[Clinical experiences with a 6% hydroxyethyl starch 40000 solution; metabolic parameters and tolerance].

A 6% hycroxyethyl starch solution with a mean molecular weight of 40 000 and a degree of substitution of 0.5--0.55 was tested under controlled conditions at 79 clinics in West Germany. The following parameters were evaluated: tolerance, circulation effectiveness, influence on serum electrolytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit. A total of 779 patients received either 6% HES 40 000 alone, 6% HES 40 000 and electrolyte solution or 6% HES 40 000 solution and other volume effective plasma substitutes for treatment of hypovolemia. The results show that stable circulation can be achieved in 4 to 6 hours during narcosis as well as in the subsequent phase with a sufficient supply of fluid through 6% HES 40 000 solution. One case of flush and a slight chill were reported as side effects related to the hydroxyethyl starch.