From the Guidelines
Teardrop cells in a trauma patient are significant as they indicate red blood cell damage, often due to mechanical stress or splenic injury, and their presence warrants immediate attention to assess for hemorrhagic shock, potential splenic rupture, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) 1. The presence of teardrop cells should prompt healthcare providers to perform abdominal imaging, particularly focused on the spleen, and prepare for possible blood transfusions. Laboratory tests including complete blood count, coagulation studies, and fibrinogen levels should be ordered to evaluate for DIC. The formation of teardrop cells occurs when red blood cells are physically damaged while passing through damaged vasculature or a traumatized spleen. Their presence correlates with trauma severity and can help guide resuscitation efforts. Monitoring the trend of teardrop cells can also provide information about ongoing bleeding or response to treatment in trauma patients. Some key points to consider in the management of bleeding and coagulopathy following major trauma include:
- Early identification of bleeding sources and prompt action to minimize blood loss, restore tissue perfusion, and achieve haemodynamic stability 1
- Awareness of the specific pathophysiology associated with bleeding following traumatic injury, including the role of coagulopathy and the potential for multiple organ failure 1
- The use of viscoelastic testing, such as thromboelastography or rotational thromboelastometry, to assess coagulation status and guide blood product transfusion 1
- The importance of minimizing the time between admission and surgical bleeding control in patients with traumatic haemorrhagic shock 1
- The need for every institution to develop, implement, and adhere to an evidence-based clinical protocol to manage traumatically injured patients 1
From the Research
Significance of Tear Drop Cells in Trauma Patients
- Tear drop cells are a type of red blood cell morphology that can be seen in patients with trauma, particularly those with bone marrow injuries or splenic damage 2.
- However, the provided studies do not directly discuss the significance of tear drop cells in trauma patients.
- The studies focus on topics such as damage control in trauma patients 3, shock in trauma patients 4, damage to red blood cells during whole blood storage 5, transfusion of packed red cells 6, and hemolysis mechanisms and consequences 2.
- While these studies provide information on the management and treatment of trauma patients, they do not specifically address the significance of tear drop cells in this context.
- Further research would be needed to determine the clinical significance of tear drop cells in trauma patients, including their relationship to patient outcomes and treatment strategies 3, 4, 5, 6, 2.