Do different substitution patterns or plant origin in hydroxyethyl starches affect blood coagulation in vitro?

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Hydroxyethyl starches (HES) are volume expanders whose effects on blood coagulation depend on molecular weight, molar substitution, and C2/C6 ratio.
• The C2/C6 ratio and plant origin can influence HES properties, necessitating comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro effects of two 6% HES solutions, HES 130/0.4 (corn-derived) and HES 130/0.42 (potato-derived), on blood coagulation.
• To investigate the impact of varying dilution levels (10%, 30%, 50%) on coagulation parameters and platelet function.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples from 10 healthy volunteers were diluted with 6% HES 130/0.4 or 6% HES 130/0.42.
• Thrombelastography was used to assess clotting time, clot formation time, maximal clot firmness, and alpha-angle.
• Whole blood aggregometry measured platelet function after stimulation with thrombin-receptor-activating protein.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in coagulation effects were observed between the corn-derived and potato-derived HES at any dilution.
• Both HES solutions caused significant reductions in clotting time at 10%, 30%, and 50% dilutions.
• A 50% dilution of both HES types led to significant decreases in maximal clot firmness, alpha-angle, and platelet aggregation.

Conclusions:

• Corn-derived 6% HES 130/0.4 and potato-derived 6% HES 130/0.42 exhibit comparable in vitro effects on blood coagulation.
• The C2/C6 ratio and plant origin do not appear to differentiate the hemostatic effects of these specific HES formulations.