03/12/24 Review of this guidance has been postponed pending publication of new national guidance in 2025 which will inform the update.
Subjective
Clinical concern that patient is experiencing bleeding problems requiring multiple transfusion support – clinician discretion
Objective
An experienced clinician determines that the patient fulfils one of the above criteria
How to activate Major Haemorrhage Protocol
Phone 2222 and say “Major Haemorrhage, Children's Hospital” stating location of patient (i.e. ward / department).
Blood Bank will call the ward.
Porter will go to the Blood Bank.
General response
Immediate blood tests
Information required by Blood Bank
Nominate one person to liaise with Blood Bank
Blood component availability
Factor in time for samples to reach Blood Bank and any blood product to be delivered from Blood Bank.
Massive haemorrhage
Access nearest available Group O Negative units
Give 20ml/kg blood when available, 20ml/kg FFP and 5ml/kg cryo should be given.
This does not require coagulation screen results.
Give 10ml/kg platelets when available.
Continue transfusion to achieve:
Hb > 80g/l
Platelets > 75 x 109
Fibrinogen > 1.5 g/l (if not, transfuse 5ml/kg of cryo)
APTT/PT <1.5 x midpoint of normal (if not, transfuse 20ml/kg of FFP)
Additional interventions
Consider tranexamic acid 15mg/kg infused over 15 minutes followed by 2mg/kg infusion, for at least 8 hours or until bleeding stops. This treatment can be started within 3 hours of haemorrahage.
Novo 7, Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) – although current recommendation is that Novo 7 is not for use outside licensed indication, consideration should be given to its use where treatment options are limited and patient is exsanguinating. Please contact Consultant Haematologist.
Management of adverse complications
The following complications should be anticipated and managed appropriately in patients receiving multiple units of blood components.
Hypothermia – monitor temperature, keep patient warm. Consider active warming.
Hyperkalaemia – monitor potassium, initiate local protocol for treatment of any hyperkalaemia (glucose + insulin + bicarbonate).
Acidosis – monitor patient closely, take corrective action.
Hypocalcaemia – monitor calcium levels, correct as appropriate.
Management of Warfarin reversal
Stop warfarin
Give Vitamin K (30mcg/Kg) IV, consider higher doses if INR >8
Clotting factor replacement is required when there is active bleeding. 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (PCC / trade name “Beriplex”) replacement therapy gives superior clotting factor replacement compared to FFP.
INR |
Approximate Dose |
2.0 - 3.9 |
1ml/kg = 25iu/kg |
4.0 - 6.0 |
1.4ml/kg = 35iu/kg |
>6.0 |
2 ml/kg = 50iu/kg |
To order Beriplex discuss with on call Haematologist and request via TrakCare.
It is essential that Blood Bank is informed whenever the clinical emergency has ended to minimise wastage of blood components. This is the responsibility of the clinical lead / nurse coordinator.
Activation of the major haemorrhage response will be audited by the local Hospital Transfusion Committee so that defects in the process can be identified, rectified, and lessons learned fed back to all staff involved in the major haemorrhage response.
NOTES:
Team alerted by 2222 Major Haemorrhage call to switchboard:
Contact
4 units of emergency use Group O negative red cells are available in paediatric theatre fridge (barcode access).
Contact details for Blood Bank
Ext number 803930
Page 8039 or via switchboard
Information required by Blood Bank:
Nominate one person to liaise with Blood Bank
British Committee for Standards in Haematology (2011) Guidelines on oral anticoagulant therapy.
British Journal of Haematology. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2012) Evidence Statement: Major Trauma and the use of tranexamic acid in children.
Last reviewed: 01 September 2021
Next review: 31 May 2025
Author(s): P Bolton, E Harrison
Version: 5
Co-Author(s): L Sinclair; Bee, N; Mcbrearty, M; Clarke, S
Approved By: Clinical Effectiveness