Abstract

Two preparations of dextran have been tried for prevention of venous thromboembolic disease, dextran-40 (average m. w. 40,000) and dextran-70 (average m.w. 70,000). Dextrans reduce platelet aggregation and lower blood viscosity.¹ Dextran may also reduce the peri-operative rise in the coagulation factors V and VIII.² However, in some tests dextrans increase platelet aggregation³ and accelerate fibrin formation,⁴ so that only clinical trial can show whether dextran reduces the incidence of either deep-vein thrombosis or of pulmonary embolism.