BACKGROUND: Estimating blood loss in trauma patients usually involves the determination of hematocrit (Ht) or hemoglobin (Hb). However, in trauma patients, a poorly substantiated habit exists to determine both Ht and Hb in assessing acute blood loss. This suggests that Ht and Hb provide different information. Moreover, a survey of the literature showed a significant association of the subject trauma with the use of Ht. We investigated whether Ht and Hb differ in trauma patients. METHODS: Trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score>15 admitted from 1996 to 2004 to the University Medical Center Groningen were analyzed. All blood samples obtained during the first 7 days postinjury in which both Ht and Hb were determined were studied. Ht and Hb were measured with a Coulter Counter. The relation between Ht and Hb was analyzed with linear regression. The potential effect of hemolysis was studied by analyzing lactate dehydrogenase levels. RESULTS: In 671 patients 2,461 paired Ht levels and Hb levels were obtained. The mean Ht was 30.9%+/-6.9% (interquartile range 25.8%-35.8%). The mean concentration of Hb was 10.4+/-2.3 g/dL (interquartile range 8.7-12.1 g/dL). Ht and Hb had a Pearson's R of 0.99 and the following relations applied: Ht (%)=2.953xHb (g/dL) or Hb (g/dL)=0.334xHt (%). Lactate dehydrogenase was not related with Ht and Hb, indicating hemolysis was not relevant. CONCLUSIONS: In a large series of trauma patients, Ht and Hb behaved as identical parameters. The idea that Ht is different from or even superior to Hb is a misconception. There is no reason for determining both Ht and Hb in trauma patients.
BACKGROUND: Estimating blood loss in traumapatients usually involves the determination of hematocrit (Ht) or hemoglobin (Hb). However, in traumapatients, a poorly substantiated habit exists to determine both Ht and Hb in assessing acute blood loss. This suggests that Ht and Hb provide different information. Moreover, a survey of the literature showed a significant association of the subject trauma with the use of Ht. We investigated whether Ht and Hb differ in traumapatients. METHODS:Traumapatients with an Injury Severity Score>15 admitted from 1996 to 2004 to the University Medical Center Groningen were analyzed. All blood samples obtained during the first 7 days postinjury in which both Ht and Hb were determined were studied. Ht and Hb were measured with a Coulter Counter. The relation between Ht and Hb was analyzed with linear regression. The potential effect of hemolysis was studied by analyzing lactate dehydrogenase levels. RESULTS: In 671 patients 2,461 paired Ht levels and Hb levels were obtained. The mean Ht was 30.9%+/-6.9% (interquartile range 25.8%-35.8%). The mean concentration of Hb was 10.4+/-2.3 g/dL (interquartile range 8.7-12.1 g/dL). Ht and Hb had a Pearson's R of 0.99 and the following relations applied: Ht (%)=2.953xHb (g/dL) or Hb (g/dL)=0.334xHt (%). Lactate dehydrogenase was not related with Ht and Hb, indicating hemolysis was not relevant. CONCLUSIONS: In a large series of traumapatients, Ht and Hb behaved as identical parameters. The idea that Ht is different from or even superior to Hb is a misconception. There is no reason for determining both Ht and Hb in traumapatients.
Authors: P W Collins; C Solomon; K Sutor; D Crispin; G Hochleitner; S Rizoli; H Schöchl; M Schreiber; M Ranucci Journal: Br J Anaesth Date: 2014-07-26 Impact factor: 9.166
Authors: Amanda C Zofkie; W Holt Garner; Rachel C Schell; Alexandra S Ragsdale; Donald D McIntire; Scott W Roberts; Catherine Y Spong Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-01-13 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Silvita Fitri Riswari; Muhammad Fitriandi Budiman; Dera Darmayanti; Susantina Prodjosoewojo; Evan Susandi; Amaylia Oehadian; Bachti Alisjahbana Journal: Int J Gen Med Date: 2022-03-05