Trauma triad of death

Trauma triad of death‏‎, also known as the lethal triad, is a medical term describing the combination of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy. This condition often presents in patients who have experienced severe trauma, including car accidents, gunshot wounds, and stab wounds. The trauma triad of death is a vicious cycle that can lead to multiple organ failure and death if not promptly and properly managed.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body's core temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and bodily functions. In trauma patients, hypothermia can be caused by exposure to cold environments, loss of body heat due to injury, or decreased heat production due to shock or medication effects.

Acidosis

Acidosis refers to an excess of acid in the body that causes the pH of blood and other bodily fluids to fall below the normal range. In trauma patients, acidosis can occur as a result of tissue hypoxia, where the body's tissues don't get enough oxygen, or from the production of lactic acid as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism.

Coagulopathy

Coagulopathy is a condition in which the blood's ability to coagulate (form clots) is impaired. This can cause prolonged or excessive bleeding, which can lead to further complications such as hypovolemia or shock. In trauma patients, coagulopathy can be caused by a number of factors, including direct injury to the blood vessels or tissues, loss of clotting factors, or dilution of clotting factors due to resuscitation efforts.

Management

The management of the trauma triad of death involves aggressive treatment to correct hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy. This may include warming measures, administration of fluids and blood products, and surgical intervention to control bleeding. Early recognition and treatment of these conditions is crucial to improve patient outcomes.

See also

• Trauma (medicine)
• Hypothermia
• Acidosis
• Coagulopathy

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