Influence of cell-free Hb on local tissue perfusion and oxygenation in acute anemia after isovolemic hemodilution.

This experimental study shows that, in hamsters, exchange transfusion with polymerized bovine hemoglobin to a hemoglobin content of 6.7 g/dL failed to maintain tissue oxygenation and in-vivo functional capillary density (according to this reviewer, possibly because PBH caused vasoconstriction). The message is important: we know hemoglobin solutions can transport oxygen but clinicians will want to be sure that, in humans, the oxygen transported by PBH is used by the periphery.

– J.-F. Hardy.