Plasma expanders 

Plasma expanders are agents that have relatively high molecular weight and boost the plasma volume by increasing the osmotic pressure. They are used to treat patients who have suffered hemorrhage or shock. Shock occurs due to reduced blood volume (usually due to hemorrhage) and it is necessary to get the blood volume back to normal as quickly as possible.

What are Plasma expanders? Plasma expanders are agents that have relatively high molecular weight and boost the plasma volume by increasing the osmotic pressure. They are used to treat patients who have suffered hemorrhage or shock.

Plasma volume expanders (PVEs) are fluids given intravenously to increase or retain the volume of fluid in the circulatory system. They are used to treat cardiogenic shock (a life-threatening condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood that is needed by the body).

A volume expander refers to a fluid, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer’s solution, that is used to increase the volume of blood in hypovolemic newly born infants. It is administered in clinical situations where there is a suggestion of volume loss, such as heavy perinatal bleeding or cyanosis.

Gelofusine is a colloid volume expander which may be used as a blood plasma replacement when a significant amount of blood is lost due to extreme hemorrhagia, trauma, dehydration, or a similar event.

Fresh frozen plasma should not be a volume expander without coagulation deficiencies and active bleeding.