Targeting the Endotheliopathy of Trauma in Hemorrhagic Shock and Traumatic Brain Injury with Freeze-Dried Platelets
Abstract
Research objectives and rationale behind proposed work: In this proposal, we will explore how platelets and freeze-dried platelets (aka, Thrombosomes) act to reduce blood loss and treat other associated injuries in different types of trauma. We will measure the potential of Thrombosomes to reduce bleeding, restore the integrity of leaky blood vessels, and decrease inflammation in the brain and lungs after traumatic injury. Problem to be addressed: This proposal would help expand the understanding of the ways freeze-dried platelets (Thrombosomes) can help treat medical conditions such as bleeding, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and organ failure from trauma. In these conditions, the blood vessels become leaky and contribute to increased risk of dying or poor outcome. Shock due to blood loss remains the leading cause of preventable death in persons under 45 in the U.S. TBI is the leading cause of death in all individuals ages 1-44 worldwide. The military estimates that uncontrolled bleeding accounts for 80% of combat-related casualties and almost half of those deaths could be prevented if the bleeding could be stopped. This study will discover similarities and differences in the way platelets and freeze-dried platelets (Thrombosomes) can be used to treat patients with different injuries and also assess the impact of that treatment. This will be explored in three ways: first, understanding how platelets and freeze-dried platelets (Thrombosomes) restore or repair leaky blood vessels; second, understanding how platelets and freeze-dried platelets (Thrombosomes) can decrease organ failure such as lung injury induced by trauma, blood loss, and shock; and third, understanding how freeze-dried platelets (Thrombosomes) can be used to decrease brain swelling and bleeding in the brain and neurocognitive improvement (memory and learning) after TBI. Applicability and impact of the research: This research is directly applicable to understanding and predicting the way that liquid stored platelets (the current standard of care) and freeze-dried platelets (Thrombsosomes) can be used to treat trauma patients with multiple conditions that have few treatment options. The information gained from these studies can ultimately assist in developing treatment protocols designed to save lives and decrease the long-term effects from these conditions. Benefit to Service members, Veterans, and their families: The short shelf-life of liquid stored platelets (5 days) makes it almost impossible to provide platelets on the battlefield or to the medics and doctors responsible for immediate treatment on the battlefield. Freeze-dried platelets are stable for as long as 2 years, are easy to use, and could be made available at all levels of care. Knowing the healing effects of platelets on leaky vessels, organs that are failing from shock, and TBI in addition to stopping bleeding, will provide medical personnel new ways to treat different types of traumatic injuries. This knowledge can be utilized by researchers and the company developing freeze-dried platelets to design follow-on studies that will support Food and Drug Administration approval and advanced development of freeze-dried products for specific types of traumatic injuries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910462
Entities
People
- Shibani Pati
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of California, San Francisco