Bad Blood: Hemorrhagic Blood Failure in Trauma
Hemorrhagic blood failure is defined as an emergent blood condition that occurs when a crucial amount of oxygen debt (shock) builds up in trauma. The definition of blood failure requires the presence of endotheliopathy, platelet dysfunction, coagulopathy, and critically insufficient tissue oxygen supply. Most commonly, we think of these processes as independent of one another. However, because of their interdependence on one another, we should consider them as a single entity. Coagulation triggered during significant blood loss has limitations. In cases of combined tissue injury and hemorrhagic shock, the emergence of blood failure is associated with dramatic increases in mortality.
*Eligible for CEH/CAPCE Credit
