Abstract
Life-threatening hemorrhage is an emergency situation at a multidisciplinary level. The massive transfusion protocol and identification of sources of injury with possible urgent surgical intervention are essential for accurate treatment.
Administration of blood derivates is meant to prevent tissue hypoxia, reduce hypovolemic shock, and organ failure. Treatment focuses also on the development of coagulopathy (most commonly trauma-induced).
Thromboelastic methods (e.g. rotational thromboelastography) are an optimal tool for its early diagnosis, monitoring of the treatment efficacy and to reduce the amount of administered plasma. The review article summarizes recent European guidelines for the treatment of life-threatening hemorrhage and last but not least discusses the importance of microcirculation.