Severely injured patients with hemorrhagic shock can develop endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and coagulation disturbances collectively known as the endotheliopathy of trauma (EOT). Shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx occurs early after injury, contributes to breakdown of the vascular barrier, and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction, leading to poor outcomes in trauma patients. In this review we discuss (i) the pathophysiology of endothelial glycocalyx and vascular barrier breakdown following hemorrhagic shock and trauma, and (ii) the role of plasma and platelet transfusion in maintaining the glycocalyx and vascular endothelial integrity.
Keywords: EOT, Endotheliopathy of trauma; Endothelial glycocalyx; FFP, Fresh frozen plasma; Hemorrhagic shock; Plasma; Platelets; TIC, Trauma-induced coagulopathy; Trauma; Vascular permeability.
© 2022 The Author(s).