title: Osmotic complications of low-molecular-weight dextran therapy in free flap surgery.
abstract: Low-molecular-weight dextran is utilized by many microsurgeons after free tissue transfer for its beneficial effects on the microcirculation. While it is generally felt to have a low rate of complications, severe complications secondary to dextran's osmotic effects may occur. We report here on two cases in which therapy with low-molecular-weight dextran was strongly implicated as a causative factor in major complications. These cases and their background are reviewed. Guidelines for the safe administration of this agent in patients post free-tissue transfer are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Wilford Hall U.S.A.F. Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Hardin
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Pederson
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced; D000293:Adolescent; D003911:Dextrans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009132:Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D009995:Osmosis; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000139:chemically induced; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003911:Dextrans