BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alternatives to red blood cells transfusion have been studied since the fifties. This study aimed at presenting current status and perspectives of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes. CONTENTS: Potential application areas are presented, in addition to clinical studies involving major hemoglobin molecules developed, their advantages and limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Several randomized trials have shown efficacy in avoiding or decreasing red blood cells transfusions, however there are some limitations and the future blood substitute shall at least have the same safety and efficacy of blood itself.
BLOOD
