Table 1

Properties of the study solutions

Property
Hamster blood
PEG-albumin
HES

Concentration (%)
-
4
6
Average molecular weight (kDa)

96
130
Suspending fluid
-
Phosphate buffer
Saline
Viscosity (cp)
4.2
2.2
2.1
COP (mmHg)
16
42
42
Degree of substitution
-
-
0.40

Shown are the properties of the study solutions and of hamster blood. The concentrations of the fluids were chosen so that their viscosity and colloid osmotic pressures (COPs) were matched. To achieve a match of these parameters, the colloids were used at different concentrations. HES, hydroxyethyl starch; PEG-albumin, polyethylene glycol-conjugated human serum albumin.

Martini et al. Critical Care 2008 12:R54   doi:10.1186/cc6874