This article is part of the supplement: Recombinant activated factor VIIa and hemostasis in critical care: a focus on trauma .

Review

The epidemiology and modern management of traumatic hemorrhage: US and international perspectives

David S Kauvar¹ and Charles E Wade²

¹Research Fellow, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA

²Physiologist, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA

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Critical Care 2005, 9(Suppl 5):S1-S9doi:10.1186/cc3779

Published:	7 October 2005

Abstract

Trauma is a worldwide problem, with severe and wide ranging consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Hemorrhage is a major contributor to the dilemma of traumatic injury and its care. In this article we describe the international epidemiology of traumatic injury, its causes and its consequences, and closely examine the role played by hemorrhage in producing traumatic morbidity and mortality. Emphasis is placed on defining situations in which traditional methods of hemorrhage control often fail. We then outline and discuss modern principles in the management of traumatic hemorrhage and explore developing changes in these areas. We conclude with a discussion of outcome measures for the injured patient within the context of the epidemiology of traumatic injury.