Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products

Definition

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products are synthetic colloid solutions used in intravenous fluid therapy to expand plasma volume. They are commonly used in critical care settings for patients with hypovolemia or shock.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HES products are used to increase intravascular volume and improve hemodynamics in patients with severe blood loss or sepsis.
2. Common adverse effects of HES include coagulopathy, renal impairment, and pruritus.
3. HES solutions are contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease, kidney damage not related to hypovolemia, and intracranial bleeding.
4. The use of HES has declined due to concerns about safety, especially the risk of acute kidney injury and increased mortality in critically ill patients.
5. HES is often compared to other volume expanders like crystalloids and albumin in terms of efficacy and safety.

Review Questions

• What is the primary use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products?
• List two common adverse effects associated with HES.
• Why has the use of HES declined in recent years?

Related terms

Crystalloids:

Intravenous fluids that contain electrolytes and can freely cross capillary walls; examples include saline and lactated Ringer's solution.

Albumin:

A natural protein solution used as a volume expander in intravenous fluid therapy.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): A method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream.