On the metabolic effect of hypoglycemic donor blood during extracorporeal circulation

1. 1. In dogs exposed to an exchange-transfusion with hypoglycemic donor blood a transitory hyperglycemia, hyperlacticacidemia and an acidosis were observed. 2. 2. The acidosis was partly metabolic but accompanied by a secondary respiratory acidosis. 3. 3. The observed blood changes did not occur in dogs transfused with blood made hyperglycemic. 4. 4. The observed phenomenon can be explained by a release of epinephrine after the introduction of hypoglycemic blood. 5. 5. It is suggested that the metabolic acidosis observed in extracorporeal circulation may be caused by the giving of hypoglycemic donor blood; the addition of glucose just before the start of the bypass is advised.