Crystalloid infusion increases plasma hyaluronan.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in plasma hyaluronan concentrations after intravenous infusion of crystalloid solution in healthy subjects.

DESIGN

Crossover, controlled study.

SETTING

General intensive care unit in a university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Twelve healthy medical students.

INTERVENTIONS

Infusion of 1000 mL i.v. Ringer's acetate solution during a 40-min period.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Plasma hyaluronan concentrations were measured before, during, and after infusion, and under the same conditions without the infusion in a separate session. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum albumin concentrations were measured before and after infusion. Plasma volume at baseline and the volume of Ringer's acetate retained in the intravascular space after infusion were calculated. Plasma hyaluronan values increased from baseline mean of 12 +/- 5.8 (SD) to 20 +/- 13.1 micrograms/L (p < .01) at 30 mins and 25 +/- 13.0 micrograms/L (p < .001) at 40 mins after start of the infusion. Plasma hyaluronan concentrations peaked at 10 mins after the end of the infusion: 27 +/- 13.9 micrograms/L (p < .001). No changes in plasma hyaluronan concentrations were seen during the control period. A volume of 230 to 250 mL of Ringer's acetate solution was calculated to be retained within the intravascular space.

CONCLUSIONS

Infusion of crystalloid solution increases plasma hyaluronan, probably through a washout of interstitial hyaluronan by way of increased lymph flow. The consequences of the interstitial loss of hyaluronan on tissue function are unknown.