[Maltose-dextran--a new combination solution for the induction of diuresis in man]

40 healthy men received an infusion solution of low molecular dextran with either 0%, 5%, 10% or 20% Maltose over a 60 min period. The combination of LMWD with 10% maltose solution showed a significant increase of urine excretion from 132 ml/h to 315 ml/h at the end of the infusion. The overall excretion rate in 3 h was 683 ml, 185 ml more than infused. The increase in urine excretion from 53.0 ml/h to 173.5 ml/h after the application of 5% maltose/dextran 40 solution was only due to a water diuresis. The maltose concentration was not high enough to induce a visible osmotic diuresis. The application of 20% maltose/dextran 40 solution showed a clear osmotic effect. Nevertheless, there was no significant increase in the urinary excretion rate compared to the LMWD solution without any maltose. The high oncotic and osmotic pressure of this combination activated mechanisms, which were opposed to the induced osmotic diuresis.