Red cell substitutes: an update.

The two acellular oxygen carriers currently being evaluated as red cell substitutes are hemoglobin solutions and fluorocarbon emulsions. We have shown that both products can maintain normal levels of oxygen consumption, CO2 production, and circulatory dynamics in primates in the virtual absence of the red blood cell. Although each solution thus satisfies the most important criteria for a red cell substitute, development continues with both products. The clinical trials with the fluorocarbons have been discontinued due to the lack of efficacy of Fluosol-DA--20% in the setting of acute blood loss. Our current hemoglobin preparation is a polymerized, pyridoxylated product that has a normal oxygen-carrying capacity. Clinical testing must await further evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this product. Alternative uses for both of these oxygen carriers continue to be explored, and may eventually be the area of their greatest utility in the clinical setting.