INFLUENCE OF VOLUME REPLACEMENT WITH DIFFERENT HES-SOLUTIONS ON MICROCIRCULATORY BLOOD-FLOW IN CARDIAC-SURGERY

A variety of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) preparations with different molecular weight average (Mw) and molar substitution (MS) is available for volume replacement during acute normovolemic haemodilution (ANH). Particularly with regard to microcirculation, the ideal solution for volume therapy has not been found. The influence of four different HES preparations on macro- and microcirculation was investigated in 40 patients scheduled for elective aorto-coronary bypass grafting and undergoing ANH (preoperative withdrawn blood: 10 ml kg(-1)): 1) 6% HES with Mw of 450,000 dalton and MS of 0.7; 2) 6% HES with Mw of 200,000 dalton and MS of 0.5; 3) 6% HES with Mw of 200,000 dalton and MS of 0.62; 4) 6% HES with Mw of 40,000 dalton and MS of 0.5. A 5th group without ANH served as a control (10 patients in each group). In addition to systemic haemodynamics and various laboratory parameters, skin capillary blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. Laser Doppler flow (LDF) was monitored simultaneously at the patient's forehead and forearm. Changes in systemic haemodynamics were similar in all ANH-patients, Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was lowest after infusion of HES 200/0.5. The most pronounced increase in plasma viscosity was in patients of group 1 (450/0.7) (P<0.05) and plasma viscosity remained highest during the entire investigation period in these patients. After ANH, skin capillary blood flow measured at the forehead decreased in all patients except in patients of group 2 (200/0.5: max. C 18%). Group 3 (200/0.62) showed the highest decrease in forehead-LDF. During CPB, forehead-LDF decreased significantly in groups 3 (200/0.62) and 4 (40/0.5). At the end of the operation, LDF,vas most reduced in groups 1 (-32%) and 3 (-33%). Forearm-LDF increased in all ANH-patients, Immediately after ANH this increase was lowest in group 3 (200/0.62). In the further course of the investigation, no more differences were seen in any HES patients. The different HES preparations showed a different microcirculatory response. 6% HES 200/0.5 seems to be overall mosi suitable for volume replacement in cardiac surgery patients undergoing acute normovolemic haemodilution (ANH) due to the best effects on microcirculatory skin perfusion assessed by laser Doppler flow. HES 6% 200/0.62 showed the overall least positive effects with regard to skin capillary blood flow in this situation.