Comparison of Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers to stored human red blood cells.
Since the inception of allogeneic blood transfusion, the search for an alternative to the use of stored packed red blood cells has been underway. Over the last 10 years, modified hemoglobin solutions in the form of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have made significant strides toward becoming clinically available and useful. Although HBOCs are not yet ready for regular use in the clinical arena, this may change in the near future as HBOC products continue to improve and as the elucidation of the mechanisms of any adverse effects becomes clearer. In the mean time, we must further the development of alternative strategies for the "hemoglobin bridge" so desperately needed by many critically ill patients.
Eastman
Alexander L
AL
Department of Surgery, Division of Burn, Trauma and Critical Care, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9158, USA.
Minei
Joseph P
JP