PolyHeme: An Alternative to Blood Transfusion
Fall 2003
Since the early 1990s, when the fears of contracting
diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C through
donated blood were so widespread, many companies
began searching for a safe alternative to donated
blood. Currently, PolyHeme-an experimental blood
substitute-is being evaluated for use in trauma
situations for the treatment of acute blood loss.
PolyHeme developed by Northfield Laboratories,
Inc uses hemoglobin that researchers separate,
filter and chemically modify. After undergoing
modifications, the “naked,” or stripped,
hemoglobin cell can be transfused into any individual,
regardless of his or her blood type. PolyHeme
lasts in the body for only 72 hours, but could
serve as a temporary solution for critically
injured patients who do not have immediate access
to stored blood, or who refuse to receive standard
blood transfusions. PolyHeme has a shelf life
of approximately 100 days, which is more than
half the shelf life of donated blood.
Some of the benefits of PolyHeme illustrate
the advantages of using a blood substitute over
transfused blood. If used during elective surgery,
PolyHeme is expected to increase transfusion
safety for both patients and health care professionals.
Also, PolyHeme is universally compatible, which
means that no blood typing is required prior
to its use and it can be used immediately. The
immediate availability and universal compatibility
of PolyHeme is expected to help avoid the delay
and opportunities for error associated with blood
typing in an emergency situation.
The development of PolyHeme presents a new option
to people who prefer not to receive blood transfusions.
Also, Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose religious
beliefs prohibit blood transfusions, may accept “fractions
of any of the primary components” of blood,
opening the door to the use of hemoglobin based
blood substitutes like PolyHeme. Blood substitutes,
like PolyHeme, may help save lives that are now
being lost due to massive blood loss in trauma
or surgery.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved clinical trials for PolyHeme, to be
used in cases of “urgent blood loss when
blood is not immediately available.”
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