Dextrans, Their Use in Surgery and Medicine

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Dextrans which are polymers of the same basic chemical unit, glucose vary markedly in physiochemical properties and pharma-cologic effects, depending upon internal arrangement and molecular weight. Two types of dextran solutions are suitable for clinical use: medium molecular weight dextran (average molecular weight of 75, 000), used primarily for the colloidal osmotic effect to temporarily sustain plasma volume in hypovolemic shock; and low molecular weight dextran (average molecular weight of 40, 000) used principally to reduce blood viscosity and cellular aggregation and to improve microcirculation at low flow states due to any cause. The plasma expanding properties of this type of dextran are transient; its use is not recommended. Both the medium and low molecular weight dextrans were used as antithrom-bogenic agents with favorable results in the treatment of thrombophlebitis and in conjunction with vascular surgery. The 2 dextrans are safe and useful. They are adjuncts to reduce the adverse effects of inadequate circulation. They should not supplant appropriate specific measures to correct disease, injury or deficiencies which initiate pathophysiologic disturbances in the circulation.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: