Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2025
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Cell-Free Hemoglobin in the Pathophysiology of Trauma: A Scoping Review
James T Ross1,2, Anamaria J Robles1, Monty B Mazer2,3
1Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA.
Objectives:
Cell-free hemoglobin (CFH) is a potent mediator of endothelial dysfunction, organ injury, coagulopathy, and immunomodulation in hemolysis. These mechanisms have been demonstrated in patients with sepsis, hemoglobinopathies, and those receiving transfusions. However, less is known about the role of CFH in the pathophysiology of trauma, despite the release of equivalent levels of free hemoglobin.
Data Sources:
Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and BIOSIS Previews were searched up to January 21, 2023, using key terms related to free hemoglobin and trauma.
Data Extraction:
Two independent reviewers selected studies focused on hemolysis in trauma patients, hemoglobin breakdown products, hemoglobin-mediated injury in trauma, transfusion, sepsis, or therapeutics.
Data Synthesis:
Data from the selected studies and their references were synthesized into a narrative review.
Conclusions:
Free hemoglobin likely plays a role in endothelial dysfunction, organ injury, coagulopathy, and immune dysfunction in polytrauma. This is a compelling area of investigation as multiple existing therapeutics effectively block these pathways.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
01:21Hematopoiesis
01:05Introduction to Hemostasis
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized,...
01:20Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which...
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...