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Dextran 70

Dextran 70, a plasma expander, is being studied in various clinical trials for its potential benefits in treating different medical conditions. This article explores the use of Dextran 70 in clinical research, focusing on its applications in liver cirrhosis, cardiac surgery, eye disorders, and other areas. We’ll examine how this compound is being investigated to improve patient outcomes and address specific medical challenges.

Table of Contents

What is Dextran 70?

Dextran 70 is a medical compound used in various treatments. It is a type of plasma expander, which means it helps increase the volume of blood in your body[1]. Dextran 70 is also known by other names, including:

  • Dextran 70 6% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
  • Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose
  • Gentran 70
  • Hyskon
These alternative names may be used by healthcare providers or in medical literature[2].

Uses of Dextran 70

Dextran 70 is used to treat various medical conditions, including:

  • Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP): This is an infection in the abdominal cavity that can occur in patients with liver cirrhosis. Dextran 70 is being studied as a potential alternative to human albumin in treating this condition[1].
  • Cardiac Surgery in Children: Dextran 70 is being investigated for use during heart surgeries in young children to help reduce inflammation and fluid buildup[3].
  • Eye Treatments: In some eye surgeries and treatments, Dextran 70 is used as part of eye drop solutions[4].
  • Liver Cirrhosis and Kidney Problems: Researchers are studying whether Dextran 70 can help patients with liver cirrhosis who develop kidney issues[5].

How Dextran 70 Works

Dextran 70 works by expanding the volume of plasma (the liquid part of blood) in your body. This can be helpful in several ways:

  • It can help maintain blood pressure and improve blood flow to organs[1].
  • In heart surgeries, it may help reduce inflammation and prevent excess fluid from leaking out of blood vessels[3].
  • When used in eye treatments, it can help maintain the proper consistency of eye drop solutions[4].

Administration

Dextran 70 is typically given intravenously (through a vein). The dose and duration of treatment can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient’s individual needs. For example:

  • In studies for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, patients received 1.0 g/kg of Dextran 70 daily for three days[1].
  • For cardiac surgery in children, a solution of 7.5% sodium chloride (salt) in 6% Dextran 70 was used[3].
  • In eye treatments, Dextran 70 may be part of an eye drop solution[4].

Potential Side Effects

While Dextran 70 is generally considered safe when used as directed, it can have some side effects. These may include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Changes in blood clotting
  • Fluid overload (too much fluid in the body)

It’s important to discuss potential risks and side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment with Dextran 70[1][3].

Ongoing Research

Researchers are continually studying new ways to use Dextran 70. Some areas of current research include:

  • Comparing Dextran 70 to human albumin in treating spontaneous bacterial peritonitis[1].
  • Using Dextran 70 in heart surgeries for young children to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup[3].
  • Investigating whether Dextran 70 can help patients with liver cirrhosis who develop kidney problems[5].

These ongoing studies aim to better understand how Dextran 70 can be used to improve patient outcomes in various medical conditions.

Condition Dextran 70 Application Potential Benefits
Liver Cirrhosis with SBP Alternative to human albumin Prevention of renal dysfunction, improved survival rates
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Component of hypertonic saline solution Reduction of inflammation and fluid overload
Acute Kidney Injury in Cirrhosis Plasma expander Potential reversal of kidney injury
Eye Disorders Component in placebo solutions Used in comparative studies for eye medications
Keratoprosthesis Implantation Part of corneal tissue preparation Potential improvement in implant outcomes

FAQ

  • What is Dextran 70 and how is it used in medical treatments? Dextran 70 is a plasma expander made from complex sugar molecules. It's used to increase blood volume and improve circulation. In clinical trials, it's being studied for various conditions, including liver cirrhosis, cardiac surgery complications, and as a component in eye treatments.
  • How is Dextran 70 being studied in liver cirrhosis patients? Dextran 70 is being investigated as a potential alternative to human albumin in treating spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Researchers are comparing its efficacy to albumin in preventing complications like renal dysfunction and improving survival rates.
  • What role does Dextran 70 play in pediatric cardiac surgery? In pediatric cardiac surgery, a solution containing Dextran 70 is being studied to potentially reduce inflammation and fluid overload. Researchers are investigating whether this solution can help improve outcomes for children undergoing major cardiac procedures.
  • How is Dextran 70 used in eye treatments? Dextran 70 is sometimes used as a component in eye treatments. In some clinical trials, it's being used as part of a placebo solution in studies comparing different eye medications for conditions like allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with Dextran 70? While Dextran 70 is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects in some patients. These may include allergic reactions, fluid overload, or effects on blood clotting. In clinical trials, researchers closely monitor patients for any adverse effects to ensure safety.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Dextran 70

  • Study on the Effects of Prednisolone Acetate and Placebo Eye Drops for Patients with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

    Recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study Comparing Tisotumab Vedotin with Chemotherapy for Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Czechia Finland France Germany +7

Glossary

  • Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP): An infection of the fluid in the abdominal cavity that occurs in patients with advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis.
  • Plasma Expander: A substance used to increase blood volume, helping to maintain or restore blood circulation.
  • Cirrhosis: A late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions.
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): A technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, maintaining the circulation of blood and the oxygen content of the body.
  • Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS): A life-threatening medical condition that consists of rapid deterioration in kidney function in individuals with cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure.
  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage that happens within a few hours or a few days.
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: An eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen or mold spores.
  • Keratoprosthesis: An artificial cornea used to replace damaged or diseased cornea when traditional corneal transplantation is not possible or has a high risk of failure.
  • Extravascular Lung Water: The amount of fluid that accumulates in the lungs outside of the blood vessels, which can be a measure of pulmonary edema.
  • Interleukins: A group of naturally occurring proteins that mediate communication between cells, especially in the immune system.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00570960
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02863809
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00199771
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01732757
  5. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03070353