In vitro effects of three formulations of hydroxyethyl starch solutions on coagulation and platelet function in horses.

The research investigates the effects of three hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions, in different concentrations, on blood coagulation and platelet function in horses, discovering that all HES solutions can cause significant changes, not attributable to dilution alone. Further in vivo research is required to comprehend the clinical implications.

Research Methodology

• Researchers used blood samples from seven healthy adult horses for the study.
• The distilled blood samples were combined with various ratios of crystalloid and HES solutions, mimicking the in vivo blood dilution that happens when a fluid bolus is administered to horses. Two dilution ratios were tested – 1:8 and 1:4.
• Several tests were performed on these diluted samples, such as optical platelet aggregometry, platelet function analysis, thromboelastography, and dynamic viscoelastic coagulometry.
• To further analyze the effects of HES solutions, each diluted sample underwent tests to determine von Willebrand factor concentrations, colloid osmotic pressure, factor VIII:C concentrations, and platelet functions.

Research Findings

• For all HES products and at both dilution ratios, the observed colloid osmotic pressure was significantly higher than in the respective carrier solutions.
• At the 1:4 dilution, almost all solutions with HES significantly modified the platelet function, as measured by both the platelet function analyzer and the dynamic viscoelastic coagulometer.
• There were significant reductions in platelet aggregation and factor concentrations.
• At the 1:8 dilutions, fewer changes associated with HES were identified.

Conclusions

• The dilution of blood samples with all types of HES solutions led to alterations in the viscoelastic coagulation and platelet functionality, alterations that could not be ascribed to simple dilution.
• The significant findings of the research underline the potential implications of using HES solutions for veterinary treatments, such as fluid therapy in horses.
• However, the findings necessitate further in vivo studies to gain a clearer understanding of how these in vitro changes influence the clinical outcomes in live animals.