ATC Group: B05AA Blood substitutes and plasma protein fractions

Human albumin accounts quantitatively for more than half of the total protein in the plasma and represents about 10% of the protein synthesis activity of the liver. The most important physiological functions of albumin results from its contribution to oncotic pressure of the blood and transport function. Albumin stabilises circulating blood volume and is a carrier of hormones, enzymes, medicinal products and toxins.

Gelatin is a colloidal plasma substitute. When used in the treatment of hypovolaemia gelatin produces significant increases in blood volume, cardiac output, stroke volume, blood pressure, urinary output and oxygen delivery. Gelatin promotes osmotic diuresis, thereby helping to protect the kidneys from the adverse effects of hypovolaemia.