Damage control resuscitation (DCR) consists in a transfusion with increased blood product ratios (plasma, platelets, and red blood cells), mainly given to patients that are seriously injured and experiencing hemorrhagic shock. DCR is a standard procedure for combat victims that was established in the U.S. military.
In a recent study, researchers compared the effectiveness and safety of transfusing plasma, platelets, and red blood cells in 1:1:1 or 1:1:2 ratios, respectively in 338 and 342 patients during active resuscitation in addition to all the standard-of-care procedures (uncontrolled).
The researchers found that there were no considerable differences in mortality at 24 hours or at 30 days after damage control resuscitation. The main cause of death was blood loss within the first 24 hours and was significantly reduced in the 1:1:1 group (9.2%) when compared with the group 1:1:2 group (14.6%). More patients from the 1:1:1 group (86%) achieved hemostasis than the 1:1:2 group (78%).
