agent
- Foley Catheter
- Inserted into a bleeding wound site
- Balloon inflated with Normal Saline
- May be effective at bleeding sites where Tourniquets may not be used
- Consider at junctional sites (e.g. groin, neck)
- XStat (RevMedX, limited efficacy and safety data)
- FDA approved for gun shot wounds in 2014
- Syringe filled with small, compressed cellulose sponges
- Syringe applicator inserted at exsanguinating gun shot wound
- Apply direct manual pressure to external bleeding sites
- Non-compressible Massive Hemorrhage
- Emergency Thoracotomy (in Cardiac Arrest)
- Massive chest Hemorrhage with CPR <15 min in Penetrating Trauma, CPR <10 min in blunt Trauma
- Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta or REBOA (Peri-Arrest with systolic Blood Pressure <70 mmHg)
- Massive intraabdominal or pelvic Hemorrhage
- Pelvic Binder
- Unstable Pelvic Fracture with separation (e.g. open book or vertical sheer Pelvic Fracture)
- Apply binder empirically pre-imaging if Pelvic Fracture suspected in the Peri-Arrest, Hemorrhagic Shock patient
- Emergency Thoracotomy (in Cardiac Arrest)
- Additional stabilization measures while temporizing until definitive surgical management
- Tranexamic Acid (Cyklokapron)
- Blocks plasmin formation (preventing Fibrinolysis)
- TXA 1 g IV load over 10 minutes, then 1 g IV over 8 hours (or a single 2 g bolus)
- Indicated in first 3 hours following onset of Hemorrhage
- Often given empirically during Ambulance transport or on ED arrival
- Also consider when other measures fail or surgical intervention delayed
- Associated with small survival benefit
- Survival benefit decreases 10% with every 15 minute delay
- References
- Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA)
- Percutaneous balloon delivered via groin catheter and inflated in aorta above level of Hemorrhage
- Indicated in severe bleeding Pelvic Fractures who have not had Cardiac Arrest
- Used as an immediate temporizing measures, pending emergent definitive surgical management
- Tranexamic Acid (Cyklokapron)
XVII. Management: Volume Replacement
- Two large bore IVs (14 or 16 gauge if able, otherwise 18 gauge)
- Shorter tubing and larger bore provides faster IV rate
- Intraosseous Access if peripheral IV not immediately attainable
- Obtain Central Venous Line as available
- Large catheter introducer (8F or 9F) is preferred over multilumen
-
Intravenous Fluids and Packed Red Blood Cells
- See Fluid Resucitation in Trauma
- Judicious use of crystalloid in Class II Hemorrhage or higher
- React to early signs and symptoms of acute blood loss with Hemorrhage Control and blood replacement
- ATLS and textbooks still describe the use of NS or LR for 1-2 Liter bolus
- However, new practices suggest limiting crystalloid in favor of Blood Products (permissive Hypotension)
- Goal systolic Blood Pressure 80-100 mmHg
- IV fluids may artificially increase local pressure at non-compressible clot sites causing rebleeding
- IV fluids may dilute Coagulation Factors and Platelets (worsening Coagulopathy and increasing bleeding)
- Bickwell (1994) N Engl J Med 331(17): 1105-9 +PMID:7935634 [PubMed]
- Restrictive Resuscitation (permissive Hypotension) contraindications
- Prolonged transport time
- Transfer to Trauma Center
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Hypotension, negative FAST Exam and normal Hemoglobin
- References
- Spanger and Inaba in Herbert (2015) EM:RAP 15(3):6-8
- Hemorrhage should be replaced with Blood Products
- Indications
- Mean arterial pressure 65 (or systolic Blood Pressure 70-90 mmHg)
- May need to target higher MAP (e.g. 80 mmHg) in Head Injury
- Poor response to IV fluids
- Persistent Tachycardia, Hypotension or Tachypnea
- Urine Output <50 ml/hour (<1ml/kg/hour)
- Mean arterial pressure 65 (or systolic Blood Pressure 70-90 mmHg)
- Start with 2-4 units (prepare at least 4 units pRBC for more severe Hemorrhage)
- Type specific blood can be ready within 30-40 minutes
- In the crashing patient give unmatched type-specific blood, Low titer O or O negative blood
- Men may be given O+ Blood
- Give RhoGAM prior to discharge if found to be Rh Negative (prevents future reactions)
- After 2 units of blood (e.g. uncross-matched), reassess
- If stabilized, then no need at that time to activate Massive Transfusion Protocol
- If not stabilized, and 3 or more units needed at start, activate Massive Hemorrhage Protocol
- See Massive Transfusion Protocol
- Balance pRBC transfusion with Platelets and plasma (1:1:1 or 2:1:1)
- Massive Hemorrhage with administration of more than 4 units requires matching Blood Products
- Consider Autotransfusion (e.g. Hemovac or Cell Saver)
- Indicated for massive bleeding if blood can be drained and not contaminated)
- Use blood warmer when available
- Prevents Hypothermia with transfusion
- Indications
XVIII. Management: Traumatic Coagulopathy Correction
- Mechanism
- Acute Traumatic Coagulopathy is a major cause of Hemorrhage related deaths
- Hemostasis requires Platelet adherence to damaged vessel endothelium, then stabilized clot with Fibrin
- Traumatic Coagulopathy results from multiple factors
- Tissue injury, inflammation and hypoperfusion (shock) are key initial factors in Coagulopathy
- Progressive shock and hemodilution with Intravenous Fluid worsens Coagulopathy
- Hypothermia (<34 C) and acidosis also worsen Coagulopathy
-
Coagulopathy correction for Massive Blood Transfusion (>10 pRBC units within 24 hours)
- See Massive Blood Transfusion for protocol
- Massive Blood Transfusion is typically accompanied by Platelet and Plasma Transfusion
- Replace 1 unit of plasma for every 1-2 units of Packed Red Blood Cells
- Replace 1 unit of apheresis Platelets (6 pack equivalent) for every 8 units of Packed Red Blood Cells
- Consider Fibrinogen replacement to 1.5 to 2.0 g/L
- Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC) 1-2 doses
- Do not use beyond 6-7 hours from bleeding onset (due to increased clotting risk)
- Holcomb (2012) Arch Surg 15:1-10 [PubMed]
- Monitoring of Traumatic Coagulopathy
- Viscoelastic hemostatic assays (e.g. TEG) have largely replaced INR and PTT for monitoring
- See Thromboelastography (TEG)
-
Coagulopathy correction for underlying disorder or medication
- Reverse Anticoagulants
- See Emergent Reversal of Anticoagulation
- Platelet Transfusion for antiplatelet agents (e.g. Aspirin, Clopidogrel)
- Protamine for Heparin
- Vitamin K, FFP and PCC4 for Warfarin
- Specific management for Congenital Blood Coagulation Disorders
- Specific management for Acquired Blood Coagulation Disorders
- Cirrhosis
- Consider Vitamin K supplementation
- Decreased Anticoagulant and coagulant factors
- Therefore, not typically coagulopathic despite abnormal PT/INR and PTT
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
- Platelet Transfusion to Platelet Count >50,000/mm3
- FFP transfusion until PTT and PT/INR are each <1.5x normal
- Do not administer Tranexamic Acid (or other antifibrinolytic)
- Thrombotic ThrombocytopeniaPurpura
- Plasmaphoresis
- Drug induced Thrombocytopenia
- Withdraw offending medication
- End-stage renal disease
- Cirrhosis
- Reverse Anticoagulants
XIX. Management: Other measures and disposition
- Immediately stabilize and transfer to Trauma Center or to proper hospital service (e.g. Trauma service)
- Limit unnecessary studies that delay transfer
- Goal for disposition and transfer is 20 minutes
- Involve surgical consultants, intervention radiologists early
- Monitoring
- Vital Signs (Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Pulse Pressure)
- Mental status
- Urine Output via urine catheter (unless suspected Urethral Trauma)
- Lactic Acid and Base Excess
- Continually reevaluate for concurrent injuries (e.g. Tension Pneumothorax, Cardiac Tamponade)
-
General measures
- ABC Management
- Prevent Hypothermia
- Remove wet clothing and keep patient covered
- Small decreases in Body Temperature below 34 C (93.2 F) increase transfusion needs
- Warm Blood Products during transfusion
- Consider use of forced air warmer (e.g. Bair Hugger)
- Continue to limit further bleeding
- Pelvic Binder (or bound bedsheet) for suspected unstable Pelvic Fracture
- Pregnant patients in left lateral decubitus position (see Trauma in Pregnancy)
- Replace Blood Products and prevent Coagulopathy (see above)
- Reverse hypoperfusion in refractory Hypotension
- May consider Vasopressors in refractory Hypotension despite continued Massive Transfusion
- Limit Vasopressors to adjunctive role to Hemorrhage Control, surgery, transfusion
- Vasopressor use is controversial in the U.S. for Hemorrhagic Shock
- Vasopressors may be useful with warm, dry extremities (without significant Vasoconstriction)
- Vasopressin may reduce amount of Blood Products needed
- Norepinephrine may also be considered
- References
- Swaminathan and Weingart (2024) Pressors in Hemorrhagic Shock, EM:Rap, 10/14/2024, accessed 10/31/2024
- May consider Vasopressors in refractory Hypotension despite continued Massive Transfusion
XX. Management: Damage Control Surgery Protocol
- Stage 0: Ground Zero (pre-hospital and emergency department)
- Rapid transfer to Trauma Center and operating room
- Stopping Hemorrhage is the primary priority
- Prevent Hypothermia
- Venous Blood Gas
- Stage 1: Initial Operation to control life threatening injuries and bleeding
- Control Hemorrhage
- Control contamination
- Judicious abdominal packing
- Rapid temporary abdominal closure
- Prevent Hypothermia
- Stage 2: ICU Resuscitation
- Resuscitation and monitor perfusion
- Correct acidosis and Coagulopathy
- Rewarm the patient
- Optimize oxygenation and ventilation
- Measure intraabdominal pressure
- Stage 3: Return for Definitive Repair in Operating Room in 12-24 hours
- Early reoperation for rebleeding
- Definitive surgical repair when patient physiologically stable
- Abdominal closure or staged closure
- References
XXI. Complications: Uncontrolled Hemorrhage
XXII. Complications: Massive Blood Transfusion
XXIII. References
- (2012) ATLS Manual, 9th ed, American College of Surgeons
- Freeman and Bourland (2021) Crit Dec Emerg Med 35(12): 3-11
- Kim, Tran, Lopez (2018) Crit Dec Emerg Med 32(12): 19-25
- Herbert and Alson in Herbert (2016) EM:Rap 16(2): 18
- Herbert (2012) EM:RAPC3 2(1): 1-2
- Petrosoniak and Swaminathan (2022) EM:Rap 22(11): 5-7
- Ringhauser (2019) Crit Dec Emerg Med 33(6): 19-25
- Shinkle and Ponce (2016) Crit Dec Emerg Med 30(8): 13
- Swaminathan and Shoenberger (2021) EM:Rap 21(8): 1
- Swaminathan and van de Leuv (2013) Crit Dec in Emerg Med 27(8): 11-17
- Swadron and Inaba in Herbert (2014) EM:Rap 14(12): 5
- Weingart and Swaminathan in Herbert (2021) EM:Rap 21(3): 5-8