Population
Patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (n= 16).
Intervention
Autologous red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion, with a subsequent infusion of saline (RBCs: Saline, n= 8).
Comparison
Saline infusion with a subsequent transfusion of RBCs (Saline: RBCs, n= 8).
Outcome
The primary outcome was the difference in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) before and after transfusion (ΔPCWP). Secondary outcome measures were the difference in extra-vascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI). Change in PCWP was not higher after autologous RBCs transfusion compared to saline (ΔPCWP 0.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4 mmHg). ΔEVLWI and ΔPVPI were significantly decreased after autologous RBCs transfusion compared to saline (ΔEVLWI -1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.4; ΔPVPI -0.3 ± 0.1 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1). Haemodynamic variables and colloid osmotic pressure were not different for autologous RBCs transfusion versus saline.