Pilot Study of Whole Blood Transfusion for Trauma Brain Injury (TBI)

Pilot Study of Whole Blood Transfusion for Trauma Brain Injury (TBI)

Our goal is to perform a pilot, single center study to evaluate the efficacy of whole blood (WB) in subjects with TBI, intracranial hemorrhage, and anemia compared to blood component therapy.

Both whole blood and blood components are given as standard-of-care based on the blood products available. If enrolled in this study, patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either whole blood or blood components first. They will continue to receive blood products based on their assigned group. If they require more blood product than is available, they will cross over to the other group so they can continue to receive the transfusions needed for treatment.

The primary endpoint for this study would be improvement in coagulopathy pre and post intervention. Additionally, we will evaluate hemorrhagic progression of the intracranial bleed (HPIB), as measured by follow-up CT scan ordered over the first 24-hour post intervention (which is standard of care).

The secondary outcomes parameters would include intracranial pressure measurements (if performed), survival to discharge, safety and tolerability of Whole Blood administration in the TBI population, coagulation parameters and total blood product use, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 24 hours post-injury, in-hospital mortality, and patient's discharge status (Glasgow Outcome Score Extended and disposition to home versus extended care facility).

Patients who decide to take part in the study, will have 26 mL of blood drawn (about 2 tablespoons) once before and once after blood transfusion for a total of 52 mL (about 4 tablespoons) of blood drawn, a CT scan at admission and at 24hour of blood transfusion, and information will be gathered from their medical record during their hospital stay.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 15 years and older
• Head CT with presence of intracranial bleeding
• Required transfusion of whole blood (WB) or red blood cells (RBC)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with non-survivable injuries (expected to die within 24-hours of injury)
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Patients requiring a massive transfusion protocol activation
• Receipt of 2 units of WB or RBCs prior to enrollment
• Known prisoners
• Known pregnancy