Red blood cell (RBC) deformability, represented as the elongation index measured by ektacytometry, is compared between 2 groups. In patients who received autologous salvaged RBCs only, elongation index did not change from baseline over the 3-day study period. For patients who received autologous salvaged RBCs and any amount of stored allogeneic RBCs, the mean elongation index decreased by 9% (P = 0.001), reached a nadir on postoperative day (POD) 1, and remained significantly lower than baseline until POD 3.
Auto = autologous salvaged RBCs only.
Auto+Allo any = autologous salvaged RBCs and any amount of stored allogeneic RBCs.
CPB = cardiopulmonary bypass.
*P < 0.05 for between-group differences; #P < 0.05 for within-group difference from pre-incision baseline.