Plasma Extender

Massive blood loss via penetrating trauma requires immediate administration of resuscitative fluids. A major limitation of these fluids is that vital blood-borne factors that suppress hemorrhaging are not replaced and residual circulating clotting factors are diluted. Furthermore, the migration of inflammatory cells activated by rapid blood loss can result in multiple system organ failure. Current treatments of hemorrhagic shock outside of medical facilities are typically less effective than those available in hospitals and are often inadequate to sustain life.Researchers at Arizona State University are working with biomimetic materials that can control hemorrhages and limit inflammatory cell migration. These materials not only act as plasma extenders, but also actively interact with forming clots. In addition, factors can be added that selectively bind to inflamed tissues forming a barrier to trauma-induced inflammatory cell migration. As a combined therapy, this material system may be effective in significantly reducing systemic tissue damage or organ failure by blocking inflammatory cell migration and limiting the loss of fluids and other blood-borne factors.