Minimal haemolysis in blood co-infused with amino acid and dextrose solutions in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the haemolytic effects of amino acid and dextrose solutions on co-infused packed red blood cells.


METHODS
An in vitro study of packed cells co-infused at various rates with dextrose 5%, 10%, 15% and intravenous amino acid solution (Vamin; Kabi-Pharmacia, Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd) in dextrose 5%, 10% and 15%. The degree of haemolysis was measured as free oxyhaemoglobin by spectrophotometer. Co-infused 0.9% saline and water were used as 0% and 100% haemolysis controls.


RESULTS
Only minimal haemolysis was observed with the solutions tested. The greatest observed amount of haemolysis was 0.14%.


CONCLUSIONS
Co-infusion of packed red blood cells with dextrose and amino acid solutions at the concentrations and infusion rates commonly used in neonatal care, does not cause clinically important haemolysis.
Jankov
R P
RP
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
Roy
R N
RN
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods; D012996:Solutions
D000596:Amino Acids; D012996:Solutions; D005947:Glucose