Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Apr 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of hetastarch with albumin for postoperative volume expansion in children after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Hetastarch has been studied as a volume expander in adults after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and in recommended dosages has not altered coagulation studies or increased clinical bleeding. Hetastarch was compared with albumin in children after CPB to determine whether hetastarch use was associated with increased clinical bleeding or alteration of coagulation studies. ⋯ This study demonstrated that 6% hetastarch is safe and an effective plasma volume expander in the postoperative management of children, using volumes up to 20 mL/kg. Close laboratory monitoring and careful evaluation of clinical bleeding are suggested when larger doses of hetastarch are administered because of prolongation of the prothrombin time with more than 20 mL/kg of hetastarch.