[The effect of 6% HES 200/0.6-0.66 on plasma volume and blood coagulation]

The main goal of the recent study was to evaluate changes in plasma volume due to the application of 6% HES 200/0.6-0.66. 12 patients according to the ASA physical status classification (I, II) undergoing minor surgical interventions received 500 ml of this artificial plasma substitute within 30 min. In a control group (n = 12), 500 ml of lactated Ringer's solution was given within the same period. A further question of the present investigation was the possible influence of 6% HES on coagulation during the following period (1st-3rd postoperative days). 6% HES 200/0.6-0.66 led to an additional augmentation of plasma volume measured via the mechanical oscillator technique of 200 ml (40% of the volume given) immediately at the end of infusion. A second increase in plasma volume of 100 ml (20% of the volume infused) could be observed 1 h later. With exception of the activity of factor VIII, the coagulation parameters had not been altered by infusion of 6% HES. The activity of factor VIII decreased to about 50% of the control level but showed a tendency to normalization within the following observation period. 6% HES 200/0.6-0.66 has a marked volume-expanding effect and exerts no influence on coagulation except a temporary decrease of factor VIII activity.