The efficacy and safety of pre-hospital plasma in patients at risk for hemorrhagic shock: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and objective Plasma is a critical element in hemostatic resuscitation post-injury, and its prompt administration within the prehospital setting may reduce the complications resulting from hemorrhage and shock. Our objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of prehospital plasma infusion in patients susceptible to hemorrhagic shock. Methods We conducted our study by aggregating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sourced from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to January 29, 2023. Quality assessment was implemented using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Our study protocol is registered in PROSPERO under ID: CRD42023397325. Results Three RCTs with 760 individuals were included. There was no difference between plasma infusion and standard care groups in 24-h mortality ( P = 0.11), 30-day mortality ( P = 0.12), and multiple organ failure incidences ( P = 0.20). Plasma infusion was significantly better in the total 24-h volume of PRBC units ( P = 0.03) and INR on arrival ( P = 0.009). For all other secondary outcomes evaluated (total 24-h volume of packed FFP units, total 24-h volume of platelets units, massive transfusion, vasopressor need during the first 24 h, any adverse event, acute lung injury, transfusion reaction, and sepsis), no significant differences were observed between the two groups. Conclusion Plasma infusion in trauma patients at risk of hemorrhagic shock does not significantly affect mortality or the incidence of multiple organ failure. However, it may lead to reduced packed red blood cell transfusions and increased INR at hospital arrival.