[Autologous blood use in patients with rheumatic diseases].

A four-step autotransfusion concept consisting of preoperative autologous blood predeposit, isovolaemic haemodilution, preoperative plasmapheresis and intraoperative autotransfusion in rheumatic patients undergoing major planned operations associated with considerable blood loss is presented. The autotransfusion concept was established in 1988. At that time 47% of the total blood demand was replaced by autologous transfusions. In 1989 there was an increase to 88% and in 1990 even to 94%. It is pointed out that under normovolaemic conditions the chronic anaemia of these rheumatic patients is neither a contraindication for preoperative autologous blood predeposit nor for intraoperative autotransfusion.