[Hemorrhage and blood replacement. 2. Hemorrhage prevention and hemostasis, volume replacement]

Reviewed are the causes of hemorrhagic shock, pathophysiology of blood loss as well as clinical signs and diagnostic measures. The problematic nature of determination and judgement of blood loss, especially at internal bleeding and during operations is pointed out. Measures for prevention and stanching of bleeding are touched. Blood, blood plasma and colloids (dextran, gelatine and hydroxyethyl starch) for volume replacement and their side effects are discussed briefly.