[Oxygen transport by solutions for blood replacement in comparison with other infusion solutions (author's transl)]

To investigate the oxygen transport capacity of solutions for blood replacement the oxygen solubility coefficients (ml/ml atm) at 37 degrees C of 12 solutions for volume replacement were determined and compared with those of 12 solutions for parenteral nutrition, 4 electrolyte solutions and 5 solutions for osmotherapy. All solutions for volume replacement have lower values for oxygen solubility than human plasma which shows a very constant oxygen solubility value even under extreme conditions. For clinical use of volume replacement solutions it is recommended that the oxygen solubility of the substitute be considered when any of the following conditions presents: a) large amounts are infused (hemodilution), b) isobar of hyperbar oxygen therapy is employed (hyperoxia), c) the body temperature is lowered (hypothermia). This is valid especially in the case of any impairment of the microcirculation.