Hemorrheological effects of colloidal plasma substitutes infusion. A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Colloidal plasma substitutes are clinically used but their impact on tissue perfusion is often overlooked.
• Understanding the rheological properties of blood is crucial for effective fluid resuscitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate the effects of colloidal plasma substitutes on tissue perfusion.
• To compare the rheological properties of blood following infusion with different plasma substitutes.

Main Methods:

• In vivo study using dogs as experimental animals.
• Application of independent rheological experimental methods.
• Microscopic observation of blood suspensions and erythrocyte behavior.

Main Results:

• Dextran-40 (Dex 40) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES0.55) demonstrated superior blood suspension stability, minimizing erythrocyte rouleaux formation.
• HES0.55 and Dex 40 significantly reduced blood viscosity at low shear rates post-infusion.
• The ratio of low shear rate to high shear rate viscosity proved a valuable clinical indicator.

Conclusions:

• Dex 40 and HES0.55 are superior colloidal plasma substitutes for maintaining blood rheology and potentially enhancing tissue perfusion.
• HES0.55 showed particular efficacy among the tested substitutes.