[Hyperamylasemia following infusion of hydroxyethyl starch with different molecular weight distributions]

The infusion of hydroxyethyl-starch leads to hyperamylasemia due to the complex structural interrelation of the amylase molecules in the serum and the hydroxyethyl-starch molecules. The amylase clearance is reduced because glomerular filtration of the macromolecules thus formed is not possible. The extent of hyperamylasemia is dependent on the intravascular remission duration of the hydroxyethyl-starch preparation used. The question, whether and to what extent an enzyme induction in the liver also contributes to the observed hyperamylasemia, remains open.