Haemodynamic, acid-base and electrolyte changes during plasma replacement with hydroxyethyl starch or crystalloid solution in young pigs.

We investigated haemodynamic, acid-base and electrolyte changes during almost total plasma replacement with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and physiological balanced electrolyte solution (PBE) by using a cell saver in ten young pigs. In the PBE group an additional 3550 (444) ml crystalloid solution [Mean (SD)] was infused over the course of the study in order to maintain pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Plasma protein levels decreased in both groups and the colloid osmotic pressure increased in HES and decreased in PBE. At the end of the study, body weight [HES 10.4 (1), PBE 13.1 (1.4) kg, P < 0.01] and lactic acid concentration [HES 0.9 (0.3), PBE 2.9 (1. 3) mmol.l -1, P < 0.01] was higher and tissue oxygen delivery [HES 327 (22), PBE 89 (29) ml.min.m2, P < 0.01] was lower in the PBE group. There were only moderate acid-base changes in both groups, but at the end, anion gap was significant lower in HES. In conclusion, maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure close to the physiological range of infants seems to be advantageous during major paediatric surgery.