Epidemiology of hemorrhagic shock

This chapter describes the etiologies, epidemiology and global impact of hemorrhagic shock. Epidemiology is discussed in terms of demographic, geographic, and population factors to facilitate the understanding of the etiologies, risk factors, morbidity and mortality of this worldwide health issue. Death from hemorrhage is a global health concern and has differential effects on different populations. In some underserved regions, postpartum hemorrhage remains the most common etiology of death from hemorrhage globally however, traumatic injury is the most common cause of mortality secondary to hemorrhage. The incidence of hemorrhagic shock secondary to trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding and surgical hemorrhage is variable, depending on demographics and geographical location. This variability suggests that the incidence and the predisposing factors have modifiable and potentially preventable components. For the purpose of this chapter, hemorrhagic shock secondary to traumatic injury is defined as: intracorporeal hemorrhage and extracorporeal hemorrhage in order to describe blood loss inside or outside the body. Intracorporeal hemorrhage is usually noncompressible bleeding and advances in management continue to evolve; they are frequently non-operative and resource intensive. Lastly, the clinical, economic and resource utilization challenges to treat hemorrhagic shock and its heterogeneous etiologies will be discussed within the context of the global burden of hemorrhage.