[The effect of low-molecular hydroxyethyl starch and dextran 60 on the muscle oxygen supply in intensive care...

Skeletal muscle pO2 measurements were performed in two groups of critically ill patients (total n = 19) using the multiwire surface electrode (MDO) by Kessler and Lübbers to evaluate oxygen supply of the measured time. Muscle pO2 in the first group (n = 9) was recorded before and after i.v. application of 250 ml low molecular 6% hydroxyäthylstarch, Mw 40,000, in the second group (n = 10) before and after 250 ml 6% dextran 60. Both groups were tested under normoxemia and hyperoxemia respectively. It was the aim of the study, to examine if these colloidale substances may improve oxygen supply in skeletal muscle. Even the small amount of 250 ml l. m. HAS or dextran 60 respectively was able to raise the mean muscle pO2 of the measured patients significantly. The effect was similar in both groups. Since oxygen transport capacity remained uneffected, the improved oxygen supply after administration of l. m. HAS and dextran 60 must be considered as a beneficial effect of these drugs on the blood flow properties in the capillary bed.