[Preoperative autotransfusion and hemodilution and its value in reconstructive vascular surgery]. / Autotransfuzja i hemodilucja przedoperacyjna i jej znaczenie w operacjach rekonstrukcyjnych tetnic.

Autotransfusion and haemodilution are the most safe and well known methods of blood protection in patients planned for vascular operations. During reconstructive vascular surgery autotransfusion with hypovolemic or normovolemic haemodilution were used. In the I group of patients hypovolemic haemodilution was done. In the II group of patients vascular bed was filed up with Ringer solution or with 6% solution of hydroxyethyl starch. The type of haemodilution and its influence on haemodynamics were estimated. Investigations were done by echocardiograph: ATL ULTRAMARK 8. It was concluded that the most effective are autotransfusion and normovolemic haemodilution with filing up vascular bed with Ringer solution.

Serum sickness-like syndrome associated with propranolol therapy.

A serum sickness-like syndrome developed in a 38-year-old woman with a history of drug allergy who had been taking propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal) for four days. The illness resolved after the drug was withdrawn and a course of prednisone therapy was given. We recommend caution to physicians in prescribing propranolol or other beta-adrenergic blocking agents for patients with a history of allergic reactions to drugs. Also, all patients using beta-blocking agents should be cautioned that although serum sickness-like syndrome is rare, it requires immediate medical attention.

Effects of anticoagulants on packed cell volume measurement.

A comparison was made of different types of anticoagulants on packed cell volume determinations of canine, feline, rabbit, and human blood. It was found that the use of excessive amounts of anticoagulant alters the packed cell volume when measured by the standard centrifuge method. It was also found that the results vary significantly when different anticoagulants are used. The effects are not seen when the packed cell volume is indirectly measured using an electronic cell counter. A balanced combination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts ameliorates the concentration-dependent effects.