The effects of commonly used resuscitation fluids on whole blood coagulation.
OBJECTIVE
Evidence on the effect of crystalloid and colloid resuscitation fluids on coagulation is confusing, with contradictory results from previous studies. This study was performed to test the effect on whole blood coagulation of a range of resuscitation fluids in vitro using a single method at a single dilution.


METHODS
Seven resuscitation fluids were tested in vitro at a dilution of 40%. Whole blood coagulation was measured using a Sonoclot analyser.


RESULTS
A crystalloid/colloid split of effect on coagulation in vitro was not seen. The time to clot formation with Gelofusine, dextran and hydroxyethyl starch was a greatly increased, whereas saline and Haemaccel had little effect, or were slightly procoagulant.


CONCLUSIONS
Some resuscitation fluids have a profound effect on coagulation. The confusion in the literature may result from the effect on coagulation being both fluid and dilution dependent, with no simple crystalloid/colloid split.
Coats
T J
TJ
Academic Unit of Emergency Medicine, Leicester University, Leicester, UK. t.coats@virgin.net
Brazil
E
E
Heron
M
M
D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012151:Resuscitation
D015532:Rehydration Solutions