Decreased lactic acidosis and anemia after transfusion of O-raffinose cross-linked and polymerized hemoglobin in severe murine malaria

Severe anemia is a major cause of death in falciparum malaria. Blood transf usion increases survival in humans and in animal models of this disease. Be cause of logistic constraints and viral contamination of the blood supply, transfusions sire frequently not practical in endemic regions. Modified hem oglobin is an effective O-2 carrier in hemorrhagic shock, It is free of inf ectious contamination, may not require refrigeration, and because of its ni tric oxide scavenging and small size, may have pharmacologic benefits in ma laria. The effects of transfusions of modified hemoglobin in rats with high -grade parasitemia were evaluated. Modified hemoglobin decreased lactic aci dosis and corrected anemia as well as transfusions with red blood cells; th ese findings may correlate with improved survival and suggest a possible pr oerythropoietic effect. Further study of this novel therapy is warranted.