HEMODILUTION IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

Hemodilution is a usual therapy of acute ischemic stroke in Germany. Theoretically, it improves collateral circulation to the ischemic tissue by improving blood flow properties, and - if performed hypervolemically - by increasing the cardiac output. Results of different clinical studies are conflicting but, if evaluated in detail, suggest a clinical benefit if the treatment starts early, the patient is cardially stable, the reduction of the hematocrit is fast and sufficient, and the cardiac output is increased.