Cardiocirculatory and biochemical effects of dextran 1.8% and ringer's lactate after minor surgical procedures.

The effects of dextran 1.8% in Ringer's lactate solution were compared with infusion of Ringer's lactate alone in two groups of 12 patients after minor surgical interventions. Plasma volume increased significantly only in the dextran treatment patients. We observed a marked hemodilution with both infusions, but all changes had disappeared after 24 hours. No adverse effects on the coagulation process, hepatic and renal function were noted. These results suggest that dextran 1.8% in Ringer's lactate is an effective and safe solution in plasma volume expansion for this type of patient.