Plasma volume substitution

Blood loss up to 10-15% of the total blood volume can be substituted by mere crystalloids. A quicker and more stable volume replacement can be accomplished with colloid solutions. Combination of artificial colloids (e.g., dextran 60, dextran 70 or hydroxyethyl starches with high degree of hydroxyethylation) with crystalloids (isotonic balanced solutions) produces a long lasting volume effect. Due to dose limitation recommendations for the artificial colloids, volume substitution may be continued, at a later stage, by albumin.