Red blood cell aggregation during cardiopulmonary bypass: a pathogenic cofactor in endothelial cell activation?

Objective: The bio-incompatibility of the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit and the use of artificial colloids trigger massive defense reaction that involves endothelial cells and several blood cells: platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, red blood cells (RBC) and lymphocytes. Investigating the effects on RBC aggregation and endothelial cells activation, the present study addresses two different prime solutions commonly used in the clinical practice.

Methods: RBC aggregation was measured by means of Laser-assisted Optical Rotation Cell Analyzer, in an in vitro study designed to mimic the human blood-material interactions during extracorporeal circulation.

Hyperaggregating effect of hydroxyethyl starch components and University of Wisconsin solution on human red blood cells: a risk of impaired graft perfusion in organ procurement?

Background: The standard preservation solution used during organ procurement and preservation of most organs is the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. Despite its superiority over other cold storage solutions, the inclusion of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) as one of the components of the UW solution has been both advocated and denied. This study determined whether HES had any effect on red blood cell (RBC) aggregability and correlated aggregation parameters with HES molecular weight.