Physiologically acceptable aqueous solutions and methods for their use

Abstract

Artificial plasma-like solutions and methods for their use are provided. The subject solutions include: electrolytes and an oncotic agent. The subject solutions find use in a variety of applications, particularly in those applications where at least a portion of a host's blood volume is replaced with a blood substitute.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A physiologically acceptable aqueous solution comprising: 
 electrolytes;    a dynamic buffering system; and    at least one oncotic agent;    wherein said solution comprises at least two of magnesium, a sugar in an amount of not more than about 50 mM and a medium or high molecular weight oncotic agent, and further wherein said solution does not comprise a biological buffer.    
     
     
         2 . The solution according to claims  1 , wherein said dynamic buffering system comprises a carboxylic acid, salt or ester thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The solution according to claims  1 , wherein said dynamic buffering system further comprises bicarbonate.  
     
     
         4 . The solution according to  claim 1 , wherein said solution further comprises a cryoprotective agent.  
     
     
         5 . The solution according to  claim 1 , wherein said oncotic agent is a polysaccharide.  
     
     
         6 . The solution according to  claim 5 , wherein said polysaccharide is a hydroxyethyl starch.  
     
     
         7 . The solution according to  claim 6 , wherein said hydroxyethyl starch is a medium molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch.  
     
     
         8 . The solution according to  claim 6 , wherein said hydroxyethyl starch is a high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch.  
     
     
         9 . The solution according to  claim 1 , where said electrolytes comprise sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride ion and magnesium.  
     
     
         10 . The solution according to  claim 1 , wherein said solution further comprises a clotting factor.  
     
     
         11 . A physiologically acceptable aqueous solution comprising: 
 electrolytes;    a dynamic buffering system; and    at least one oncotic agent, wherein said at least one oncotic agent is a medium or high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch;    wherein said solution does not comprise a biological buffer.    
     
     
         12 . The solution according to  claim 11 , wherein said dynamic buffering system comprises a carboxylic acid, salt or ester thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The solution according to  claim 11 , wherein said dynamic buffering system further comprises bicarbonate.  
     
     
         14 . The solution according to  claim 11 , wherein said solution further comprises a cryoprotective agent.  
     
     
         15 . The solution according to  claim 11 , wherein said hydroxyethyl starch is a medium molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch.  
     
     
         16 . The solution according to  claim 11 , wherein said hydroxyethyl starch is a high molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch.  
     
     
         17 . The solution according to  claim 11 , where said electrolytes comprise sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride ion and magnesium.  
     
     
         18 . The solution according to  claim 11 , wherein said solution further comprises a clotting factor.  
     
     
         19 . In a method where an aqueous composition is introduced into the circulatory system of a host or portion thereof, the improvement comprising using the physiologically acceptable aqueous solution according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         20 . In a method where an aqueous composition is introduced into the circulatory system of a host or portion thereof, the improvement comprising using the physiologically acceptable aqueous solution according to  claim 11.