Abstract :
Background: Autologous transfusion has advantage over homologous blood transfusion. With autologous
transfusion there is avoidance of complications associated with allogenic transfusion and conservation of blood
resources. Aim: To study the advantages of autologous blood transfusion in comparison with homologous blood
transfusion. It is also intended to know the fall of the haematocrit levels both in Autologous blood re-infusion and
homologous blood transfusion cases. It is also aimed to study the advantages of acute normovolemic
haemodilution. Methods: 50 patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgical procedures were studied and
compared with 50 control patients. The study group undergoing haemodilution with 3.5% polygeline
(haemaccel) and autologous blood transfusion, and the control group which received homologous blood
transfusion were included in this work. Hematocrit was measured preoperatively, intraoperatively and twenty
four hours after reinfusion of blood for autologous transfusion group and preoperatively and twenty four hours
after surgery for homologous group. Postoperatively all the patients were closely observed for vitals and any
collection of blood via drain. All the complications were noted. Results: In the study group it was observed that
the haematocrit levels maintained well above safety margin levels. Conclusion: Acute normovolemic
haemodilution improved tissue oxygen perfusion and micro circulation by lowering the blood viscosity. And
autologous blood transfusion eliminated the blood transfusion reactions and transmission of diseases while
maintaining haematorit above safe levels
Keyword :
Autologous transfusion, homologous transfusion, acute normovolemic haemodilution, haematocrit