[Varied circulatory effects after rapid infusion of hydroxyethyl starch, dextran 60 and blood in the postoperative patient].

The acute hemodynamic effects which occur after a quick infusion (500 ml per 10 minutes) of hydroxyethyl starch, dextran 60 or autologous blood with identical hematocrit were studied in three groups of 10 patients each on the first day after laparotomy. If blood is infused there is only a moderate increase of the total perfusion (+18%) observed, however hydroxyethyl starch or dextran 60 infusions result in a striking increase of the cardiac output (+34%, +44%, respectively). There is no significant difference among the latter two groups. Thus, hydroxyethyl starch as well as dextran 60 can be considered as a potent volume substitute, if an acute effectiveness is wanted.