Effects of balanced hydroxyethyl starch solutions on gut mucosal microcirculation and exhaled nitric oxide in septic rats: A randomised, animal study.

Context: Balanced hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions with a molecular weight of 130 kDa (tetrastarches) are frequently used in clinical practice. These solutions are derived either from waxy maize or potato starch and they are not bioequivalent.

Objectives: Investigation of the effects of waxy maize-derived and potato-derived starches on intestinal microcirculation and pulmonary inflammation in experimental sepsis.