The storage period of autologous blood of hemodialysis (HD) patients was investigated with focus on the red blood cell life span. Healthy subjects, HD patients administered recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) preparation at 4,500 units/week and at 9,000 units/week were classified into 3 groups, respectively. Blood cell system and biochemical parameters were investigated at the time of collection (week 0), and weeks 1, 2 and 3 (after 21 days) in the storage. There was no significant difference in serum potassium and total bilirubin between the groups. Compared with the status in week 0, erythrocyte creatine significantly increased in weeks 2 and 3 in the normal group and EPO 4,500 group. And a significant increase in this parameter was noted in the weeks 1 and 2 in the EPO 9,000 group. Furthermore, the value demonstrated by the EPO 4,500 group was significantly higher than that in the normal group at each time point. Compared with the normal group, the value was significantly higher in week 1 in the EPO 9,000 group. However, there was no significant difference between the EPO 4,500 and EPO 9,000 groups. Concerning the transfusion of autologous blood in HD patients, the degree of hemolysis was smaller than that in the normal group. However, in view of the life span of erythrocyte creatine obtained, the duration that is shorter than that in the normal group in the first place is expected to be further curtailed during the storage period. It is assumed that the generally accepted storage period of 21-35 days in the case of autologous blood is not applicable in the case of HD patients.

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