Abstract: A process is described for the production of a readily water-soluble fructan as well as a well-tolerated renal diagnostic agent containing such a fructan. In the process an aqueous fructan extract obtained from parts of plants is ultrafiltered over a first membrane which retains carbohydrates and proteins with a higher molecular weight but which allows passage of fructan and the filtrate obtained in this way is then filtered in a second ultrafiltration through a membrane which retains fructan but which allows passage of salts and low-molecular substances such as monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. The fructan obtained in this way is used as a renal diagnostic agent together with physiologically tolerated buffer substances at an osmolality which corresponds to that of blood and which has a pH of 5.0 to 7.0.

Abstract: A metabolizable blood plasma substitute is described which contains a starch ester with a molecular weight (Mw) of>20000 Daltons and a molar substitution of 0.1 to 1.5 as a colloidal component. The starch ester is for example acetyl starch with a molecular weight (Mw) of 200000 to 230000 Daltons and a molar substitution of 0.3 to 0.5.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is described as well as the use of a starch ester for the production of such a pharmaceutical composition for peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in particular for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Starch esters which are particularly suitable are e.g. acetyl starch with a molecular weight (Mw) of 100000 to 200000 Daltons and a molar substitution of 0.3 to 0.5. Using the compositions according to the invention it is possible to carry out peritoneal dialysis without damaging the peritoneal epithelium. In addition it is not stored in the organs.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of starch degradation products with a narrow molecular weight distribution which is characterized in that a native starch, a starch derivative, a partially hydrolysed starch or a partially hydrolysed starch derivative in aqueous dispersion, suspension or solution is subjected to the action of ultrasound. Starch degradation products with a narrow molecular weight distribution can be obtained in high yields using this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a plasma based on starch by the hydrolytic decomposition of an amylopectin-rich starch to a definite molecular weight and partial etherification to a definite substitution before or after the hydrolysis, wherein the hydrolytic decomposition is carried out at least partly with .alpha.-amylase, .beta.-amylase or pullulanase.