Blood Substitutes: Principles, Methods, Products and Clinical Trials

Concentrated effort to develop blood substitutes was only seriously started after 1986 because of public concerns regarding HIV in donor blood. Many publications on blood substitutes have appeared since then, most of them designed mainly for specialists in the field. This first of two volumes on blood substitutes is written by a single author who has 40 years of research experience in this field. It not only keeps specialists up-to-date but also gives non-specialists a comprehensive overview of the most relevant materials. Furthermore, those starting research on blood substitutes will find specific examples of principles and basic laboratory methods. The book provides answers to questions like: why do we need blood substitutes, which are the potential areas of clinical applications and what effects do they have on blood supply and risk of infection? Several chapters are devoted to modified hemoglobin blood substitutes, discussing their composition, functional and efficacy properties as well as their safety and giving an overview of the modified hemoglobin products currently undergoing clinical trials. Other chapters deal with perfluorochemical-based blood substitutes and the future perspectives of blood substitutes in general. Volume 1 ends with a long list of references which should facilitate the search for literature. Liver, heart and trauma surgeons and especially administrators of hospitals, Red Cross societies, health insurers and government agencies will appreciate the clear approach towards a better understanding of this interdisciplinary area.