Why is this study important?
Serious bleeding can occur following injury
Significant injuries are still one of the leading causes of death and disability in children and young people. Many of the deaths that occur following an injury are due to severe bleeding. Recognising and controlling bleeding and the factors within the body which make it worse is key to reducing preventable deaths from injury.
Calcium is important for the body
Calcium helps blood to clot, the heart to beat stronger, and blood vessels to better respond to blood loss.
Calcium might be low in injured people
Low calcium levels have been seen in injured adults. This might be due to the body's response to the injury, some of the treatments we give in the early stages of injury treatment, or a combination of both.
Low calcium might be detrimental in injured people
Amongst injured adults, low calcium appears to be associated with a more difficult injury journey, needing bigger treatments such as blood transfusions or operations, and having an increased chance of disability and death. We don't know if the same is the case amongst injured children and young people.