Effect of hydroxyethyl starch on coagulopathy in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock resuscitation.

Background: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has a known dose-dependant effect on coagulopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of HES on coagulopathy after a period of hemorrhagic shock.

Methods: Anesthetized swine underwent a 15-minute, 40% blood volume hemorrhage (28 mL/kg) and a 1-hour shock period, followed by resuscitation with sham resuscitation (group I); 6% HES, 15 mL/kg (group II); 5% albumin, 15 mL/kg (group III); lactated Ringer's solution, 39 mL/kg, and 6% HES, 15 mL/kg (group IV); and lactated Ringer's solution, 39 mL/kg, and 5% albumin, 15 mL/kg (group V). Coagulation function was measured by bleeding time, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, platelet count, and thromboelastography.

Results: Platelet counts decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all resuscitation groups except the sham resuscitation group. A significant decrease in platelets, fibrinogen levels, and maximum amplitude on thromboelastography was related to a dilutional effect of the fluid given and not a result of HES at the dose tested.

Conclusion: The linear dose-related coagulopathic effects of HES when given at moderate doses does not seem to be worsened by prolonged periods of hemorrhagic shock. The coagulopathy seen during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock seems to be a dilutional effect.