Coagulation studies after transfusion of hydroxyethyl starch protected frozen blood in primates.

This-study evaluates the effects of the transfusion of frozen-thawed blood protected by hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on shocked monkeys. Particular attention is directed toward the study of coagulation in view of previous reports of coagulopathies caused by hydroxyethyl starch. In vivo studies were done in 13 shocked monkeys that received either homologous or autologous blood which had been frozen and thawed with 14 per cent HES as the cryoprotective agent. Multiple coagulation studies were obtained on the monkeys, and histopathological evaluations were performed. There was no evidence of increased bleeding or bleeding tendencies in the monkeys transfused with HES preserved blood. Serum chemistry values were not significantly altered in animals that received blood preserved by HES nor in those that received large quantities of HES alone. Histopathological examination of biopsy and autopsy material demonstrated no changes which could be related to hydroxyethyl starch.