Blood Volume Expanders: When Blood Is Not Enough

In emergencies like blood loss, internal bleeding, hypotension, and cardiovascular failure, the body needs a timely blood volume expansion to sustain life. However, there might not be enough blood available for transfusion.

This is where blood volume expanders (BVE) play a crucial role. These solutions are made up of substances with high osmotic pressure, temporarily compensating for lost blood and maintaining blood volume for a certain period.

High osmotic pressure substances commonly used include Dextran, albumin solution, and gelatin derivatives. Among these, Dextran, a glucose polymer, is widely used for blood volume replacement.

Despite their effectiveness, BVEs are only temporary solutions and cannot fully replace blood transfusions. Because the substances in these solutions are difficult to diffuse through the vascular wall, the restoration of blood volume can only be maintained for a short time.

Therefore, in cases requiring blood volume expansion, blood transfusion is the top priority. However, when blood transfusion is unavailable, BVEs offer an effective temporary solution, sustaining life and allowing time for a timely blood transfusion.