A red cell additive solution (AS-005) containing ascorbate-2-phosphate (AsP) to maintain 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, plus adenine, phosphate, and mannitol to retain viability and reduce hemolysis, was evaluated by human clinical trials. A crossover design was used with another additive solution (Nutricel AS-3, Cutter Laboratories) serving as the control for each donor. Each additive solution was evaluated at 35 and 42 days of storage. There was no significant difference between the red cell viability of the two storage solutions at either time period. Split-bag, AS-005 in vitro studies at two temperatures (2.5 and 5.5 degrees C), both within the range of 1 to 6 degrees C approved by the American Association of Blood Banks and the Food and Drug Administration, resulted in dramatically different in vitro parameters, including a threefold difference in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), a fivefold difference in glucose, and significant differences in pH and adenosine triphosphate. High-pressure liquid chromatography data confirmed the preliminary report that 1 to 2 percent (wt/wt) oxalate was present in preparations of AsP. In vitro storage data confirmed that oxalate is the active component of AsP that preserves 2,3-DPG during storage.

Effective treatment of cyanide poisoning requires rapid diagnosis, good supportive treatment and the use of a specific antidote. The currently available antidotes offer demonstrated efficacy along with significant potential adverse side effects. We have investigated an alternate approach to antidote therapy for cyanide poisoning by using Stroma-Free Methemoglobin Solution ( SFMS ). Rats injected with an LD100 intravenous dose of cyanide were treated with SFMS equal to 1.5% of their total body hemoglobin. There was a highly significant increase in the survival rate of the treated group compared to saline controls. The potential advantages of SFMS over current antidotes include an immediate onset of action, rapid elimination of cyanide from the body and a mode of action that doesn't compromise any of the patients' oxygen carrying capacity. SFMS shows promise as a significant adjunct in the treatment of cyanide poisoning.

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