Potential of camel-derived hemoglobin oxygen carriers as a blood substitute

Abstract

Camel-derived haemoglobin O2 carriers (CHBOC) are being developed as a blood substitutes for allogeneic RBCs or to improve tissue oxygenation. The tolerability of the developed product was evaluated in 10 moderately exsanguinated (40%) experimental mongrel dogs that were randomized to receive either 40 g/l CHBOC dissolved in lactated Ringer’s solution at a rate of 5 ml/kg (Test group-14 trials) or 6 g/l HES 200 solution - 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Fresenius Kabi-Germany) dissolved in saline at a rate of - 5ml/kg- (Control group-6 trials). Overall, the clinical, haematological and biochemical responses were normal. The CHBOC was well tolerated and a promising product. However additional studies are needed to confirm the safety of the new CHBOC product in the realm of acellular blood transfusion.