Bleeding in trauma: Current diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Recognising shock due to haemorrhage in trauma patients is about constructing a synthesis of trauma mechanism, injuries, vital signs and the therapeutic response of the patient. The treatment of bleeding patients who have exsanguinating injuries is aimed at two major goals: stopping the bleeding and restoration of the blood volume with correct coagulation. Abdominal ultrasound has replaced diagnostic peritoneal lavage for detection of haemoperitoneum. With the development of multi-sliding computer tomography, rapid evaluation by CT-scanning of the trauma patient is possible during resuscitation. The concept of damage control surgery with 'blind' transfusion or 'damage control resuscitation' in treatment of severe trauma, has proven to be of vital importance in the treatment of exsanguinating trauma patients and is adopted worldwide. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions may be a promising concept to limit blood loss after trauma. The role of thromboelastography as point-of-care test for coagulation in massive blood loss is emerging, providing information about actual clot formation and clot stability, shortly after the blood sample is taken.