Abstract
Despite the common use of red-blood-cell transfusions in clinical practice, actual beneficial effects of red blood cells have never been demonstrated. On the contrary, several studies suggest that red-blood-cell transfusions are associated with higher risks of morbidity and mortality. The effects of the duration of storage on the efficacy of red blood cells have therefore been questioned in a number of studies. Recent insights into the physiology of red blood cells such as the role of the hypoxia-induced vasodilator-releasing function of red blood cells--is discussed in relation to the controversy surrounding the use of blood transfusions in clinical practice
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 195-208 |
Journal | Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |