The diamond of death: Hypocalcemia in trauma and resuscitation
158 Citations•2020•
Jesse Wray, Rachel E Bridwell, Steven G Schauer
This narrative review of available literature describes the physiology and role of calcium in trauma resuscitation and the coagulation cascade, supporting calcium's potential position as a fourth component in this proposed lethal diamond.
Abstract
Calcium is a key component of trauma resuscitation and the coagulation cascade. Recent data portray the intricate physiologic reverberations of hypocalcemia in the traumatically injured patient; however, future research is needed to further guide the management of these patients.