Human Cardiovascular and Metabolic Response to Acute, Severe Isovolemic Anemia

Abstract

THE MOST COMMON indication for the transfusion of red blood cells is to augment the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood of an anemic patient. The potential for blood components to transmit infectious disease has produced concern and "guidelines," "practice parameters," or "standards" delineating conditions under which it is appropriate to transfuse red blood cells.^1-4 Formulation of these documents has been hindered by the lack of data defining the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in humans that does not allow for adequate oxygen transport (TO₂) and that initiates tissue hypoxia.