Download PDF
Am J Perinatol 1991; 8(4): 280-283
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999397
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1991 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Impact of Venous Catheters on Packed Red Blood Cells

Richard O. Oloya, Harriet J. Feick, Mary Ellen A. Bozynski
  • Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio, and Section of Newborn Services, University of Michigan Medical Center, Women's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that there would be increased hemolysis, as indicated by an increase in plasma free hemoglobin and potassium, when packed cells were infused through small gauge percutaneous catheters (24 and 28 g, PC) compared with short catheters (24 g; SC). We were unable to study the 28 g PC because after 1 hour, at a flow rate of 10 ml/hr, only 2.4 ml packed cells were infused. There was a significant increase in plasma free hemoglobin when pre- and postinfusion values were compared (SC, p = 0.005; PC, p = 0.009), but a statistically significant increase in potassium only for the SC (p = 0.008). There were no significant differences between the catheters for either potassium or free hemoglobin. For either catheter the quantity of free hemoglobin transfused could potentially cause a significant rise in serum bilirubin and hemoglobinuria.

      >