Controlling coagulopathy and bleeding in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock

Patients who suffer traumatic physical injury can die without immediate and intense medical interventions. Controversy surrounds the best choice of transfusion product to help these critically injured patients. Recent clinical trials have shown that early transfusion of plasma can help. Some of this research has involved patients transfused with plasma in helicopters taking them from the scene of their injury to hospital. In our current work, we have used anesthetized mice to study trauma and hemorrhage causing shock. We have found that three treatments improve the ability of the mice to form blood clots and reduce bleeding. They are plasma transfusion and infusion of two other products. One is a plasma protein product called prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). The other is a drug called a DNA aptamer. We now propose to compare these measures to new emerging treatments that increase resiliency and may work better than plasma, PCC, or DNA aptamer. These include freeze-dried plasma, freeze-dried platelet-rich plasma, and whole blood. We will also do experiments that will reveal how the DNA aptamer works. Our proposed research will increase knowledge about how best to utilize (or replace) blood and blood products to benefit Canadian patients.

SHEFFIELD, William

Canadian Blood Services

Intramural Research Grant Program

Ontario

$274,854