[Hemoglobin-based blood substitutes: current status and perspectives].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Alternatives to red blood cells transfusion have been studied since the fifties. This study aimed at presenting current status and perspectives of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes. CONTENTS Potential application areas are presented, in addition to clinical studies involving major hemoglobin molecules developed, their advantages and limitations. CONCLUSIONS Several randomized trials have shown efficacy in avoiding or decreasing red blood cells transfusions, however there are some limitations and the future blood substitute shall at least have the same safety and efficacy of blood itself.