New research led by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine reveals a stark gender disparity in trauma care: traumatically injured women are significantly less likely to receive low-titer O whole blood (LTOWB) in the first four hours of hospitalization, despite its proven life-saving benefits for both men and women.
Analyzing data from the American College of Surgeons trauma registry, researchers found that women under 50 received LTOWB 40% less often than their male peers, and women over 50 received it 20% less often. This held true even after accounting for injury severity.
Whole blood transfusions reduce the risk of death by 20%–25%, making this disparity alarming. Lead author Skye Clayton, a clinical research coordinator and EMT, called the trend “disappointing” and emphasized the need for equitable medical care.
The hesitancy stems from concerns over RhD-positive blood and future pregnancies, as exposure could lead to antibody formation in RhD-negative women, potentially threatening future fetuses. However, modern medicine makes this risk extremely low (about 0.3%) and treatable during pregnancy.
Senior author Dr. Philip Spinella stressed, “You can’t become pregnant if you don’t survive.” Co-author Dr. Mark Yazer highlighted that despite many women being open to RhD-positive LTOWB, only half of institutions allow it for them.
The study urges a reassessment of outdated protocols and wider use of whole blood to save more women’s lives during trauma care.
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