The promise of next generation colloids.
The aim of perioperative haemodilution is to reduce loss of red blood cells during elective surgery. The oncotic and molecular characteristics of the various plasma substitutes employed determine how effectively normovolaemia is maintained, and their non-oncotic effects include alterations in microvascular perfusion. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Martini and colleagues assessed the effects of haemodilution with either polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated albumin or a commercially available hydroxyethyl starch-based colloid in a hamster haemorrhage model. PEGylated albumin was superior to hydroxyethyl starch, as reflected by survival, haemodynamic parameters and assessment of the microcirculation using intravital microscopy.
Creagh-Brown
Ben C
BC
Department of Critical Care, Imperial College School of Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK.
Evans
Timothy W
TW
D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001802:Blood Substitutes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D016638:Critical Illness; D006438:Hemodilution / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000418:Albumins; D001802:Blood Substitutes; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols