Formation of cytokines by retransfusion of shed whole blood

We have studied, in 10 patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, the release of cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)) in association with retransfusion of autologous shed blood. The patients were reinfused with whole blood collected after operation. The median volume returned to the patients was 300 ml whole blood (25–75% range=300–425 ml). Before reinfusion, blood was filtered. Plasma concentrations of IL-6 increased 1 and 60 min after retransfusion ( P P (Br. J. Anaesth. 1994; 72: 422–425)