Coagulation defects in trauma patients: etiology, recognition, and therapy

Crit Care Clin. 2004 Jan;20(1):13-24. doi: 10.1016/s0749-0704(03)00089-7.

Abstract

Trauma patients have many reasons to have defects in coagulation. These can be caused by the trauma or because of pre-existing disorders. Trauma patients who are at risk for coagulation defects should be screened with the basic tests (aPTT, INR/PT, platelet counts, hematocrit, and fibrinogen), with therapy based on the results. Attention also should be paid to any other correctable factors such as hypothermia. Finally, pre-existing disorders can influence the patient's hemostasis greatly and may require specific therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders* / etiology
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia / complications*
  • Platelet Transfusion*
  • Transfusion Reaction
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy