Given the current storage age distribution of available RBC inventory, use of a SOC arm in future studies is unlikely to result in a large exposure to "old" blood. It is feasible to randomize patients to "younger" RBCs (3-11 days) but design strategies are needed to provide "intermediate-aged" or "old" blood as a comparator.

No abstract

An initial evaluation of PEG-bHb was performed using a modified hypovolemic shock model. PEG-bHb had a substantially longer intravascular half-life than native Hb and no measurable hemoglobinuria was observed in the canine. PEG-bHb allowed successful resuscitation with an oxygen carrying capacity of 14-22% over that of lactated Ringer's solution.

No association between postoperative infections and the use of leukocyte-depleted blood was identified. However, an increased incidence of postoperative infections was observed to be associated with blood transfusions in general.