Low titer Group O whole blood utilization in pediatric trauma resuscitation: A National Survey

Abstract Background Renewed interest in low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) transfusion has led to increased utilization in adult trauma centers; little is known regarding LTOWB use in pediatric centers. Study design and methods A survey of LTOWB utilization at American pediatric level 1 trauma centers. Results Responses were received from 43/72 (60%) centers. These institutions were primarily urban (84%) and pediatric‐specific (58%). There were 16% (7/43) centers using LTOWB, 7% (3/43) imminently initiating an LTOWB program, 47% (20/43) with interest but no current plan to develop a LTOWB program, and 30% (13/43) with no immediate interest in an LTOWB program. For the hospitals actively or imminently using LTOWB, 70% (3/10) have a minimum recipient weight criterion, 60% (6/10) have a minimum age criterion, and 70% (7/10) restrict the maximum volume transfused. Before the patient's RhD type becomes known, 30% (3/10) use RhD negative LTOWB for males and females, 40% (4/10) use RhD positive LTOWB for males and RhD negative LTOWB for females, 20% (2/10) use RhD positive LTOWB for males and RhD negative RBCs for females, and 10% (1/10) use RhD positive LTOWB for both males and females. Maximum LTOWB storage duration was 14–35 days and units nearing expiration were used for non‐trauma patients (40%), processed to RBC (40%), and/or discarded (40%). The most common barriers to implementation were concerns about inventory management (37%), wastage (35%), infrequent use (33%), cost (21%) and unclear efficacy (14%). Conclusion LTOWB utilization is increasing in pediatric level 1 trauma centers in the United States.