For the treatment of hypovolaemic shock states, a rapid and sufficient replacement of the body liquid that has been lost, is required. Usually crystalloid and colloid infusions are being administered, though hyperosmolar infusions are fighting for their place in the concept of "Small-volume resuscitation". Here, small volumes of hyperosmolar/hyper-oncotic solutions are given initially to patients with hypovolaemic shock or trauma [1 ]. This notion is not new to clinical practice, the basic theoretical considerations were made about a hundred years ago. It seems to us that German physiologists as well as surgeons were among the pioneers who carried out the first animal experiments and even clinical trials on humans in this direction, a fact that is neglected in today's literature [2], Some historical details on the beginning of this "modern technique" will be presented and discussed.
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