Hemodynamic Management in Hypovolemia and Trauma

Data from National Institutes of Health: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: NHLBI fact book, fiscal year 2012 (February 2013). Bethesda, MD, 2012, NHLBI.

These multiple issues in the aging trauma population have important implications for the reconsideration of resuscitation goals or endpoints, and specific, targeted management throughout their hospitalization.⁴ The following case study is used as a basis of discussion throughout this chapter.

Case Study

J.W. is a 70-year-old male, who has been involved in a motor vehicle crash. He was a front-seat passenger of a car that sustained a side impact. Emergency medical services (EMS) arrived to find J.W. awake, complaining of right-side chest and abdominal pain and right lower extremity (RLE) deformity. He denied any loss of consciousness and is worried about his wife, who was a back-seat passenger. He had been extricated from the vehicle, with maintenance of spinal immobilization. EMS had noted a MedicAlert bracelet with a past medical history of coronary artery disease and the medications listed below.

J.W.’s Medications Prior to Admission

His vital signs at the scene indicated hemorrhagic shock. Two large bore intravenous lines were started, and his right lower extremity was immobilized. He was transported to a Level I trauma center for evaluation and treatment.

J.W. arrives in the trauma resuscitation area in the emergency department (ED). He is awake but confused. His vital signs on admission indicate he is decompensating. He is intubated to protect his airway. His breath sounds are decreased on the right side. Chest radiography shows multiple rib fractures and a pneumothorax. A chest tube is placed, and breath sounds and his oxygen saturation improve. He remains hypotensive. A massive transfusion protocol is initiated. Focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) reveals no fluid in J. W.’s abdomen and an extremity radiograph reveals a femur fracture. His vital signs are responding to the transfusion of blood products. His laboratory values confirm hemorrhagic shock is present. A large central line is placed for resuscitation, along with an arterial pressure line for continuous blood pressure monitoring.

J.W. is transported to radiology for computed tomography (CT) of his brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Injuries found include small remaining right pneumothorax, grade II liver laceration, pelvic fracture with hemorrhage, and right femur fracture. He is transported to the interventional radiology suite for angiography of the liver and pelvis. He undergoes embolization of bleeding pelvic blood vessels; however, his pelvic fractures and femur fracture require immobilization. Because of his unstable condition, external fixation is performed to minimize anesthesia and operating time.

Following fracture immobilization, he is transported to the critical care unit for continued resuscitation and care. His injury had occurred 12 hours ago. He is assessed from head to toe to ensure no injuries were missed. His initial and 1-hour hemodynamic parameters and laboratory values indicate continued shock, as well as acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia. An oximetric central venous catheter is placed, and the arterial pressure transducer is exchanged for an arterial-based continuous cardiac output transducer to assess oxygen delivery and supply-demand balance. These are connected to the monitoring equipment, which will provide additional information to guide his continued resuscitation.

His hemodynamic data indicate decreased cardiac output and hypovolemia. Additional blood products are administered to correct the hypovolemia. All fluids and blood products are warmed through a high-flow fluid warmer. He is also being warmed with a forced-air blanket. His cardiac output improves, although, he remains hypotensive. A vasopressor is added for blood pressure support.

As J.W. emerges from anesthesia, he follows all commands and indicates he is in pain. An opiate infusion, along with sedation, is initiated for comfort. This causes a decrease in blood pressure. His vasopressor is titrated to support arterial blood pressure, and an inotrope is titrated to support cardiac output, as the hypovolemia has resolved. His hemodynamic profile is improving, as are oxygen supply and demand. Laboratory values indicate his shock is resolving.

At 24 hours after J.W.’s motor vehicle crash, his heart rate begins to rise with a decrease in blood pressure. His hematocrit is stable; however, his hemodynamic parameters indicate hypovolemia. His abdomen is now tense. Intra-abdominal pressure, obtained from the urinary catheter, is elevated. The trauma surgeon performs a laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. J.W.’s hemodynamic profile improves following this procedure.

After 4 days in the critical care unit, J.W.’s hemodynamic status has stabilized. He has been weaned off the vasopressor and the inotrope. His pain is controlled, and he is awake and calm. His chest drain, which reveals no air leak, is placed to water seal. The critical care team has cleared him for operative repair of his pelvic and femur fractures and closure of the laparotomy. After surgery, he returns to the critical care unit on a vasopressor. His hemodynamic values indicate some hypovolemia with hypotension. Blood products and fluids are administered because of marginal anemia. His vital signs improve with the transfusion, and he is weaned off the vasopressor. J.W. begins to awake. He indicates he has some pain. His opiate infusion is resumed.

The following morning, he is fully awake, mechanically ventilated, and has stable hemodynamic parameters. He passes a spontaneous breathing trial. J.W. is extubated and received supplemental oxygen via a facemask. He is able to state his name and is asking about his wife. He is told that his wife will be in to see him in the afternoon. J.W. is transferred to a rehabilitation facility 12 days after the motor vehicle crash.

Etiology of Traumatic Injuries

Injury without interruption of skin integrity is considered blunt trauma. Blunt trauma may be life threatening because the extent of the injury may be covert, making diagnosis difficult. Blunt forces transfer energy that causes tissue deformation. The nature of the injury is related to both the transfer of energy and the anatomic structures involved.⁸

Penetrating trauma refers to injury sustained by the transmission of energy to body tissues from a moving, projectile object that interrupts skin integrity, whereas blunt trauma produces tissue deformation by the transfer of energy. Penetrating trauma produces actual tissue penetration and may also cause surrounding tissue deformation based on the energy transferred by the penetrating object.⁸

Key Physiologic Concepts

Hemorrhagic Shock

Hemorrhagic shock is caused by a sudden loss of intravascular volume, as experienced in blood loss related to injury. Venous return to the heart is decreased, and this results in reduced cardiac output. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and neurohormonal responses increases circulating blood volume to compensate for the blood loss (Figure 19-1). Until the hemorrhage is controlled and circulating volume is restored, the existing blood volume is shunted to the vital organs (heart, lungs, and brain), causing hypoperfusion to other organs such as the liver, stomach, and kidneys. Eventually, compensatory mechanisms become ineffective, causing cellular hypoperfusion and inability to meet cellular oxygen requirements for metabolism. The cells use anaerobic metabolism in an effort to meet their cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) requirements, resulting in lactic acidosis.

f19-01-9780323085120 — Figure 19-1 Compensatory mechanisms after loss of greater than 10% blood volume. (From McQuillan KA, Flynn MB, Whalen E, editors: Trauma nursing: from resuscitation through rehabilitation, ed 4, Philadelphia, 2008, WB Saunders.)

Clinical Reasoning Pearl

Trauma patients may present with or develop other shock etiologies such as cardiogenic shock. However, hemorrhagic shock is the most common shock state seen in this patient population.

Sympathetic stimulation to increase heart rate, contractility, and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) escalates the workload of the heart. Ejection of a higher volume of blood against an increased afterload further stresses the myocardium, causing an increase in myocardial metabolism and myocardial oxygen consumption (MvO₂). The continued lack of circulating volume reduces oxygen delivery to the heart, creating a vicious cycle. Circulatory collapse fails to provide end organ perfusion, with reduction in oxygen delivery, and forces a conversion to anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism to meet cellular energy needs. Anaerobic metabolism cannot provide sufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to meet energy demands; for further discussion on the impact of anaerobic metabolism see Chapter 6 and Figure 6-12. If the situation continues, myocardial fatigue, circulatory collapse, inadequate cell perfusion and ischemic damage may result in end organ failure (Figure 19-2).

f19-02-9780323085120 — Figure 19-2 Hemorrhagic shock resulting in decompensation and organ failure. BP, Blood pressure; CO, cardiac output; ECS, extracellular space; HR, heart rate; ICS, intracellular space; RR, respiratory rate; SNS, sympathetic nervous system; SVR, systemic vascular resistance. (Adapted from Von Rueden KT, DesChamps E, Johnson K: SIRS, sepsis and shock. In Morton PG, Fontaine DK, Hudak CM, Gallo BM, editors: Critical care nursing: a holistic approach, ed 10, Philadelphia, 2013, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Once a shock state develops, the subsequent course may have more to do with the physiologic response to shock, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the inflammatory response, and the immune system, rather than with the initial cause of the shock. Thus, shock can be considered a derangement of compensatory mechanisms that results in further circulatory and respiratory dysfunction with subsequent multiple organ damage.

Activation of the inflammatory response causes the release of cytokines from macrophages such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Normally, tight junctions exist between the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. Proinflammatory cytokines disrupt these tight junctions, causing the endothelial cells to separate, increasing capillary permeability and plasma leak into the interstitial spaces. The coagulation system is activated because of the endothelial cell separation and exposure of the sub-basement endothelial membrane. Platelets aggregate and adhere to endothelial cells and sub-basement membrane, forming platelet plugs. Fibrin, the end product of the coagulation cascade, forms strands around the clot to give it stability and strength.

Proinflammatory cytokines also attract phagocytic white blood cells (WBCs) to the area and activate the complement cascade. The combination of WBC activity and complement proteins may result in elimination of the invading microorganism.⁹

Endothelial cells that line blood vessels are central to the development of a local inflammatory response. Endothelial cells provide an anticoagulant surface and control permeability of vessels.¹⁰ In a local inflammatory response, endothelial cells near the site of inflammation become activated as a result of mediators released by injured tissue cells. The activated endothelial cells express cell surface proteins that attract platelets and neutrophils. A procoagulant endothelial surface is formed in the area. Thus, in SIRS, increased coagulation, neutrophil aggregation, and impaired fibrinolytic mechanisms lead to microthrombi formation and reduced or obstructed capillary blood flow.¹¹

WBCs, platelets, and activated endothelial cells release vasodilating substances such as nitric oxide (NO), histamine, and bradykinin. These substances promote additional capillary leak from blood vessels, which result in additional extravasation of plasma and coagulation factors.

In SIRS, the inflammatory response is systemic. The result is an overwhelming, unregulated inflammation with uncontrolled coagulation, disruption of capillaries, intravascular volume loss, maldistribution of circulating volume, and imbalance of oxygen supply and demand.⁹ Endothelial cells are activated in many vessels throughout the body, causing widespread extravasation of fluid into the interstitial compartment and systemic activation of the immune system and coagulation cascade (Figure 19-3).

f19-03-9780323085120 — Figure 19-3 Inflammation, coagulation, and impaired fibrinolysis in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. DIC, Disseminated intravascular coagulation; IL, interleukin; MODS, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha. (Adapted from Von Rueden KT, DesChamps E, Johnson K: SIRS, sepsis and shock. In Morton PG, Fontaine DK, Hudak CM, Gallo BM, editors: Critical care nursing: a holistic approach, ed 10, Philadelphia, 2013, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.)

Substantial extravascular fluid accumulation and microthrombi formation in capillaries and in the interstitium decreases circulating blood volume, This cascade of events results in reduced perfusion of vital organs increasing the likelihood of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death.

The complex interaction of SIRS mediators remains an active area of clinical research. Multiple mediators are believed to play a role in the maldistribution of blood flow, oxygen delivery and the consumption imbalance associated with SIRS and sepsis. Table 19-2 lists the key cellular mediators of SIRS and summarizes their activity.

Table 19-2

Mediators of Inflammation

t0015

Adapted from Morton PG, Fontaine DK, et al., editors: Critical care nursing: a holistic approach, ed 10, Philadelphia, 2013, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Trauma Resuscitation Phase

Hemodynamic assessment in the trauma resuscitation area begins with a few basic indicators. Heart rate, noninvasive (cuff) blood pressure, and oxygen saturation measurements are taken upon patient arrival. Other hemodynamic parameters that can be measured in the trauma resuscitation area include central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output and tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂). Clinical laboratory tests are frequently obtained in the trauma resuscitation area. Common tests include a basic chemistry panel, complete blood cell count (CBC), coagulation profile, arterial blood gas (ABG) and lactate.

Hemodynamic Assessment Parameters

Heart rate is one of the simplest vital signs to measure in the trauma resuscitation area. Of the three hemodynamic parameters measured upon patient arrival in the trauma resuscitation area, heart rate is the most sensitive to blood loss and actual or potential hemodynamic instability. Because the sympathetic nervous system and neurohormonal responses are activated to increase circulating blood volume and compensate for the blood loss, as previously described (see Figure 19-1), even small volume losses can result in an increase in heart rate.⁸ Hemorrhage is not the only factor that can cause heart rate elevation in trauma patients. Pain is an expected complaint of any trauma patient and will cause an elevation in heart rate. Persistent tachycardia in the presence of adequate pain control should be interpreted as significant for volume loss until proven otherwise.

Blood pressure is not a reliable measure of actual end organ perfusion because of the multiple compensatory mechanisms activated by hypovolemia. In the resuscitation area noninvasive blood pressure via automated cuff blood pressure devices does help establish an important surrogate marker of perfusion until specific markers such as serum lactate, are obtained. Unlike heart rate, blood pressure abnormalities may not appear until significant blood loss has occurred.⁸ A patient who presents to the trauma resuscitation area with hypotension should be assumed to be in profound shock. Transient blood pressure changes in the trauma patient should be viewed as a marker of intravascular volume status, as opposed to end organ perfusion. The normotensive trauma patient who develops transient hypotension with the administration of analgesia or sedation is likely to be hypovolemic. Analgesics and sedatives blunt the sympathetic nervous system response to trauma and hypotension. If the patient has sustained significant blood loss, hypotension will result.

Clinical Reasoning Pearl

Automatic blood pressure readings may overestimate blood pressure in hypotensive patients. Manual measurement is more accurate, but the procedure may be challenging during the resuscitation.

Davis J, Davis I, Bennink L, et al.: Are automated blood pressure measurements accurate in trauma patients? J Trauma 55(5):860–863, 2003.

Direct arterial blood pressure measurement via an arterial catheter and pressure monitoring system is an option in the trauma resuscitation area, although not a practical early monitoring strategy. Arterial cannulation may be challenging in some patients who are in hypovolemic shock, as vasoconstriction, low blood pressure, and low intravascular volume all conspire to raise the difficulty of the procedure. While inserting the catheter, direct arterial blood pressure monitoring may be challenging. The advantage of arterial pressure monitoring is that it provides continuous and more accurate data regarding blood pressure than noninvasive automated blood pressure devices.¹²

Indirect automated cuff pressures overestimate blood pressure in hypotensive states. Arterial pressure monitoring may also provide information at lower blood pressure than noninvasive devices are able to measure. As will be discussed later, there are direct arterial pressure systems that can be utilized to monitor cardiac output.

Practitioners need to be cognizant of the trauma patient’s pre-existing medical conditions. For example, a patient with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension may experience the effects of hypotension at a significantly higher blood pressure than expected. Additionally, medications used to manage pre-existing conditions may significantly alter baseline hemodynamic parameters. A typical example is the patient taking a beta-blocker medication. A patient appropriately dosed on beta-blockers will not be able to elevate his or her heart rate as a compensatory response to blood loss.

Arterial Oxygenation Assessment

Arterial oxygen saturation is an important determinant of oxygen delivery. Assessment of arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO₂) provides additional information related to the patient’s hemodynamic status in the trauma resuscitation area. Oxygen saturation measurement reflects the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin that is available to the tissues and allows an estimation of the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) dissolved in the plasma. Blood loss does not shift the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, so on initial presentation, a saturation of 90% still correlates with a PaO₂ of 60 mm Hg.¹³ Because oxygen saturation is not impacted by blood loss, a reading of 100% simply means that even in the face of severe hemorrhage, the available hemoglobin is fully saturated with oxygen. This should not be misinterpreted as adequate perfusion. In a profound shock state, the body can deliver fully saturated hemoglobin to the tissues, but it may be insufficient to meet metabolic requirements or the cells may not extract the oxygen. New technology that helps measure the oxygen levels of peripheral tissue has been developed and will be discussed later in this chapter.

SpO₂ may also be misleading in other conditions. Oxygen saturation via SpO₂ may be difficult to assess in the patient with significant vasoconstriction, as most monitors are designed to measure the saturation in peripheral digits such as fingers. As arteries constrict, blood flow to the digits is reduced, and the sensor may not be able to detect an adequate signal. Hypothermia causes similar difficulties with accurate measurement. Modern pulse oximeters include both waveform and signal quality indicators; oxygen saturation is most accurate in the presence of an appropriate waveform and high signal quality index. Another condition that impacts SpO₂, measurement in trauma patients, particularly if involved in a fire, is carbon monoxide inhalation and the formation of dyshemoglobins. In carbon monoxide poisoning cases, hemoglobin preferentially binds to carbon monoxide rather than to oxygen. As all of the hemoglobin’s binding sites are filled, the oxygen saturation sensor will report a saturation level near 100%, even though the hemoglobin is bound with a compound that cannot contribute to tissue oxygen metabolism. Refer to Figure 6-7 and Table 6-2 in Chapter 6 for more information about measurement of oxygen saturation and carbon monoxide. ABG measurement via co-oximetry in the laboratory will provide accurate information about oxygen availability in these patients.¹³

Tissue Oxygen Assessment

Tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) is a relatively new parameter for use in trauma patients. Similar to SpO₂, this technology uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure the oxygen saturation via a noninvasive, single-use sensor placed on the thenar eminence (thumb muscle). Unlike SpO₂, which evaluates the percent hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the arterial circulation, StO₂ evaluates the hemoglobin saturation of blood cells in the capillary beds of underlying tissues where cellular gas exchange occurs.

This parameter provides an assessment of perfusion as it evaluates oxygen uptake at the tissue level rather than oxygen delivery. A normal value for StO₂ is in the range of 86% to 90%; the lower the value, the more severe is the hypoperfusion of the tissue bed being monitored. Values in the range of 40% to 55% suggest severe shock in trauma patients.¹⁴ Tissue oxygen saturation is well correlated with other markers of perfusion such as lactate and base deficit.¹⁵ Recent studies have shown a correlation between StO₂ and mortality in patients requiring a massive transfusion.¹⁶ Because it is noninvasive, StO₂ may be useful in the prehospital setting by paramedics or military medics. A recent study that examined the feasibility of prehospital use of StO₂, reported that baseline StO₂ measurements did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors. However, when a vascular occlusion test was incorporated, a comparison of the pre- and postocclusion StO₂ was predictive of in-hospital mortality.¹⁷

Central Venous Pressure Assessment

Less commonly measured hemodynamic parameters during the resuscitation include CVP and cardiac output. CVP can provide some information about intravascular volume status and preload; however, it is not a reliable source of data to predict the patients need for additional volume as described in the Critical Care Phase section of this chapter. In addition, the upper torso is not a preferred site for central venous access during resuscitation. The relative complexity of vascular venous access makes the subclavian approach less than ideal and many patients present with the potential for cervical injury, thus eliminating the internal jugular as a site for cannulation.

Case Study Discussion of Hemodynamic Assessment

The case study highlighted several potential pitfalls in the hemodynamic assessment of a seriously injured trauma patient. Emergency medical system (EMS) personnel reported vital sign of: heart rate, 92; BP 94/70; MAP 78; SpO₂, 92%. J.W.’s initial heart rate and blood pressure do not appear overly concerning; however, knowing that he is on beta-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor medications for hypertension management changes the interpretation. J.W. will not be able to mount a normal tachycardic response to blood loss; thus, heart rate cannot be used as a reliable indicator of hypovolemia. Although a BP of 94/70 mm Hg may be normal in many trauma patients, for J.W., it is not normal and should be considered as hypotensive. Reviewing the EMS vital signs in light of J.W.’s medical history paints a picture of a patient who may be in class II or III shock (Table 19-3). On his arrival to the trauma center, J.W.’s shock is worsening: heart rate, 98; BP 86/68; MAP 74; SpO₂, 88%. J.W. still has not mounted a tachycardic response but is now hypotensive, secondary to significant blood loss, inadequate intravascular volume, and cardiac preload. The decreased oxygen saturation is likely caused by J.W.’s worsening pneumothorax. On the basis of these vital signs, J.W. is diagnosed as being in hypovolemic shock, with insufficient intravascular volume to support cardiac output. He has decreased hemoglobin and inadequate arterial oxygen to support oxygen delivery to his tissues and vital organs.

Table 19-3

Estimated Blood Loss¹ Based on Patient’s Initial Presentation

t0020

From American College of Surgeons. Advanced trauma life support (ATLS®): the ninth edition, Chicago, IL, 2012, American College of Surgeons.

BPM, Beats per minute; hr, hour; mL, milliliters.

¹ For a 70 kg man

Volume resuscitation with blood and blood components is indicated and discussed in the management section. The initial negative focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) should not preclude the use of blood products for J.W.’s resuscitation. As identified by computed tomography (CT), J.W.’s liver injury and pelvic fracture are both sources of significant blood loss. J.W.’s confusion on admission could indicate a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), so head CT is indicated. Yet, because the brain is acutely sensitive to reduced perfusion, any alterations in level of consciousness may also be an indicator of shock.

After transfusion in the resuscitation phase, J.W.’s vital signs improve, demonstrating the desired response to volume and blood administration therapy. Although the bleeding continues, the increase in blood pressure and decrease in heart rate support the appropriateness of the interventions and are positive signs.

Cardiac Output Assessment

Cardiac output monitoring in trauma patients is more often implemented in the critical care unit. Use of arterial pressure waveform-based, less-invasive cardiac output monitoring (described in the Critical Care Phase) has not yet been widely adopted in the trauma resuscitation area. However, in trauma patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, monitoring cardiac output and stroke volume variation via an arterial catheter may be useful to avoid complications of overly aggressive volume administration. See Chapter 12 for more information on arterial waveform–based cardiac output monitoring.

Laboratory Assessments

Evaluation of shock in the trauma patient requires assessment of multiple laboratory tests in conjunction with hemodynamic monitoring. A typical battery of laboratory tests in the trauma resuscitation area includes basic chemistries, a CBC, and a coagulation panel consisting of partial thromboplastin time (PTT), prothrombin time (PT), and international normalized ratio (INR). These blood tests provide valuable information about a patient’s baseline status but should not be utilized as the sole guideline for management in a severely injured trauma patient. The decision to transfuse is based on clinical presentation, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit. Similarly, the decision to use fresh frozen plasma and platelets in the severely injured trauma patient is not determined by the results of the INR or the platelet count. An exception may be the patient with a severe traumatic brain injury. Brain tissue damage could activate the coagulation cascade, which may lead to clotting factor consumption and coagulopathies. Brain injured patients may require directed interventions with recombinant factor VII, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets to prevent or reduce further intracranial bleeding.¹¹

Initial laboratory studies provide a measure of the adequacy of cellular oxygenation through evaluation of serum lactate or base deficit. These laboratory tests provide an early indication of end organ perfusion. Hypoperfusion of tissues leads to cellular hypoxia that results in anaerobic metabolism (which produces 2 ATP molecules versus 36 in aerobic metabolism), and pyruvate. Pyruvate is converted into lactic acid. Large quantities of hydrogen ions are generated in this process causing serum pH to decrease. As oxygen availability decreases to below metabolic requirements with hemorrhage, lactic production increases, and serum lactate measurements rise above the normal 2.2 millimeters per liter (mm/L). Elevated serum lactate levels in a severely hypovolemic patient may indicate the severity of shock, which is especially useful in patients who may show little hemodynamic evidence of their shock state, for example, those in compensated shock or on beta-blocker therapy.

Serum lactate levels in patients in shock have been demonstrated to correlate with outcome and have been utilized to guide resuscitation. A recent study found that in a wide variety of traumatized patients, both initial lactate and lactate clearance provide important prognostic information over and above traditional clinical predictors of mortality.¹⁸ As reported, one of every eight patients who are not hypotensive but have a lactate of 4.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or greater die, as do patients who have poor lactate clearance. A significant decrease in mortality is seen among patients whose lactate returns to normal levels within 24 hours of injury compared with those whose serum lactate level requires longer than 24 hours to normalize.¹⁹

Other physiologic conditions associated with traumatic injuries in addition to shock may cause an elevation in lactic acid levels. For example, alcohol toxicity or traumatic brain injury could cause seizures and result in an increased lactate level.²⁰^,²¹ Thus, evaluation of the serum lactate level of a seriously injured patient who presents with post-injury seizures may be challenging.

Base deficit is another useful marker of end organ perfusion in the severely injured patient. Base deficit represents the actual deficit of base in the bloodstream in a patient with compensated or uncompensated acidosis. The production of lactic acid by tissues in anaerobic metabolism causes metabolic acidosis, and thus a base deficit, to develop. Even patients with compensated metabolic acidosis may have a measurable base deficit. Because base deficit is a component of ABG analysis, practitioners will also gain valuable information from the other components of blood gas analysis, including pH and PaO₂.¹³ See Chapter 6 for additional information about arterial oxygen and acid–base monitoring.

Case Study Discussion of Serum Lactate and Base Deficit

J.W.’s laboratory values in the case study provide valuable insight into his condition. His lactate of 6.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) and base deficit of − 12 are indicators of profound shock and are predictive of a high likelihood of death in light of his age.²²

As noted earlier, J.W.’s vital signs, in isolation, are not indicative of profound shock and hemodynamic instability. His laboratory values clearly show the depth of his shock and are not altered by his premorbid medication regime. Complicating J.W.’s assessment and management is his prior use of aspirin and clopidogrel, both of which impair platelet function, predispose him to additional intravascular volume loss and hypovolemia. Although J.W. will need platelet transfusions as part of his massive transfusion, his practitioners appreciate that his hemorrhage will be more difficult to control because of his medication regime.

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