THE EFFECT OF HYDROXYETHYL STARCH ON PLATELET-AGGREGATION IN-VITRO

The effect of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) on hemostasis seems to be mini mal when it is used in recommended amounts. A number of studies have i nvestigated the effect of HES on platelet function when administered i n vivo, but there has been no study investigating the effect on the is olated platelet function when administered in vitro. A photometrical m ethod to assess platelet function in platelet-rich plasma (approximate ly 250 X 10(9) platelets/L) was used with platelet aggregation induced using either collagen, epinephrine, adenosine diphosphate, or ristoce tin. We found a dose-dependent decrease of platelet aggregation in vit ro with either collagen or epinephrine, but not with adenosine diphosp hate or ristocetin. However, the changes of HES on platelet aggregatio n were detected only in doses larger than those routinely used in the clinical setting. Therefore, we conclude that the influence of HES at the recommended doses on initial platelet aggregation may not be clini cally relevant. Implications: The effect of hydroxyethyl starch on pla telet function and coagulation is discussed. This study showed no infl uence on platelets in clinically relevant doses in an in vitro model.