A clinical study of low molecular weight‐hydroxyethyl starch, a new plasma expander

• Published in: British journal of clinical pharmacology Vol. 7; no. 6; pp. 619 - 622
• Main Authors: Mishler, JM, Parry, ES, Sutherland, BA, Bushrod, JR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.1979
• Subjects: Adult; Carbohydrates - blood; Humans; Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives - pharmacology; Male; Molecular Weight; Plasma Volume - drug effects; Starch - analogs & derivatives; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0306-5251; 1365-2125
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb04652.x

1. The pharmacokinetics of a new plasma expander, low molecular weight‐ hydroxyethyl starch (LMW‐HES) were examined in six normovolaemic men. 2. One hour post‐infusion, 13.5% of the total dose of LMW‐HES injected was excreted in the urine, 50.2% was present in the intravascular space, and 36.3% was unaccounted for. 3. Twenty‐four hours post‐ infusion, 65.5% of the total dose of injected LMW‐HES had been excreted in the urine, 4.1% remained intravascularly, and 30.4% was unaccounted for. 4. The plasma volume increased rapidly from a mean value of 45.7 ml kg‐1 to a maximum value of 57.9 ml kg‐1 immediately post‐injection, then gradually returned to normal over 24 h. 5. The infusion of an average of 58.1 g had no effect on ESR, renal and hepatic biochemical indices. 6. LMW‐HES appears to be safe and effective, and should be of value clinically when rapid and short‐lived augmentation of the plasma volume is required.