Hetastarch: an alternative colloid in burn shock management.

Hetastarch is a synthetic polysaccharide colloid that has been used clinically in the management of multiple trauma, hypovolemic shock, and postoperative cardiac patients. Our objective was to determine whether hetastarch is a safe alternative to blood products in burn shock resuscitation. Twenty-six patients received hetastarch during the colloid phase of resuscitation and were compared to matched historical controls who received either albumin or fresh frozen plasma. Clinical and laboratory parameters were measured on admission and for 4 days after the burn. There was no significant difference in hemodynamics, respiratory status, incidence of bleeding, or renal or liver function among the three colloid groups. The advantages of hetastarch include immediate availability, no dependence on human blood donor population, no risk of serum-transmitted diseases, and lower cost. It can be safely recommended for those patients who object to blood products for resuscitation, in those situations where human donors are few, and when cost is a consideration.