[Gelatin for volume replacement in hemodilution: hemodynamic study].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether volume replacement with gelatine infusion with 3.5% urea bridges during normovolemic intentional hemodilution manages to stabilize hemodynamic parameters.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Randomized prospective study.

SETTING

Operating theatre for general surgery.

PATIENTS

ASA 1 and 2 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Criteria of admission: a) age < 70 years old; b) starting hematocrit > 30%; c) absence of coronary diseases or coagulative pathologies.

INTERVENTIONS

Blood lost during surgery was replaced with gelatine and crystalloid in a ratio of 1:1. Hemodynamic monitoring was performed by inserting an Opticath catheter in the pulmonary artery and the resulting data were processed using an Oximetrix computer.

FINDINGS

Oxygen transport (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured before the start of the operation and at the peak of hemodilution.

RESULTS

At times T0 = Hct 35 and T1 = Hct 28, studied parameters (DO2, VO2, HR) did not show statistically significant variations.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the hemodynamic parameters studied gelatine was found to be an efficacious volume replacement solution during the course of moderate, intentional hemodilution.