EFFECT OF TRANSFUSION ON OXYGEN-TRANSPORT IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS

The role of isolated blood transfusion as a means toward improving oxy gen transport was evaluated in 19 critically ill patients having sepsi s syndrome as defined by standard criteria. ICU therapies were unchang ed during transfusion and hemodynamic profiles with serum lactate leve ls were obtained before and after packed red blood cells were given, B lood transfusions in these patients did not cause a change in hemodyna mic status. Arterial lactate determination was normal before and after transfusion was administered. Oxygen uptake failed to increase with t ransfusion, corresponding to increased arterial and mixed venous oxyge n content. In the presence of sepsis, patients having oxygen delivery and uptake above normal without evidence of ischemia (normal lactate) will not increase oxygen consumption by raising the hemoglobin.