[Administration of Voluven, a plasma expander, in emergency medicine]

HAES 130/04 Voluven is a new coloid plasma expander with better farmacokinetic properties as other well-known HAES solutions. It's reflected with quick volume 1 effect, plato takes about 4 and its clinical effect lasts for 6 hours. Voluven is metabolised by alfa-amilase and eliminated through kidney in 24 hours. Anafilactoid reactions are very rare, pruritus appears only with extensive long- term use. Voluven interferes with haemostasis less than other HAES solutions. With its use needs for homologic blood transfusion are diminished. Activated FVIII, PTT and time for tromb formation reach the preoperative values significantly earlier when Voluven is used. Voluven does not accumulate in plasma and tissue if used frequently. That's why greater daily amounts (50-70 ml/kg/day) are recommended. Voluven is not contraindicated in renal insufficiency until there is urine production. Recent studies show that, in severe head trauma, there're less complications with sudden ICP rise, less second haemorrhagic and mechanical ventilation is abbrevated with Voluven. Greater tissue pO2 values on the first postoperative day prove better microperfussion and less oedema of endothelial cells in shock with Voluven application. Owing to these distinguished properties Voluven has a role in treatment of traumatic and haemorrhagic shock.