[Hematologic parameters in repeated autologous blood donation].

Up to six units of autologous blood can be provided for patients with heart surgery, hip joint replacement or scoliosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate hematological parameters in juvenile and elderly patients and the tolerance of 6 weeks preoperative autologous blood donations. We furthermore investigated the approximate "net blood gain" of the autologous procedure. For an optimal stimulation of erythropoiesis, under vigorous substitution of ferrous sulfate, the autologous donations should start as early as 4 to 6 weeks instead of 2-3 weeks prior to the scheduled surgery, even if only 3 units are required prospectively. The net Hb gain of the autologous procedure in 12-68 years old patients reached a mean of 141 g and 231 g Hb at 4 and 6 donations, respectively. This is equivalent to 2.5 and 4.1 homologous units of RBC (approximately 56g Hb each). Up to 6 units of autologous blood can easily be provided by employing "additive solutions" (PAGGS mannitol), avoiding tedious alternatives like "leap frog-techniques" or freezing of blood.