Grant: CIHR New Investigator

Bleeding and transfusion of blood products are associated with adverse events and poor outcomes compared to those who do not require blood. Blood is also a scare donor resource that must be preserved. In critically ill patients who are severely bleeding, or who require blood transfusion, research is needed to identify therapies to reduce bleeding and conserve our blood supply. The research programs detailed in this application will improve the management of critically ill patient who are bleeding and who require blood transfusion. The expected outcomes of the proposed studies are to increase survival of critically ill patients, reduce the overall use of blood components, and reduce medical complications through the optimal use of blood. Studies in massive transfusion will improve health services delivery and patient outcomes by re-engineering our processes of care to ensure patients appropriately receive blood when they most need it. Blood conservation studies will help us to reduce transfusion in patients who require surgery. Research related to blood thinners in patients with infection is expected to result in the identification of an inexpensive therapy which could save lives around the world. This research will also inform how best to report and rate the severity of bleeding events, and which patients are at greatest risk of hemorrhage.