NoBlood

Nationwide study tests blood substitute on trauma patients

12/16/2003 1:20 PM
By: James Lozada/News 9 San Antonio

Trauma-related injuries are the leading cause of death among Americans 45 and under.

Patients often have life threatening injuries and bleed to death.

But for some patients at University Hospital in San Antonio, a new product might help stop the bleeding. Starting in January, they'll be given a blood substitute called PolyHeme.

It's part of a nationwide study to test the product.

"Does it improve survival, the outcomes of these patients, and its overall effect with the use of trauma," said trauma research nurse Janet McCarthy.

Blood substitutes could revolutionize emergency medicine. Doctors and paramedics have treated patients at trauma scenes the same way for years.

Currently, they give trauma patients saline solution to replenish fluids. But PolyHeme would provide immediate benefits to patients. It will fill the body with hemoglobin, which provides oxygen to critical organs.

"This is one of a handful of products that looks like it's the most promising. And it has been used in a large number of patients and appears to be safe," said University Hospital Trauma Director Dr. Ronald Stewart.

It's expected that a limited number of U.S. soldiers will have access to the experimental product soon.

Brooke Army Medical Center's Trauma Director expects PolyHeme to go to troops who are in isolated areas.

The product will help wounded soldiers who don't have quick or easy access to blood transfusions.

"The blood substitute will be able to provide a transition period while they're evacuated back to the hospital," said BAMC Trauma Chief Dr. Toney Baskin.

PolyHeme

In civilian settings, one possible sticking point is about consent for treatment with the blood substitute. It is not FDA approved yet, and is still undergoing clinical trials.

Patients would normally give consent before treatment, but this study will allow paramedics to treat patients without prior consent.

Only 20 hospitals were chosen to take part in this study, and Brooke Army Medical Center is expected to take part starting in January.

Part of the approval process for University Hospital to take part in the study is to hold public meetings. Trauma surgeons will have 10 meetings over the next six weeks.

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email