Hydroxyethyl starches, dextran and balanced salt solution in correction of hypotension during epidural anaesthesia

A low molecular weight (Mw 38 000) and a medium molecular weight (Mw 125 000) hydroxyethyl starch and a medium molecular weight dextran (Mw 70 000) solution were compared with a balanced salt solution in 123 patients undergoing operations of the lower extremities in epidural anaesthesia; 500 ml of the studied solutions were infused during 15 min after the injection of the epidural anaesthetic. The need for etilefrine hydrochloride as a vasoconstrictor in correcting hypotensive reactions was recorded. Changes in haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), serum total protein and serum albumin concentrations were measured. The number of patients given etilefrine hydrochloride in the plasma-substitute groups was smaller than in the control group. The differences were, however, not statistically significant. The fall in blood pressure cannot be totally inhibited by administration of 500 ml plasma substitute. According to the differences in Hb, Hct, serum protein and albumin values, the hydroxyethyl starch solutions were significantly more effective plasma substitutes than the balanced salt solution and as effective as dextran. No side-effects attributable to the solutions used were observed.