Attenuation of capillary leakage by hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.42) in a porcine model of septic shock.

Objectives: Capillary leakage, a frequent complication in septic shock, is characterized by loss of intravasal fluid resulting in generalized edema and hemodynamic instability despite massive fluid therapy. We have shown that administration of an established colloid 200/0.5 hydroxyethyl starch (HES) stabilized plasma volume in a porcine septic shock model.

Blood volume measurements using an integrated fiberoptic monitoring system in a porcine septic shock model.

Objectives: To compare the accuracy of an integrated fiberoptic monitoring system using transpulmonary thermo-dye dilution technique to measure blood volume (BV) with standard method using chromium-51-tagged erythrocytes in septic shock.

Design: Prospective blinded animal laboratory study.

Setting: University department of anesthesiology.

Resuscitation from septic shock with capillary leakage: hydroxyethyl starch (130 kd), but not Ringer's solution maintains plasma volume and systemic oxygenation.

There is evidence suggesting that early fluid resuscitation is beneficial in the treatment of septic shock. The question as to which solution should be used remains controversial. Using a porcine septic shock model, we tested the effects of a new synthetic colloid hydroxyethyl starch (HES 130 kD) and a crystalloid regimen with Ringer's solution (RS) on plasma volume (PV) maintenance as well as on systemic and regional hemodynamics.