Hydroxyethyl starch. An agent for hypovolaemic schock treatment II. Urinary excretion in normal volunteers following three consecutive daily infusions.

1 Urinary hydroxyethyl starch (HES) concentrations were determined by the anthrone method, in four healthy normal male volunteers following three consecutive daily 500 ml infusions (total 1500 ml), in order to ascertain excretion rates under normal controlled conditions. 2 The HES was excreted at a rate of 2.57, 2.46, and 2.44 g/h during the first hour postinjection, on days 1, 2, and 3, respectively. 3 The rate during the interval 12-24 h postinjection, averaged 0.14, 0.21, and 0.10 g/h, on days 1,2, and 3, respectively. 4 In the intervals 24-72, 72-120, and 120-168 h after the third and final injection, the excretion rate was 0.07, 0.04, and 0.02 g/h, respectively. 5 Renal function, as assessed by serum creatinine and uric acid concentrations and 24 h void volumes, was normal during the entire period of observation. 6 The results indicate that HES is excreted at a similar rate following three consecutive daily infusions without evidence of renal injury.