Hydroxyethyl starch is a-
Ans. is 'c' i.e., Plasma expander Plasma expanders o These are high molecular weight substances which exes colloidal osmotic (oncotic) pressure, and when infused i.v. retain fluid in the vascular compament. o Human plasma or reconstituted huma albumin are the best, However, the former carries the risk of transmitting serum hepatitis, AIDS, and latter is expensive. Therefore synthetic colloids are more often used. o Desirable propeies of plasma expander are : Should exe oncotic pressure comparable to plasma. Should remain in circulation and not leak out in tissues, or be too rapidly disposed. Should be pharmacodynamically ine. Should not be pyrogenic or antigenic. Should not interfere with grouping and cross-matching of blood. Should be stable, easily sterilizable and cheap. o Substances used are - Human albumin, Dextran, Degraded gelatin polymer, Hydroxy ethyl starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone. o Albumin has all desirable propeies except it is expensive. o Uses of plasma expanders ---> to correct hypovolemia, e.g. in burns, hypovolemic and endotoxic shock, severe trauma. o Contraindications --3 Severe anaemia, cardiac failure, pulmonary edema, renal insufficiency.
Vasodilator
Inotrope
Plasma expander
Diuretic