Hemorrhagic shock

Hemorrhagic_shock
Video explanation of shock
SpecialtyEmergency medicine
SymptomsFast heart rate, narrowing pulse pressure, anxiety, cool arms and legs, decreased consciousness, low blood pressure[1][2]
CausesTrauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, childbirth, ectopic pregnancy, underlying blood vessel problems[2][3]
Diagnostic methodBased on examination and medical imaging[2]
Differential diagnosisOther types of circulatory shock[1]
TreatmentDirect pressure, tourniquet use, tranexamic acid, blood products, temperature management, surgery[1][2]
PrognosisVariable[2]
FrequencyRelatively common[3]

Hemorrhagic shock is a type of hypovolemic shock that occurs due to blood loss.[2] Early symptoms may include a fast heart rate and narrowing pulse pressure.[4][5] With further blood loss anxiety, cool arms and legs, decreased consciousness, and low blood pressure may occur.[4] Complications may include hypothermia, blood clotting problems, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.[6]

The cause of blood loss may include trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, childbirth, ectopic pregnancy, and underlying blood vessel problems.[2][7] Bleeding may occur within the body or externally.[2] Significant blood loss can occur within the abdomen, chest, and retroperitoneum.[2] The underlying mechanism involves not enough blood flow to body tissues.[4] A shock index (heart rate/systolic blood pressure) of greater than 1 can indicate who is likely to need blood transfusions.[8] Ultrasound, in the emergency department, may be useful in determining the location of the blood loss.[2]

The initial management is based on ATLS.[4] The primary treatment is stopping the source of bleeding.[2] This may include direct pressure or tourniquet use.[1] Other measures may include tranexamic acid, blood products, and temperature management.[1] In those without a head injury, the blood pressure may be permitted to remain relatively low until surgery can be performed.[2] Hemorrhagic shock is relatively common.[7] About half of deaths due to trauma are due to bleeding and bleeding remains the primary preventable cause of trauma related death.[2][1] The risk of death or poor outcomes is high.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Pitotti, C; David, J (November 2020). "An evidence-based approach to nonoperative management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock in the emergency department". Emergency Medicine Practice. 22 (11): 1–24. PMID 33105073.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Hooper, N; Armstrong, TJ (January 2020). "Hemorrhagic Shock". StatPearls. PMID 29262047.
  3. ^ a b Taghavi, S; Askari, R (January 2020). "Hypovolemic Shock". StatPearls. PMID 30020669.
  4. ^ a b c d Pitotti, C; David, J (November 2020). "An evidence-based approach to nonoperative management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock in the emergency department". Emergency Medicine Practice. 22 (11): 1–24. PMID 33105073.
  5. ^ Hooper, N; Armstrong, TJ (January 2020). "Hemorrhagic Shock". StatPearls. PMID 29262047.
  6. ^ "Hemorrhagic Shock". fpnotebook.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  7. ^ a b Taghavi, S; Askari, R (January 2020). "Hypovolemic Shock". StatPearls. PMID 30020669.
  8. ^ Pitotti, C; David, J (November 2020). "An evidence-based approach to nonoperative management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock in the emergency department". Emergency Medicine Practice. 22 (11): 1–24. PMID 33105073.