Hemodilution, oxygen consumption, and recovery from surgical shock. --A study on the efficacy of different plasma substitutes.

: The present experiments compare the relative effectiveness of several plasma substitutes to reverse a standardized intestinal ischemic shock in dogs and rats. The colloids were given 3.5% solutions in a dose of 1.5 g/kg = 43 ml/kg for dogs and 2 g/kg = 57 ml/kg for rats.. Ringer's solution was given in a three times larger volume. Colloids of 3.5%, 6%, and 10% concentrations and Ringer's acetate were also given in increasing volumes for a test of the dose, concentration, and volume relationships. Ringer's solution was effective during rapid infusion and for about 30 minutes after the infusion. Gelatin and ACD-plasma was of corresponding effectiveness for 2 hours. Albumin and dextran solutions maintained plasma volume, oxygen consumption for at least 4 hours after the infusion. Colloids were more effective than Ringer's solution at corresponding volumes, and even when three times larger volumes of the latter was given. Colloids of 3.5 and 6% were more effective than a 10% colloid solution. These effects were related to the molecular weight distribution for colloids, the plasma volume expansion duration and their red blood cell aggregation properties. It is concluded that as single infusions albumin, dextran 40, and dextran 70 are superior to ACD plasma, gelatin, and Ringer's acetate in restoring hemodynamic and metabolic functions and in improving survival rate.