[Value of hemodilution therapy in pregnancy]

The ability to produce a large increase in plasma volume is one of the hallmarks of a successful pregnancy. Data from Garn et al. (5), Knottnerus et al. (14) and Murphy et al. (15) have shown, that hemoglobin levels above 13 g/dl or hematocrit 38% before admittance to hospital are associated with a high incidence of IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation), gestational hypertension and with a greater perinatal mortality. Patients with an elevated viscosity and hematocrit have increased perinatal risks. In these cases the hemodilution with hydroxy- ethylstarch (HES) improves the blood flow and decreases the incidence of dysmature babies and pregnancy complications. The effect of HES on certain coagulation assays seems qualitatively similar to those of Dextran. In a prospective trial we evaluated the effect of HES in the incidence of thrombosis after cesarean section and we found a 5.9% incidence of thrombosis in patients treated with 6% HES 0.62 compared with a 7.8% incidence in heparin treated patients. Treatment with 1500 ml 6% HES 0.62 before and after cesarean section is similarly effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis as heparin prophylaxis.