Hydroxyethyl starch is used as:
It is a blood volume expander used in treatment of hypovolemia; adjunct in leukapheresis to improve harvesting and increase the yield of granulocytes by centrifugation. Mechanism of Action: Produces plasma volume expansion by viue of its highly colloidal starch structure. Onset of action: Volume expansion: I.V.: Approximately 30 minutes. Contraindications: Renal failure with oliguria or anuria (not related to hypovolemia); any fluid overload condition (eg, pulmonary edema, congestive hea failure); pre-existing coagulation or bleeding disorders. Ref: Wang S. (2012). Chapter 116. Paracentesis. In G.V. Lawry, S.C. McKean, J. Matloff, J.J. Ross, D.D. Dressler, D.J. Brotman, J.S. Ginsberg (Eds), Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine.
Plasma expander
Inotropic agent
Vasodilator
Type of dextran