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Oxygen dissociation curves in children with anemia and malignant disease
Author(s) -
Festa Robert S.,
Asakura Toshio
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.2830070306
Subject(s) - oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve , oxygen , anemia , dissociation (chemistry) , medicine , malignant disease , disease , chemistry , hemoglobin , cancer , organic chemistry
Two automatic apparatuses utilizing a dual wavelength spectrophotometer were used to perform oxygen dissociation curves on microsamples of blood. The method provides a complete print‐out of an oxygen dissociation curve in 15–20 min and the P 50 values obtained in normal individuals agree closely with those obtained by classical methods. These apparatuses were used to measure oxygen affinity, ie P 50 , in anemic children with malignant disease prior to treatment and in children undergoing therapy. Red cell 2,3‐DPG levels were also measured. In patients with anemia at the time of diagnosis and prior to therapy, the P 50 values and 2,3‐DPG levels were elevated as is usual in other types of anemia. However, when oxygen affinity and 2,3‐DPG levels were measured in anemic patients receiving treatment, three types of response to anemia were noted: 1) increased P 50 and 2,3‐DPG; 2) normal or low P 50 and 2,3‐DPG, and; 3) normal or low P 50 with increased 2,3‐DPG. Patients who adapted poorly to anemia during treatment had usually received prior intensive chemotherapy and transfusion therapy, and their pattern of red cell glycolytic intermediates was consistent with a red cell population with an increased cell age. The failure of some patients to respond to anemia with a decrease in oxygen affinity has implications in regards to the hemoglobin level at which they should be transfused.