[Activation of the complement system with clinical dextran (Macrodex 6%) in 10 patients in a cross-over design...

The possibility of activation of the complement system with clinical Dextran 60 (500 ml Macrodex 6% infusion) as compaired with 500 ml 0.9% NaCl was investigated within a one week interval in 10 volunteers of both sexes in a cross-over design. Anaphylactoid symptoms, which would indicate a release of biological activities, were not induced by Dextran 60 or 0.9% NaCl. Neither could a change in blood pressure, heart rate, in the whole hemolytic complement activity nor in the leucocyte and thrombocyte count be determined. Therefore, a clinical relevant activation of the complement system in normal persons by Macrodex 6% can not be assumed.