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[Pruritus--a side effect of hydroxyethyl starch? First report]
R Schneeberger1, K Albegger, G Oberascher
1HNO-Abteilung, St. Johann's Spitals Salzburg.
HNO
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) may cause significant pruritus in patients with cochleovestibular disorders. This retrospective study found a higher incidence of itching with HES compared to dextran 40, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- Microcirculatory disturbances are implicated in various cochleovestibular disorders.
- Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) offers improved rheological effects and fewer side-effects compared to dextran 40.
- HES was adopted for treating otoneurological disorders in 1987.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of pruritus as a side-effect of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) therapy.
- To compare the occurrence of pruritus between HES and dextran 40 treatments for cochleovestibular disorders.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study utilizing a questionnaire distributed to 491 patients.
- Analysis of responses from 94 patients treated for cochleovestibular disorders.
- Comparison of pruritus incidence between patients treated with HES and dextran 40.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher rate of pruritus was reported by patients treated with HES (42.4%) compared to dextran 40 (11.4%).
- The difference in pruritus incidence between the two treatments was statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) therapy may be associated with a higher incidence of pruritus in patients with cochleovestibular disorders.
- Pruritus is a potentially neglected but highly uncomfortable side-effect of HES.
- Limitations include the retrospective design and small patient cohort, precluding definitive conclusions on HES incidence.