Plasma substitutes: use and application

Plasma substitutes are drugs that are used to replace blood plasma and correct its properties. In medicine, plasma expanders are used to treat various diseases and conditions associated with loss of plasma or disruption of its composition.

One of the most common plasma substitutes is albumin. Albumin is a protein found in the blood that has many functions. If it is deficient, a number of complications can occur, including hypoalbuminemia. Albumin is used to correct these conditions and to prevent the development of complications.

Another common plasma expander is dextran. Dextran is a polysaccharide that has hemodilution and hemoconcentration properties. It is used to increase blood volume and normalize its properties in various diseases.

There are also other plasma expanders such as hydroxyethyl starch (HES), gelatin and others. They are used to correct various conditions associated with impaired blood plasma properties.

However, it should be remembered that plasma replacement agents are not universal medicines and can only be used for certain diseases and conditions. Therefore, before using such drugs, you should consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.

Plasma substitutes: Blood plasma substitutes and their role in medicine

Plasma substitutes, also known as blood replacement fluids, play an important role in modern medicine. They are drugs used for medicinal purposes to replace blood plasma or correct its composition. In this article we will look at what plasma expanders are, their main applications and importance in medical practice.

Blood plasma is one of the main components of the fluid that circulates in our body. It contains various important components such as proteins, electrolytes, antibodies and other substances necessary to maintain normal body functions. However, in certain situations, there may be a need to replace or correct the composition of blood plasma. It is for these purposes that plasma substitutes are used.

The main tasks of plasma expanders include maintaining optimal fluid levels in the body, maintaining blood pressure, compensating for blood loss, and ensuring the necessary composition of blood plasma. They can be used in various fields of medicine, including traumatology, anesthesiology, intensive care, surgery and others.

There are several types of plasma expanders, including colloid and crystalloid solutions. Colloidal solutions contain large molecules such as hydroxyethyl starch or gelatin, which can retain water in the vascular bed and increase plasma oncotic pressure. Crystalloid solutions, on the other hand, contain small molecules such as salts and glucose and are used to replenish circulating fluid volume.

The use of plasma expanders may be especially important in cases of blood loss or acute fluid loss, such as trauma, surgery, or burns. They can help restore circulating blood volume, ensure adequate blood pressure, and prevent the development of hypovolemia. In addition, plasma expanders may be used to correct electrolyte imbalances or replace certain plasma components such as albumin or clotting factors.

However, despite their widespread use, the use of plasma expanders requires caution and appropriate doctor's prescription. Each case requires an individual approach, taking into account the patient's characteristics, clinical picture and available alternatives. Some side effects are possible, including allergic reactions or impaired hemostasis, so indications and contraindications for their use must be carefully assessed.

In conclusion, plasma expanders are important tools in medicine, used to replace blood plasma or correct its composition. They perform a number of important functions, helping to maintain optimal fluid levels, blood pressure and blood plasma composition. However, their use should be done with caution and under the strict supervision of medical personnel. Consultation with a physician is an integral part of the correct use of plasma expanders to achieve maximum benefits and minimize potential risks to the patient.