Changes in blood coagulation after colloid administration in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: comparison between pentastarch and tetrastarches, a randomized trial

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81 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to receive one of three hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions to supplement blood volume in surgery: 6% tetrastarch in 0.9% saline solution, 6% tetrastarch in balanced electrolyte solution, or 10% pentastarch in 0.9% saline solution. The purpose of the study was to determine if low molecular weight HES solutions (tetrastarch) result in decreased hemostatic impairment following surgery compared to high molecular weight HES solutions (pentastarch), and to assess if the use of balanced electrolyte solution instead of saline similarly improves hemostasis. Results indicated a significant improvement in hemostasis when using low molecular weight HES compared to a high molecular weight, and a (less pronounced) improvement in hemostasis when using balanced electrolyte solution in place of saline solution.