Self-induced bleeding diathesis in soldiers at a FOB in south eastern Afghanistan.

Modern warfare necessitates that the physician recognize risk factors and clinical scenarios that contribute to the development of acute coagulopathy of trauma and the need for massive transfusion. To date, this is the only prospective study done in an active war zone that specifically looks at a self-induced bleeding diathesis problem among soldiers. If correct, then large numbers of soldiers are exposed to bleeding abnormalities well before sustaining injury.