Description

Baker et al identified 4 risk factors associated with the need for blood transfusion in a trauma patient. The authors are from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.


 

Parameters:

(1) systolic blood pressure

(2) pulse

(3) Glasgow coma score (GCS)

(4) high risk injury

 

High risk injuries:

(1) trauma to the chest between the midclavicular lines

(2) abdominal trauma with diffuse tenderness

(3) involvement in a vehicular accident in which one or more people have died

(4) ejection from a vehicle

(5) stab or gunshot wound to the trunk

 

Parameter

Finding

Points

systolic blood pressure

>= 90 mm Hg

0

 

< 90 mm Hg

1

pulse

<= 120 beats per minute

0

 

> 120 beats per minute

1

Glasgow coma score

9 to 15

0

 

3 to 8

1

number of high risk injuries

0

0

 

>= 1

1

 

total number of risk factors present =

= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 4

• The need for transfusion increases with the number of risk factors present.

 

Total Score

Probability of Transfusion

0

2%

1

12%

2

42%

3

68%

4

100%

 


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