Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Standardized Hemorrhagic Shock Induction Guided by Cerebral Oximetry and Extended Hemodynamic Monitoring in Pigs
Published on: May 21, 2019
Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers for hemorrhagic shock
Jonathan Elmer1, Hasan B Alam, Susan R Wilcox
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. jelmer@partners.org
Hemorrhagic shock is a pathologic state in which intravascular volume and tissue oxygen delivery are impaired, leading to circulatory collapse and cellular ischemia. Resuscitation with hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) is appealing in that their use can both restore intravascular volume and tissue oxygenation, without the limitations in supply and immunomodulatory effects of packed red blood cells. However, the development of safe and effective agents has been elusive. In this article, we briefly discuss the major limitations of traditional resuscitative fluids which have driven the continued interest in HBOCs. We then review the history of early HBOC development and the modern understanding of their mechanisms of toxicity, which has informed the rational design of second-generation agents. Finally, we provide an overview of these second-generation HBOCs that are under active investigation or have recently completed phase 3 clinical trials.
Hemorrhagic shock is a pathologic state in which intravascular volume and tissue oxygen delivery are impaired, leading to circulatory collapse and cellular ischemia. Resuscitation with hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) is appealing in that their use can both restore intravascular volume and tissue oxygenation, without the limitations in supply and immunomodulatory effects of packed red blood cells. However, the development of safe and effective agents has been elusive. In this article, we briefly discuss the major limitations of traditional resuscitative fluids which have driven the continued interest in HBOCs. We then review the history of early HBOC development and the modern understanding of their mechanisms of toxicity, which has informed the rational design of second-generation agents. Finally, we provide an overview of these second-generation HBOCs that are under active investigation or have recently completed phase 3 clinical trials.
More Related Videos
09:24Synthesis, Hemoglobin Encapsulation and Biorthogonal PEGylation in Hierarchically Porous UiO-66 Nanoparticles for Oxygen Delivery Applications
Published on: May 8, 2026
09:47Exploring Alternative Perfusion Solutions Using Next-Generation Polymerized Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers in a Model of Rat Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion
Published on: June 14, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Transport in the Blood
Hemoglobin
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...
Hypoxia
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Respiration and Gaseous Exchange
Respiration involves the exchange of gases, especially oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), between the alveoli and body cells, a process facilitated by blood circulation. As a result, the cardiovascular system, which involves the...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology