Comparison of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and saline solution for resuscitation of the microcirculation during the early goal-directed therapy of septic patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to show that 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 achieves a better resuscitation of the microcirculation than normal saline solution (SS), during early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) in septic patients.


METHODS
Patients with severe sepsis were randomized for EGDT with 6% HES 130/0.4 (n = 9) or SS (n = 11). Sublingual microcirculation was evaluated by sidestream dark field imaging 24 hours after the beginning of EGDT.


RESULTS
On admission, there were no differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, mean arterial pressure, lactate, or central venous oxygen saturation. After 24 hours, no difference arose in those parameters. Sublingual capillary density was similar in both groups (21 ± 8 versus 20 ± 3 vessels/mm(2)); but capillary microvascular flow index, percent of perfused capillaries, and perfused capillary density were higher in 6% HES 130/0.4 (2.5 ± 0.5 versus 1.6 ± 0.7, 84 ± 15 versus 53 ± 26%, and 19 ± 6 versus 11 ± 5 vessels/mm(2), respectively, P < .005).


CONCLUSIONS
Fluid resuscitation with 6% HES 130/0.4 may have advantages over SS to improve sublingual microcirculation. A greater number of patients would be necessary to confirm these findings.
Dubin
Arnaldo
A
Servicio de Terapia Intensiva, Sanatorio Otamendi y Miroli, Azcuénaga 870, Buenos Aires C1115AAB, Argentina. arnaldodubin@speedy.com.ar
Pozo
Mario O
MO
Casabella
Christian A
CA
Murias
Gastón
G
Pálizas
Fernando
F
Moseinco
Miriam C
MC
Kanoore Edul
Vanina S
VS
Pálizas
Fernando
F
Estenssoro
Elisa
E
Ince
Can
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000098:blood supply; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000628:therapy*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives; D010952:Plasma Substitutes; D012965:Sodium Chloride