This apparently is a local presentation put on by Loyola Med Ctr just for the HLC so they can understand the product and it's implications. I will "suggest" that they find out where else it is being used and then the local HLC's can contact these places for information or contact the Chairman of Chicago HLC for information on how to get it set up. We do by the way have a teriffic HLC and I kind of like the Chairman.
Jan

__________________
Jan Graziani - LVN
Chicago, IL USA

This is an interesting explanation.
http://www.lhsc.on.ca/lab/bldbank/blood/page14.htm

Here's a nice medical article from Critical Care Forum - http://ccforum.com/content/8/S2/S61

Here's the abstract:
Transfusable fluids that may be used as alternatives to red blood cell transfusion offer the promise of preserving tissue perfusion and minimizing hypoxic cellular damage, and this promise may soon be fulfilled. Clinical testing of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers has faced and met challenges involving molecular design, safety, efficacy, and regulatory requirements. Three leading candidates have emerged: two human (PolyHeme® and HemoLink™) and one bovine-based hemoglobin solution (Hemopure®). Because a survival benefit has been difficult to demonstrate, avoidance of allogeneic transfusion has been adopted as the standard efficacy end-point for these agents. An update on clinical trial status is provided, and the potential utility of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers in surgery combined with intraoperative autologous donation is discussed.

Here's the conclusion:
While trials continue with the three major solutions, research efforts continue to search for alternatives and for newer formulations and concepts to apply. As our understanding of the physiology of oxygen delivery and use improves, so will the concepts that underlie the design of HBOCs. As our appreciation of the physiology of shock and resuscitation at many levels grows, it is to be expected that the desire to create specific HBOCs to meet the needs of specific situations will grow. Furthermore, as clinical experience and the knowledge base grows, it will become increasingly possible to develop more effective therapies. The field remains exciting and relevant. Even with a better appreciation of when to transfuse a patient, the options of what to use remain few. The addition of HBOCs to the armamentarium is welcome and will be embraced because they have allowed us to focus on the underlying issues of when to transfuse and what to use to accomplish our goal.

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email

Here's a good article about Oxygen Carriers including Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Hemoglobin based oxygen carriers - http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI10...tes/index.html

Here's the index:
General Information

Hb Based Oxygen Carriers

Perfluorocarbon Products

Clinical Data

Problems

Product Improvement

Clinical Applications

The Experts

Conclusion

Interesting Links

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email

This one is from Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp. It provides a quick and easy overview of current oxygen carrier R & D.

http://www.allp.com/Oxygent/OX_oxygen_carriers.htm

__________________
Mr. Jan B. Wade
Blood Management Consultant
Enhance Outcomes - Control Cost
For Information Call - 360 296-1807
Email

You may want to hear the audio on the following web site to learn more about the polyheme trial. Cities can agree to this trial through what is known as 'community consent'. The recording discusses patient issues, some of the cities involved and how patients can refuse the product.
http://www.soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment.php4?seg=38

All of this is good info that everyone has posted. I really benefit from this and will use this info to help our patients and friends. I am also doing my homework. If I find something of interest on this subject, I'll post it.

Walt

Dear Friends. I realize I am coming in late on this discussion yet I am concerned. Due to the fact that this is a public site and easily accessed, we need to be careful of our discussions that might be taken out of context. The oxygen carriers are "not" to be considered the "same as" primary components. As in all things this needs to be assessed by each individual person who is objecting to primary components for religious reasons. Therefore we would not want to confuse readers by this debate. Remember they look to this site for enlightenment on these subjects and options available and this is truly another option unless their "religious leaders" say otherwise. Also remember that there have already been many articles written regarding Jehovah Witnesses receiving these products either in the US under studies or in Canada where it is being used regularly. Again write what we are debating with caution. Your friend,,,,,,,,,,

Very good info from everyone. This really helps us here at our medical facility to give the very best care to our patients. Thanks to all. As I find new info, I'll share as well.

WQ

Would Cryoprecipitate fall into this category?