Increase in leg blood-flow by normovolaemic haemodilution in intermittent claudication.

Normovolaemic haemodilution down to a packed-cell volume of 35% was done in 10 patients with stable intermittent claudication. For a mean reducation in the packed-cell volume of 21.5% there was a 170% increase in peak calf blood-flow and a 111% increase in haemoglobin delivery. 7 of the 10 patients reported an increased walking distance. Normovolaemic haemodilution may be of use in the management of some patients with peripheral vascular disease.