[Autotransfusion and hemodilution in orthopedic surgery in children].

The risk of transmitting viral diseases is a constant worry for those who perform blood transfusions. In the last three years several techniques were used to avoid homologous blood transfusions. Four series of patients were evaluated: 1st series: Only homologous blood transfusions (27 cases); 2nd series: Acute normovolaemic haemodilution during surgery (20 cases); 3rd series: Autologous blood storage prior to surgery and haemodilution during surgery (20 cases); 4th series: Blood storage prior to surgery + haemodilution + Trinitine perfusion during surgery (44 cases).