What is a synthetic plasma expander that increases plasma blood volume?

Hetastarch is a synthetic plasma expander that is specifically designed to increase plasma blood volume. It is a hydroxyethyl starch-based solution used in medical settings to treat or prevent hypovolemia, particularly in cases of trauma, surgery, or severe blood loss. By expanding the volume of plasma, hetastarch helps maintain adequate circulation and tissue perfusion.

This particular property makes hetastarch valuable in fluid resuscitation efforts, as it allows for better management of blood volume without the need for whole blood or albumin, especially in situations where immediate volume expansion is critical. Its synthetic nature allows for consistency and controlled effects compared to natural products, ensuring a reliable response in clinical use.

Other options, while they may also play roles in plasma volume expansion, differ either in their source or method of action. For instance, albumin is a natural protein found in human blood but is not a synthetic product. Dextran, while it is a polysaccharide that can also function as a volume expander, is not as commonly used as hetastarch due to its potential side effects. Plasmanate is a brand name for a specific type of plasma protein solution, which is also not a synthetic product in the same manner as