CURRENT PROBLEMS WITH AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD-SUPPLY

Objective: The purpose of the present study consists in an updated rev iew of recent progress in the field of autologous blood supply At diff erent medical centers, autologous blood products are collected by quit e different procedures, which may be applied during pre-, intra- and/o r postoperative periods according the technical possibilities of the l ocal blood supply systems. The products are very different, consisting in whole blood, red cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, fresh-f rozen plasma (from whole blood and from plasmapheresis), as well as in wound and drainage fluid and in washed red cell concentrates. Iron th erapy against autologous blood donation - or against surgical bleeding -induced anemia - is now well established, but it is unclear whether i t should be given perorally or intravenously. In addition, erythropoie tin substitution may be necessary for some but not all patients. Data Sources: For our review we have used as sources, beyond our own publis hed reports, studies devoted to clinical experience as well as to path ophysiological aspects of blood donation. Results and conclusions: It becomes apparent that the practice of autologous blood supply has now reached peripheral hospitals not affiliated with bigger medical center s. Smaller hospitals may share expensive equipment necessary for autol ogous blood collection. Such progress contrasts with persistent uncert ainties regarding iron and erythropoietin substitution.