Pharmacology of plasma expanders

Plasma expanders are used to restore the circulating volume of a hypovolaemic patient. Typically, colloids are used to expand the plasma volume, although combinations of hypertonic crystalloid and colloid have recently been used. The currently available colloids vary in their physicochemical, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, they differ in molecular weight, which partly determines their duration of action, and in their ability to expand the plasma volume. Dextran, hydroxyethyl starch and hypertonic colloid solutions improve oxygen flux within the microcirculation.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research