Open AccessUtilization of Autologous Transfusion Technologies for Allogeneic‐blood‐free Cardiac Transplantation in Pediatric Patients
Author(s) -
Potter Paul S.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
transfusion alternatives in transfusion medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1778-428X
pISSN - 1295-9022
DOI - 10.1111/j.1778-428x.1999.tb00005.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immunosuppression , intensive care medicine , perioperative , population , transplantation , cardiac function curve , blood transfusion , cardiac surgery , disease , surgery , heart failure , environmental health
SUMMARY The use of blood products has diminished over the last several years. The avoidance of allogeneic blood not only has the benefit of reduced disease transmission but also reduces other complications such as immunosuppression. While this is a goal for all patients, in the pediatric population this is not a simple matter. In cardiac surgery, red cell volume must be maintained, but platelet function and clotting factors are also of concern. In the pediatric Jehovah's Witness patient for cardiac transplant all concerns take on increased importance. The maximization of perioperative blood management will allow the preservation of all blood components and can be done in such a way as to honor the beliefs and requirements of this religious group. This article will discuss the methodology for the accomplishment of major cardiac surgery in the pediatric patient using no blood products.