Influence of low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch (HES 40/0.5-0.55) on hemostasis and hemorheology.
Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) with a high or medium molecular weight (MW) and a high degree of substitution is difficult to degrade and leads to an accumulation of large molecules. These molecules have a negative effect on hemostasiological parameters. In 10 patients with cerebrovascular diseases, a hemodilution therapy was carried out with low MW HES for 10 days. Due to the low MW of the HES used (56-61 kD), the rheological parameters erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity were significantly lowered (p < 0.01). No coagulation parameters studied were affected beyond the dilution effect, which was measured using the decline in hematocrit. Low MW starch is a volume substitute that is well-suited for repeated infusion or hemodilution therapy, particularly for patients with increased hemorrhagic diathesis, because it does not affect hemostasis. The disadvantage of a relatively short volume effect can be compensated through a continuous infusion of a larger volume.
Department of Neurology, University of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
J
J
Treib
A
A
Haass
G
G
Pindur
M T
MT
Grauer
U T
UT
Seyfert
W
W
Treib
E
E
Wenzel
K
K
Schimrigk
D000368:Aged; D001809:Blood Viscosity / Q000187:drug effects; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D018056:Hemorheology; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives; D010952:Plasma Substitutes