Comparison of hydroxyethyl starch and lactated Ringer's solution on hemodynamics and oxygen transport of critically ill patients in prospective crossover studies.

The cardiopulmonary effects of lactated Ringer's solution (RL) were compared with those of 10% hydroxyethyl starch, hetastarch (HES), given in 44 therapeutic interventions in 15 critically ill patients by crossover design. Each agent was given to each patient at least once; seven patients received each agent twice. Infusions were continued until the wedge pressure (WP) had increased to 16 +/- 2 mm Hg in trauma patients and 18 +/- 2.mm Hg in cardiac patients. HES 10% produced significantly increased cardiac index, left and right ventricular stroke work index, CVP, WP, oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, and reduced pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI). RL increased CVP, WP, and PVRI, but did not significantly improve other hemodynamic or oxygen transport variables.