MECHANISMS OF POSTOPERATIVE PROLONGED PLASMA-VOLUME EXPANSION WITH LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HYDROXETHY STARCH (HES-200/0.62, 6-PERCENT)

Objective: To define the mechanisms of the stable and prolonged post-operative plasma volume expansion observed with Hydroxyethyl Starches (HES) and to determine whether a partial intravascular hydrolysis of large molecules contribute to reinforce the colloid-osmotic effect. Design: Prospective, pharmacologic study using single dose of drug. Setting: University-based, post-anesthesia care unit. Patients: The protocol was performed during the post-operative period, in 10 patients after stable recovery from general anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy. Interventions: HES 200/0.62 (500 ml) was infused over 30 min. Standard hemodynamic and biological variables, HES concentration and colloid osmotic pressure were obtained at each measurement. Plasma volume was calculated using Cr-51-labelled RBCs. Patterns of changes in number average molecular weight (MWn) and weight average MW (MWw) were measured using gel permeation chromatography. Measurements were obtained at control, end of infusion, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after infusion. Measurements and main results: Plasma volume increased by 693 ml (+ 21%) after the infusion of HES and remained constant over 24 h. HES concentration progressively decreased to reach a value of 35% of the peak at 24 h. MWn and MWw, initially decreased when compared with the dose solution and changed little in the 24 h study period. Diuresis significantly decreased at 3 h up to 24 h. Plasma albumin decreased after infusion and then progressively increased to reach a significantly higher value at 24 h than after infusion. Conclusion: Initial plasma volume expansion and decrease in HES concentration agree with previously-published data. Maintenance of plasma volume expansion over 24 h was not related to a partial intravascular hydrolysis. Low elimination rate of HES, extravascular mobilization of albumin and post-operative renal adaptations were possibly the 3 main mechanisms to explain a prolonged plasma volume expansion with HES 200/0.62, 6%.