The use of acute normovolemic hemodilution in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

In this observational study, the authors report their experience with the use of acute normovolemic hemodilution in cardiac surgery patients.

– Philippe Van der Linden

This article convincingly shows that ANH in patients undergoing cardiac surgery significantly reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusion. Autologous blood removed ranged from 1 (70%) to 2-5 (30% of patients) units into plastic bags containing citrate. Simultaneously Ringer Lactate and gelatin or dextran were infused to maintain normovolemia. The transfusion trigger was set at 22% hematocrit. Despite this conservative and therefore safe transfusion trigger, allogeneic transfusion was avoided in 46% of patients during hospital stay. In addition the authors demonstrate that the use of ANH has clearly resulted in financial savings, a very important issue in Yugoslavia.

– Konrad Messmer