Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Haemorrhagic and severe hypovolaemic shock can be rapidly fatal unless identified and resuscitated quickly. Monitoring of haemodynamic and cellular end points is crucial in guiding treatment and improving outcomes. This review therefore focuses on the pathophysiology of hypovolaemic shock, volume resuscitation, haemostasis and approaches to management. Fluid resuscitation saves lives but considerable debate remains regarding the ideal fluid type and strategy to use. Blood transfusion is also a critical therapy in the shocked, bleeding patient with a lower threshold for transfusion being appropriate in the elderly patient with less physiological reserve. Reversal of anticoagulant medications and the administration of coagulation products should support both fluid and red cell therapy to counteract the multi-factorial coagulopathy that can accompany severe trauma, haemorrhage and shock. The aim is to stabilize the patient such that any interventional strategies (both percutaneous and surgical) can be considered for uncontrolled bleeding. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.mpsur.2013.08.012

Type

Journal article

Journal

Surgery (United Kingdom)

Publication Date

01/11/2013

Volume

31

Pages

545 - 551