Effects of gelatine and medium molecular weight starch as priming fluid in cardiopulmonary bypass--a randomised controlled trial.

Perioperative volume replacement after cardiopulmonary bypass is complicated by post-bypass systemic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of using two different colloid solutions as priming fluids in cardiopulmonary bypass. The study's primary end point was to measure the amount of fluid replacement needed during and post-cardiopulmonary bypass; blood loss, change in blood profile and intraocular pressure were secondary end points, used as measures of plasma oncotic pressures. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were recruited. Both patients and surgeons were blinded to receive either Gelofusine or Voluven as priming fluids. At fixed intervals during cardiopulmonary bypass, the patients had their intraocular pressures measured. Intra and postoperative fluid replacement was in the form of 4.5% human albumin and the amount was recorded for each subject. The result did not show any significant differences in the amount of fluid needed to be replaced, in blood loss or in blood profile between the two groups. However, it showed an increase in intraocular pressure in both groups once cardiopulmonary bypass commenced. The average intraocular pressure was higher in the Gelofusine group compared to the Voluven group. The significant increase in intraocular pressure measurements in the Gelofusine group compared to the Voluven group support the hypothesis that Voluven maintains the plasma oncotic pressure better and reduces fluid shift.