Ryder Trauma Center Announces Research Trial to Increase Survival Rates in Patients Suffering from Major Blood Loss

Miami, FL. – Ryder Trauma Center is taking part in a new research study that could help save the lives of people who suffer major blood loss from traumatic injuries. Trauma is the number one cause of death for people under 45. The most common cause of preventable death after an injury is bleeding.

The study, CAVALIER Trial, which stands for Calcium and Vasopressin following Injury Early Resuscitation, will test if giving patients calcium and/or vasopressin earlier in their care can help increase their chances of surviving their injuries.

“Patients who lose a lot of blood and receive transfusions will experience a drop in calcium levels. In addition, they may also suffer a drop in blood pressure,” said Jonathan P. Meizoso, MD, MSPH, FACS, general surgery at Ryder Trauma Center and Uhealth. “Calcium is important to help blood clot, and vasopressin plays a major role in squeezing the veins to increase blood pressure to a health level
Doctors already use calcium and vasopressin to treat patients, but they are usually given later during care. This study will look at the benefits of giving these treatments sooner.

The trial includes patients between the ages of 18 and 90. Patients may be enrolled by emergency medical teams during transport or once they arrive at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital or Jackson South Medical Center.

This is an Exception from Informed Consent (EFIC) study. That means doctors may give this treatment right away, even if the patient is too sick or injured to give permission. Patients or their families will be asked for permission to continue in the study as soon as possible. Ryder Trauma Center is one of 13 trauma centers in the United States taking part in this study.

To learn more about the CAVALIER Trial, please visit: www.litesnetwork.org/cavalier.

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JacksonHealth.org