[Effect of a 3.6 o/o dextran Ringer acetate solution on moderately hypovolemic patients in intensive care]

The effects of 1000 ml 3.6% dextran Ringer's acetate solution (Mw 61,800; infusion time 60 min) on circulation, blood and plasma volume, blood viscosity and renal function parameters were investigated, the renal elimination of dextran also being measured. During the entire investigation period no significant alterations of cardiocirculatory parameters, blood and plasma volume and rheological properties of blood could be demonstrated, the same holding true for kidney function values. Dextran excretion was about 33% three hours after the end of infusion, reaching 51% of the whole amount given 21 hours later. It has to be assumed that mainly macromolecular dextran components of less efficiency are retained intravascularly. Taking into consideration the practically absent volume expanding effect - even at the end of infusion period - this dextran solution cannot be recommended as a blood substitute during acute hemorrhage or as an "expander" in other shock states.