Hydroxyethylstarch solutions versus saline for the treatment of intradialytic hypotension.

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether the colloid solutions hydroxyethylstarch (HES) 6% and 10% are equally effective as compared to saline alone for the treatment of intradialytic hypotension.

METHODS

44 stable patients treated with chronic intermittent haemodialysis were divided in two equally sized groups (Group I and Group II). When symptomatic hypotension occurred, patients received 100 ml 0.9% NaCl in Group I and 100 ml HES 6% in Group II. In the second month of the study, patients in Group I received HES 6% and saline was given in Group II. In the third and fourth month this treatment schedule was repeated, but now HES 10% instead of HES 6% was given.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSION

HES solutions of 6% and 10% and saline were equally effective for the reversal of the intradialytic hypotension, but patients receiving HES 10% had a significant lower incidence of recurrent hypotension.