[Plasma substitutes and normovolemic hemodilution].

Normovolemic hemodilution is an interesting technique for blood sparing during the operative period. Rheologic and hemodynamic advantages of this technique are stressed as well as its indications and limits. A normovolemic status sustained all along the hemodilution period is mandatory in order to maintain adequate cardiac output and oxygen transport. Discussing the respective properties of plasma substitutes allows to define which amount of substitute has to be given to avoid an hypovolemic status during hemodilution.