Effects of 10% hydroxyethyl starch (HES 200/0.5) solution in intraoperative fluid therapy management of horses undergoing elective surgical procedures.

The research investigates how 10% hydroxyethyl starch (HES 200/0.5) solution used in intraoperative fluid therapy influences colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and cardiopulmonary function during and after anaesthesia in horses. The results demonstrate HES effectively maintains COP during anaesthesia with few significant impacts on cardiovascular function.

Research Methodology

• The study involved 25 systemically healthy horses, all undergoing elective surgical procedures under isoflurane-medetomidine balanced anaesthesia.
• The horses were randomly split into two groups: one receiving 6 mL/kg of 10% HES (H group), and the other receiving equal amounts of lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS) (NH group).
• COP and various blood biochemical, cardiopulmonary, and anaesthesia-related variables were measured at different points before and after treatment.

Findings of the Study

• The administration of pentastarch was successful in counteracting the decrease in COP observed with LRS administration.
• No significant differences between the H and NH groups were noted for blood glucose, lactate, total proteins, and electrolytes.
• The H group showed a lower packed cell volume immediately after completing HES administration and for an additional 30 minutes.
• All horses returned to a normal blood biochemical state (except for lactate) 12 hours after treatment.
• No notable differences between groups were detected in cardiopulmonary variables. However, 23.1% of the NH-horses needed additional HES to maintain cardiovascular function, while none of the H-horses did.

Conclusion of the Study

• In conclusion, a 6 mL/kg dose of HES (200/0.5) has proven effective in maintaining COP during anaesthesia in systemically healthy horses.
• Regarding intermediate and long-term effects, the detected changes were below the level that would be considered clinically significant, meaning they do not likely cause a change in the horse’s health status or performance.
• The potential benefits of HES (200/0.5) to cardiovascular function call for further investigation, especially for horses in critical condition where any advantage in maintaining cardiovascular function can be crucial.