The ABC score for massive transfusion, also known as the Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) score, is a clinical calculator used in trauma patients. It is designed to predict the need for massive transfusion in patients with severe injuries. The ABC score is calculated based on four parameters: systolic blood pressure, heart rate, positive focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), and penetrating mechanism of injury.
The ABC score is particularly useful in emergency settings where rapid decision-making is crucial. It helps clinicians to quickly identify patients who are likely to require massive transfusion, allowing for early initiation of blood product preparation and potentially improving patient outcomes.
The ABC score is not applicable to patients with non-traumatic injuries or those with minor injuries that do not require transfusion. It is also less accurate in predicting the need for massive transfusion in pediatric patients, as the parameters used in the score are based on adult physiological norms.
Reference
Timothy C Nunez, Igor V Voskresensky, Lesly A Dossett et al. Early prediction of massive transfusion in trauma: simple as ABC (assessment of blood consumption)?. J Trauma. 2009 Feb;66(2):346-52.
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