Perfluorocarbon Infusion in Bleeding Patients Refusing Blood Transfusions

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Abstract
• Six severely anemic surgical patients who refused blood products were treated with a perfluorochemical (PFC) emulsion (Fluosol-DA 20%). When these patients received high inspired oxygen concentrations, the emulsion resulted in moderate increases of arterial oxygen content but considerable increases of oxygen consumption, suggesting improved microcirculatory oxygen distribution. The mean ± SD percentages of consumed oxygen transported by dissolved oxygen in PFC and PFC plus plasma emulsions were 22%±5% and 60% ±12%, respectively. Several adverse clinical effects were seen, however, including transient decreases in leukocyte counts, hypotension, and abnormal hepatic and pulmonary function. (Arch Surg 1984;119:721-724)