HEMOGLOBIN-BASED RED-CELL SUBSTITUTES - CURRENT STATUS

Chemically modified haemoglobin solutions represent a potential altern ative to the transfusion of donor blood. The theoretical advantages of these products include an oxygen delivery potential greater than that of conventional plasma expanders, prolonged shelf-life, universal com patibility and the absence of pathogenic viruses. Principal concerns h ave been safety issues including renal toxicity, coagulopathy and vaso activity, The proposed indications for these solutions are primarily r esuscitation of patients in haemorrhagic shock and porioperative haemo dilution during elective surgery. Three products have now undergone ph ase I safety trials in human subjects and phase II safety and efficacy trials are planned in the near future.