Effect of hydroxyethyl starch on the activity of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy volunteers

Abstract

a) Medium molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch has a specific lowering effect on factor VIII:C concentrations; this phenomenon may be hazardous to patients who need full hemostatic competence and who receive medium molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch (e.g., as a plasma expander). b) Medium molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch does not specifically influence the activity of the fibrinolytic system.