This monograph on dextrans is a compilation of papers from the First International Symposium on Dextrans held in Galveston, Tex, in May 1968. The 24 contributors include well-known clinicians and investigators from the United States, Sweden, and France. The book is made up of 18 chapters; the last chapter is a summary by one of the editors. The sections are short and most have a number of references.
The monograph begins with a discussion of the physicochemical properties and the pharmacological effects of dextran. Discussed separately are the effects of dextran as an artificial expander, effects on hemodilution, hypervolemia, coagulation and hemostasis, and the use of dextran in shock, stroke, and transplantation.
As the subtitle implies, the current concepts of basic actions and clinical applications are discussed. Based on the varied experiences of the contributors, this book presents the most up-to-date thought about dextran and reviews the questions under investigation.