[Intraoperative autotransfusion and haemolysis (author's transl)]

In 29 patients (12 vascular and 17 trauma cases) receiving autotransfusion the effects of haemolysis caused by the Bentley ATS-system were examined. The following parameters were monitored: 1. Overall haemolysis rate and fractions in serum and urine, --2. Total and direct bilirubin in all patients with or without preexisting icterus, --3. Plasma-proteins: Albumen, haptoglobin, haemopexin, transferrin and C3-activator. --In both groups extremely high rates of free haemoglobin in serum were found in some cases. The peak of haemoglobinuria was observed several hours after the autotransfusion or at the end of the operation. The different plasma proteins showed increased activity to cope with haemolysis within the first 24 h. After one week they still showed overshooting levels in some cases which permitted conclusions concerning the extent of the reactions. The transformation of free haemoglobin in bilirubin has to be strongly suspected. The changes of the parameters were not in relation to the volume of autotransfusion. No irreversible complications due to haemolysis caused by the autotransfusion systems were observed.