Plasma volume expansion in the treatment of pre-eclampsia.

The effects of plasma volume expansion with hyperosmolar solutions with the use of dextran 40 and plasmanate were studied in a controlled manner in 32 primiparous pre-eclamptic patients. The patients who were being studied received either dextran 40 (Rheomacrodex) or plasmanate in addition to the routine treatment with sedatives, bed rest, and magnesium sulfate when indicated. The patients were randomly assigned by blind draw to control (13), dextran (10), and plasmanate (nine) groups. The renal status of all patients was evaluated prior to volume expansion therapy. Patients were monitored for blood pressure, proteinuria, output of urine, hematocrit, and creatinine clearance. There was significant improvement in hemoconcentration and output of urine, and a trend toward a lowering of the mean arterial blood pressure in patients who were receiving plasmanate or dextran for volume expansion.