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Hetastarch: an alternative colloid in burn shock management
L M Waters1, M A Christensen, R M Sato
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, CA 94305.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Hetastarch (hydroxyethyl starch) is a safe alternative to blood products for burn shock resuscitation, showing no significant differences in patient outcomes. It offers advantages like availability and lower cost.
Area of Science:
- Resuscitation Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgical Critical Care
Background:
- Hetastarch (hydroxyethyl starch) is a synthetic colloid used for hypovolemia and shock.
- Blood products are standard for burn shock resuscitation but have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hetastarch as a safe alternative to blood products in burn shock resuscitation.
- To compare hetastarch with albumin and fresh frozen plasma in burn patients.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six burn patients receiving hetastarch were compared to historical controls receiving albumin or fresh frozen plasma.
- Clinical and laboratory parameters were monitored for 4 days post-burn.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in hemodynamics, respiratory status, bleeding, or renal/liver function between groups.
- Hetastarch demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy to blood products.
Conclusions:
- Hetastarch is a safe and effective alternative for burn shock resuscitation.
- Advantages include immediate availability, reduced reliance on blood donors, no risk of disease transmission, and lower cost.
- Recommended when blood products are objectionable, scarce, or cost is a factor.