A possible new paradigm? A survey‐based assessment of the use of thawed group A plasma for trauma resuscitation in the United States

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although evidence supporting this practice is limited, some centers use thawed group A plasma for the initial resuscitation of trauma patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To better understand the current use of plasma in trauma resuscitation, a survey was developed, validated, and distributed via e-mail to 121 American trauma centers. RESULTS: A total of 61 responses were received. Most were from Level 1 trauma centers (56/61, 92%) in urban settings (47/61, 77%). Virtually all centers reported maintaining A thawed plasma inventory (59/61, 97%). Among the 56 Level 1 trauma center respondents, most keep thawed A immediately available (49/56, 88%) and many use group A plasma for trauma recipients of unknown ABO group (34/49, 69%). Half of the surveyed centers implemented this practice within the past year. The majority do not limit the amount of A plasma that can be administered to a patients of unknown ABO group (21/34, 62%), and most do not titer for anti-B (27/34, 79%). CONCLUSION: The majority of Level 1 trauma centers maintain thawed plasma inventories and use group A plasma for trauma recipients of unknown ABO group. Most centers do not limit the amount of group A plasma used in this situation or titer the anti-B.