Blood and plasma substitutes--plasma expansion and oxygen transport properties

Because of the risks and costs of blood and blood product infusion, developing blood and plasma substitutes is of significance. Two currently utilized substances, dextran and hydroxyethyl starch, are effective colloid plasma expanders. The dextrans have properties that improve microcirculatory blood flow but are associated with several possible adverse effects. Hydroxyethyl starch is a well-tolerated agent that has efficacy similar to albumin but at a lower cost. Two newer substances, perfluorocarbons and stroma-free hemoglobin, are being developed to improve oxygen transport as well as plasma expansion.