Influence of coconut water on hemostasis

Coconut water (CNW) can be used as short-term intravenous hydration and res uscitation fluid. We investigated the influence of coconut water on plasma coagulation in vitro, Either CNW or physiological saline (PS) was added to citrated plasma of 8 healthy volunteers. Coagulation capability of diluted plasma was evaluated by thrombelastography (TEG), Replacement of up to 50% of citrated plasma by CNW or PS did not influence initiation of coagulation as indicated by split point and reaction time, respectively. Strength of f ibrin clot as expressed by maximum amplitude (MA) of TEG recording dose dep endently declined in both groups. Replacing 50% of citrated plasma by CNW o r PS reduced MA by 39% and 32%, respectively. The influence of coconut wate r on hemostasis as assessed by TEG does not differ from the effect caused b y an identical volume of PS, (Am J Emerg Med 2001;19:287-289 Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B, Saunders Company).