The American journal of anesthesiology
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Comparative Study
A computer model comparing normovolemic hemodilution, hypervolemic hemodilution, and neither on intraoperative blood loss and final hematocrit.
Homologous blood transfusion, while frequently life-saving, is attended by risks and complications. Autologous blood transfusions have become an increasingly common alternative. Volume expansion, which is simpler, also is used. ⋯ Volume expansion by hypervolemic hemodilution provides almost the same low level of benefit. Benefits (3% higher HCT) are not seen until larger volumes are phlebotomized or hemodiluted and accompanied by large intraoperative blood losses. Autologous blood drawn by preoperative phlebotomy for intraoperative transfusion should not be used until studies show that these large volumes are safe and actually save blood.