title: Optimization of the blood for oxygen transport and tissue perfusion in critical care.
abstract: In present practice, patients in intensive care are managed with subnormal haematocrit values and oligovolaemia. Optimization of the blood for oxygen transport in preterm infants in intensive care yields major benefits in their prognosis. A rational basis is described for this optimization in terms of the circulating blood volume and haematocrit, represented by circulating red cell volume (mass). Extrapolation of these lessons in haematological management is proposed for adult patients in critical care, so as to reduce dependence on respiratory support and minimize clinical complications and costs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Wardrop
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016913:Blood Component Transfusion; D001810:Blood Volume / Q000502:physiology*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D004911:Erythrocyte Volume; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D010477:Perfusion; D012121:Respiration, Artificial
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen