Hemodilution

This book describes the conservative therapy of circulatory disturbances andthe blood volume substitution with hydroxyethyl starch. It contains a succint discussion of use of hemodilution in the treatment of different circulatory disturbances. Treatment regimens are presented which are based on many years of clinical experience. Special consideration is given to contraindications, possible side effects, and precautionary measures, including for example a description of pharmacokinetics and biological effects. In the appendix there is a detailed description of the methods of measurement and a listing of normal values and their ranges for each of these different methods. Numerous references are given for the individual aspects. The book's manner of presentation is new. In the first part clinical recommendations are given in concise form; they are based primarily on controlled clinical studies. The second part describes the most important effects, and the last part covers methods. A detailed discussion of the general physical fundamentals and of knowledge derived from animal models has been omitted inorder to discuss the clinical aspects more thoroughly. Only clinical studiesconducted in the past five years have been taken into consideration. It is the aim of this volume to provide the clinician and practicioner with concise information on the use of hemodilution, with special emphasis on safety. The book's organization makes it possible for the reader to find answers to questions regarding hemodilution therapy very quickly.